Immortal
By Cedar1
A/N Hey guys! First of all would like to apologise in bucket fulls for the crapness that was chapter 8, ARGH!! Thanx to all my reviewers (xtra bit 4 u guys at the bottom) who were really lovely about it, but it really wasn't very good. I was considering re-writing it, but it was so hard - I'm pathetic aren't I, so instead I've tried to make this chapter a lot better and not so boring! So please read on, and review!!!!
Chapter 9: Darkness in the midst of quidditch
Previously~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
Her fingers loosened their grip on the sink, as she slid down to the cold bathroom floor. Bringing her legs to her chest, she wrapped her shaking arms around her, trying to warm the coldness that surrounded her. The coldness of the memory of him physically brushing her aside when she had got close to him in the hallway. He hadn't even looked down at her, hadn't even registered her. She truly was nothing! She was nothing to him! Why did she ever think she could be any more? And so she remained rocking in the darkness, emptiness blanketing her.
*********************
. On the verge of leaving the field Draco suddenly heard the mocking voice of Potter talking to his team, " It's not like practice is going to help them," the derisive laughter of his followers flooding his ears. In one fluid motion Draco had strode up to the other quidditch captain and delivered a hard punch to his jaw. The sound of knuckles striking bone, cutting the laughter and in slow motion both teams watched Harry fly through the air and land on the muddy ground with a soft thump.
" We can beat your pathetic excuse for a quidditch team anytime, anywhere," declared Draco, his gaze passing over each of the rival players, ending on Potter who was nursing his jaw.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
Twelve figures formed a circle around the two quidditch captains. The arena had been created and the challenge laid down; only a response was needed. All ears were pricked, awaiting an answer from the dark haired boy, who still sat on the muddy ground massaging his throbbing jaw.
Draco watched intently as he could see his arch nemesis for six years come to a decision; spinelessness or fearlessness, it was an easy decision. Draco knew which one he would pick. And apparently so did Potter, as he spat out, " Fine!"
War declared the two teams separated, each player casting evil glares to their counterparts, wands at the ready in case quidditch was not the only thing on the agenda. Draco stalked out of the circle, which parted for him.....
" Oh and Malfoy, no rules!" screamed Potter to his back. Draco couldn't help but smile, the sportsman within him admiring Potter's attitude. But not that it would help him, thought Draco as he kicked off the ground into the night sky, this game was his.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hermione could feel the coldness of the bathroom tiles seep through her thick robes and sensitise the fine hairs on her back. Wiping her tear stained face with her sleeve, the roughness itching her flesh leaving blotchy red marks on her skin. Heaving herself up, as well as what seemed like a huge block of depression that was pressing on her small frame, she lifted herself off the floor. Her hands grasped onto the window sill needing the support the frame offered, for she was still too tired and weak to stand on her own as she seemed to have lost all her energy in the tears shed. She stared blankly out of the window, not looking at anything in particular; giving time for recovery to take place. But through the smudge marks on the plane she could make out blotches of maroon and green moving in and out of the darkness of the quidditch field. She pressed her face against the window, wanting to get a better look in case her eyes were playing tricks on her. But no they weren't, there were definitely people out there. She glanced at her watch..10.00. It was too late for practice, everybody should be in the safe confines of the Hogwarts school walls. The head girl in her rising to the surface Hermione decided to head down there, the fact that she might see Malfoy was of course an added bonus. As she ran down the stone steps she couldn't help but laugh at the fact she was running into arms of pain, so desperate in her want for them to wrap around her and never let go - a glutton for punishment that's what she was.
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An hour had passed on what now appeared to be a battlefield, with smears of blood mingling with the muddy soil. However despite suffering various injuries the two teams continued to fight it out in the darkness above, firm in their want for victory. The snitch was yet to be caught regardless of the eagerness of the two seekers, and the Gryffindors had acquired a small lead of 10 points.
" Hit the fucking bludger Goyle," bellowed Draco from above his somewhat dim-witted teammate, who had just made a wild swing at the devilish black ball. Draco was getting increasingly irritated, his eyes stung from keeping them open for such a long time without blinking - for he feared missing something- and the fact that Potter's degenerate team was ahead of his own. To his left he could hear the black haired git chuckling, no doubt laughing at Goyle's miss that he too had witnessed. Draco turned round, shooting daggers at his rival with his blazing eyes. But this only made Potter laugh more. But suddenly an anguished scream echoed through the sky. Both seekers looked around wildly, anxious to see what had happened, and if it was their teammate that was the source of the scream. Draco caught sight of Goyle who was swinging his bat jubilantly around him, obviously pleased with his actions.
" Looks like a Gryffindor fell off their broom," smirked Draco with mock concern, at the boy who was no longer amused.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Her breath coming out in laboured spurts Hermione attempted to run to the pitch, her lungs burning with the exertion. Mud splattered onto her black robes, as her school shoes suck deeper and deeper into something that was fast resembling a bog. She could see a huddle of green and maroon robes in the distance, and the sound of angry voices floated to her ears. Getting closer she was sure she could see a maroon heap in the centre of the cluster, clearly bending over clutching their abdomen.
" Ron, Harry!" she yelled, hoping they could hear. A tall red- headed figure turned round, and catching sight of her he jogged towards her. Hermione stopped, waiting for Ron to reach her as she caught her breath, which she had lost about 10 minutes ago.
" Hermione! What are you doing here? You're going to get a cold?"
She ignored his patronising concern, as her eyes took in his appearance; his face burned of a shade closer to his hair which itself was stuck somewhat unattractively to his head, and above his eye was a cut from which bright red blood was trickling.
" What have you been doing? You haven't been fighting have you? Wait till Dumbledore finds out!" she shrilled.
He began to shake his head furiously, " It was Malfoy's fault. He hit Harry, so Harry challenged the git to a game of quidditch. Then bloody Goyle sent a bludger for Malcolm, whose probably busted a couple of ribs, now were down to six players....."
Hermione's head was spinning with details, as Ron's fast words flew from one ear to another. But she was definite about one thing, Malfoy was there and as usual his was in the thick of things.
" I'll play."
Ron abruptly halted his tirade on the gittishness that was Malfoy, his mouth hanging open at Hermione's sudden assertion. Slowly processing the words, his head then began another bout of frenzied shaking, " No way Hermione. You don't even like to fly!" He looked at her questioning before lowering his voice and whispering to her, " This is about Malfoy isn't it, you want to get him back for what he did on the corridor, don't you?"
Hermione could feel herself wilting under his inquiring gaze. Well, she did want to get him back...but it was more like she wanted to show him that he couldn't just ignore her like he had done all day. No he would have to take notice of her. But technically Ron was right so she nodded her head in response. He simply looked at her, silently appraising her, trying to assess whether she was telling the truth and whether the plan would actually work. It was in this moment of judging that Harry had approached them, wondering what had torn his keeper away.
" What are you doing here?"
Hermione couldn't help but cringe from his hateful tone. Still not forgiven then.
" Come to cheer on lover boy."
Another comment that left Hermione wanting to slink into the background, and disappear altogether.
" No, she's over that, aren't you?" A heavy arm was slung over Hermione's shoulder, as blue eyes begged her to agree.
"I just want to play Harry. You need me. I might not be good but 7 players are better then 6." Hermione had to endure another painstaking feeling of being on trial, as green eyes danced over her features.
" Fine!" Ron gave a gentle squeeze of her shoulder, and Hermione couldn't help but smile for her apology had been accepted in that one word answer.
" Malfoy!" Harry screamed not bothering to turn round.
****************
Draco heard Potter's voice cut through the air, and he began to stride towards him. Normally he would have made the four-eyed arse walk to him but his spirits had been significantly improved after watching one of the Gryffindor chasers limping off the field, in what delightfully looked like a lot of pain. However they were quickly dampened when he recognised the familiar figure of Granger. Oh god he was even beginning to recognise her silluette, two years ago, hell 3 months ago he wouldn't even know where to start. Now he could probably imagine her with his eyes shut, and that definitely wasn't a good thing for he was actually beginning to see her face every time he did. Keeping his eyes wide open he went up to the trio.
" What is it?" pointedly talking to Potter, ignoring Granger. However he could feel her eyes penetrating into him, getting under his skin like she had been doing all day.
" We're down one and Hermione offered to play."
"You're point being."
Harry made openly rolled his eyes, " Stop being a complete arse. You know why I told you. Its called sportsmanship.but its not like you know anything about that."
However Draco did not hear his scathing comment, as he was staring at her, looking into her eyes. Trying to figure out what she was doing, everybody knew she was a crap flyer. He could tell she was trying to be indifferent, but Draco was adept at deciphering her eyes for they told their own story...so she wanted to be noticed.
Hermione was trying her damnest not to give anything away, but by judging by the smirk on his lips he already knew.
" Let the mudblood play." Draco tossed the phrase into the silence. Both Ron and Harry appeared ready to attack Malfoy for his unnecessary use of language, but the look Hermione gave them quelled them into submission.
" You're a bitter prick, whose never beaten gryffindor. Mudblood or not we'll still kick your bony arse," stated Hermione, wanting to seek revenge for the pain he had caused. Harry and Rom laughed in approval before walking off back to the rest of the team, Malfoy on the other hand said nothing.
Tired of waiting for a reaction Hermione made to follow her friends, but a cool hand on her skin stopped her. She closed her eyes, leaning into his touch as he stroked the redness her sleeve had caused. The itchiness of the spot was immediately relieved, and instead was replaced by a warming sensation that was spreading gradually along her face, heating her insides as it went. A second later he was gone, leaving Hermione feeling once more rejected and unwanted.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hermione sat uncomfortably on the unfamiliar broom, Malcolm's. She had managed to be helpful in a few situations; but the quaffle was only passed to her in desperate circumstances, otherwise her main objective was to stay on her broom. Which was becoming increasingly difficult as the wind was picking up, and flashbacks of Malfoy's hand passed through her mind. In her state of dreaminess Hermione didn't hear Harry's shout of warning.
The bludger suddenly hit her full force, taking her breath away. Her fingers relaxed the grip on the broom as jolts of pain rocketed through her body. Her contact with the wood lost, Hermione found herself flying through the air, the rain accompanying her flight. Kicking her legs and waving her arms she tried to fly, like all the birds that she had admired when she was younger. But no amount of movement could defy the gravity that was pushing her down, faster and faster. She could hear the sound of the air whistling past her ears, announcing her arrival for the hard, wet ground below. Her swift mind calculated the likely hood of survival, considering the height at which she had fallen and the speed that she was travelling and it had disregarded any chances of hope and instead braced itself for the only fate possible, death. Spreading her arms out wide like an eagle, Hermione was ready to embrace the darkness that she would soon meet. It was in her preparation for death that another darkness became her unlikely saviour, be it grudgingly. In the corner of her eye she glimpsed a flash of green material, and her arm shot out through the air grabbing at the life-rope that god had bestowed.
*********************
Draco had not heard the shrieks of caution to Hermione, for he had caught sight of the snitch and he immediately zoomed after it. His fingers outstretched, pulling on all the muscles in his hand, the golden prize within his grasp. His eyes remained open, beating the windblown rain that was fighting to close them; but nothing could stop him from winning, from defeating the one boy he had never been able to triumph over. Victory clouding his mind, he was unaware of the mass of black that was rapidly falling in his direction, it was only when a panicked hand seized his robes that he once again remembered he was not the only one flying in the night sky. The dead weight gripping onto him; he saw his path to success disappearing before his eyes, as he too found himself descending towards the unforgiving earth. The instinct for survival kicking in, adrenalin rushing through his system, his fingers clutched onto the broom handle, trying to control it; to stop it from spinning and whipping them through the air. His muscles tight and stinging from the effort, Draco gritted his teeth determined to make sure his cold lifeless body would not be laying on the ground with Potter laughing over it. His arms were slowly absorbing the chaotic power that reverberated through the wood; and the broom was eventually brought to a standstill. Breathing hard, his heart pounding against his rib cage Draco looked down at the cause of his near- death experience. Past events meant that he was not surprising to see Granger dangling from his torn right sleeve; it would have to be her! Draco twirled his head around, he couldn't hear any joyous screaming, the snitch could still be his..but only if he lost the mudblood hanging onto him.
" Get the fuck off my sleeve you mudblood bitch!" he screamed in her face. He watched as her eyes snapped open, and instead of receiving a gracious thank you her mouth formed a wide circle and an ear splitting scream was emitted.
************************
From the moment she felt the heavy, rough material between her fingers her mind had gone blank of all other thoughts, all concentration focussed on her grip; her desperate fingers tightening, resolute in their aim to not relinquish their hold. She even forgot to breathe as her legs thrashed from one direction to another, her hips swinging painfully from side to side. So absorbed in her aim, she had not realised the moment the broom stopped moving or that her head was no longer spinning and that the ground was not beckoning. Her eyes shut tightly, all her energy continued to be sent to her right hand. Suddenly she could hear a harsh voice screaming at her, reflexively her eyes flicked open; meeting cold silver. Shock hit her, her concentration shattered, and her once reliable fingers let go.
***********************
Adrenalin still rampant in his veins his hand flew through the air; flying directly towards the target - a delicate creamy wrist. Snatching it, he tightened the hold and using any remaining strength he heaved her upwards, pulling her towards him
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The past ten seconds happening purely on impulse, back to reality Draco was surprised to find a particularly wet Granger practically sitting on his lap. Their faces so close he could see the film of moisture coating her face and the scattering of freckles dusting her skin. He could feel her warm breath that escaped through her mouth caress his cheek, heating the coolness of his own skin. His eyes travelled down the slope of her cheek, running smoothly to the contours of her lips. Wet and parted, Draco forgot about Snape's orders and his own plans, he only remembered the unknown feeling that had consumed him in the great hall, the feel of her skin under his fingertips and more importantly his lips. Hesitancy - another new emotion she caused in him - marred his normally strong hands, as he brought the trembling fingers of his left hand to rest onto her waist. Her body did not react to his touch, like it had in the past and Draco searched for her eyes to see if they had even registered the subtle movement. Finding the brown orbs, partly covered in wet curls he peered into them; needing to know what she was feeling. He noticed that her eyes had gone glassy, fixed on something in front of her. Tracking back her line of sight, his fingers pierced through her robes when he realised what had enthralled her so.
********************
She was about to say thank you when she caught it. The ugliness tainting his flawless skin. Her eyes followed the black lines engraved into his flesh, saw as they curved round to form a skull and a snake. She stopped at the snake's face, staring into it. It was smirking at her. Laughing at her naivety. Harry was right all along. Why had she been so stupid? Of course he was a death eater. Was there any doubt? Well if there was, they didn't exist anymore. Nausea was taking over her, and Hermione had the sudden urge to be sick; to purge out all thoughts of lost souls and unquestionable love, for a death eater didn't deserve them.
' Never was and never will be
You don't know how you've betrayed me....
I know the truth now
I know who you are
And I don't love you anymore'
( Everybody's fool by Evanescence)
She was about to move backwards, to separate herself from the man she now thought of as evil, when strong fingers plunged into her robes, burning her skin. In a second she was brought even closer to him, their hips clashing painfully into one another. His cool breathes on her neck, set off waves of repulsion down her skin.
" Where do you think your going, without even saying thank you?" he whispered dangerously.
" I don't say thank you to death eaters!" Hermione stated coldly, sounding a lot braver than she actually felt. She felt his body stiffen beneath her. She waited cautiously for his answer, afraid of how he would react. But instead of throwing her off him, he dragged his left hand up her body, bringing his hand up to a neck. She may have beaten the wandering hand away, had her arms not been paralysed by fear as his fingers tightened round her neck, digging into her, pushing onto her windpipe. The pressure was enough to limit the air reaching her lungs, and she could feel them spasm with the lack of air.
" Don't start acting brave Hermione, its not you. Now, listen to me." he applied further pressure making sure he had her attention, "...I don't want you running off to Potter, the Weasel or anyone else saying that Draco Malfoy is a death eater. You're gonna be the good girl that you are and keep quiet. If you don't, remember what I am, and what you are. You're life and that of your parents are in your hands, don't start being brave." The last words said, he loosened the grip.
Unintentionally Hermione collapsed onto him, gasping for air; her body shaking with anger at the threat. To think she could have had any feelings for the bastard in front of her! Regaining her composure, she raised her head so she could see his cruel face.
" You wouldn't dare touch me! You're nothing but a fucking coward, like the rest of your death eater pals," she spat into his face. His eyes turned harder than stone at the comment, a storm of fury raging within them.
" Don't tempt me!" he declared before crushing his lips onto hers. Hermione twisted her head, wanting to escape the fire of his lips; but they always found her, wanting more. His tongue pushed against her closed mouth, seeking the entrance that was determinately denied. Not taking no for an answer he bit into the bruised flesh of her lips. Hermione gasped in pain, as she felt his hard teeth penetrate into her, blood flowing from the wound. He used her shock to his advantage, thrusting his tongue into her mouth, exploring the warmth it offered within. Hermione did not respond to the violation, instead she slumped into him, tired and defeated; allowing him to finish using her, trying to block the sensation of pleasure that was threatening to burst forth from the torrent of disgust flowing through her. The moment soon passed as he lifted his lips of hers, slick with her blood, they curled into a smirk.
" Like I said don't tempt me." With that, Hermione felt a force as strong as a bludger strike her cheek as she felt herself once again flying through the air, plummeting to the ground beneath.
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A/N * wipes sweat of forehead * Chapter 9 dun and no more soppy Hermione- prefer the whole strong willed idea! I know I skimmed a bit on the detail of the actual quidditch match but the way I was prob gonna write it, it wud prob end up bing really dull so I thought I mite as well do the best bits. Hope u all liked it! Please review and tell me what u thought about anything and everything! Pretty Please! Oh and one last thing a big hug to all those who have reviewed in the past - I got past the 25 mark *me doing victory dance* so all I can say is bring on 50!
Thanx to u guys who reviewed last time:
Dracosbabigirl: gud to hear you're enjoyin it! Please tell me if u liked this chapter as well!
Abject misery: Thanx a lot! Your complement really means a lot! Thanx for the advice and will promise not to do it again, please keep telling me things like that - anything that will improve the story!
Thalion1: You never fail to put a cheesy smile on my face with your reviews! And in answer to you question, course you are but only if you keep sending in your fantastic reviews. * laughs evily * (only jokin)
Mesmer: I completely agree with u on the whole filler chapter opinion, it was rather dire. But I hope I've managed to redeem myself with this chapter! Please review and tell me what you think, I really do appreciate it!
Noisyaime: He may be falling for her ( may, ain't gonna say anymore) but things are gonna get a bit trickier now that Hermione knows about the death eater thing.
Ok that's all ** ta for now, and can't wait 2 hear back from u all**
By Cedar1
A/N Hey guys! First of all would like to apologise in bucket fulls for the crapness that was chapter 8, ARGH!! Thanx to all my reviewers (xtra bit 4 u guys at the bottom) who were really lovely about it, but it really wasn't very good. I was considering re-writing it, but it was so hard - I'm pathetic aren't I, so instead I've tried to make this chapter a lot better and not so boring! So please read on, and review!!!!
Chapter 9: Darkness in the midst of quidditch
Previously~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
Her fingers loosened their grip on the sink, as she slid down to the cold bathroom floor. Bringing her legs to her chest, she wrapped her shaking arms around her, trying to warm the coldness that surrounded her. The coldness of the memory of him physically brushing her aside when she had got close to him in the hallway. He hadn't even looked down at her, hadn't even registered her. She truly was nothing! She was nothing to him! Why did she ever think she could be any more? And so she remained rocking in the darkness, emptiness blanketing her.
*********************
. On the verge of leaving the field Draco suddenly heard the mocking voice of Potter talking to his team, " It's not like practice is going to help them," the derisive laughter of his followers flooding his ears. In one fluid motion Draco had strode up to the other quidditch captain and delivered a hard punch to his jaw. The sound of knuckles striking bone, cutting the laughter and in slow motion both teams watched Harry fly through the air and land on the muddy ground with a soft thump.
" We can beat your pathetic excuse for a quidditch team anytime, anywhere," declared Draco, his gaze passing over each of the rival players, ending on Potter who was nursing his jaw.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
Twelve figures formed a circle around the two quidditch captains. The arena had been created and the challenge laid down; only a response was needed. All ears were pricked, awaiting an answer from the dark haired boy, who still sat on the muddy ground massaging his throbbing jaw.
Draco watched intently as he could see his arch nemesis for six years come to a decision; spinelessness or fearlessness, it was an easy decision. Draco knew which one he would pick. And apparently so did Potter, as he spat out, " Fine!"
War declared the two teams separated, each player casting evil glares to their counterparts, wands at the ready in case quidditch was not the only thing on the agenda. Draco stalked out of the circle, which parted for him.....
" Oh and Malfoy, no rules!" screamed Potter to his back. Draco couldn't help but smile, the sportsman within him admiring Potter's attitude. But not that it would help him, thought Draco as he kicked off the ground into the night sky, this game was his.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hermione could feel the coldness of the bathroom tiles seep through her thick robes and sensitise the fine hairs on her back. Wiping her tear stained face with her sleeve, the roughness itching her flesh leaving blotchy red marks on her skin. Heaving herself up, as well as what seemed like a huge block of depression that was pressing on her small frame, she lifted herself off the floor. Her hands grasped onto the window sill needing the support the frame offered, for she was still too tired and weak to stand on her own as she seemed to have lost all her energy in the tears shed. She stared blankly out of the window, not looking at anything in particular; giving time for recovery to take place. But through the smudge marks on the plane she could make out blotches of maroon and green moving in and out of the darkness of the quidditch field. She pressed her face against the window, wanting to get a better look in case her eyes were playing tricks on her. But no they weren't, there were definitely people out there. She glanced at her watch..10.00. It was too late for practice, everybody should be in the safe confines of the Hogwarts school walls. The head girl in her rising to the surface Hermione decided to head down there, the fact that she might see Malfoy was of course an added bonus. As she ran down the stone steps she couldn't help but laugh at the fact she was running into arms of pain, so desperate in her want for them to wrap around her and never let go - a glutton for punishment that's what she was.
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An hour had passed on what now appeared to be a battlefield, with smears of blood mingling with the muddy soil. However despite suffering various injuries the two teams continued to fight it out in the darkness above, firm in their want for victory. The snitch was yet to be caught regardless of the eagerness of the two seekers, and the Gryffindors had acquired a small lead of 10 points.
" Hit the fucking bludger Goyle," bellowed Draco from above his somewhat dim-witted teammate, who had just made a wild swing at the devilish black ball. Draco was getting increasingly irritated, his eyes stung from keeping them open for such a long time without blinking - for he feared missing something- and the fact that Potter's degenerate team was ahead of his own. To his left he could hear the black haired git chuckling, no doubt laughing at Goyle's miss that he too had witnessed. Draco turned round, shooting daggers at his rival with his blazing eyes. But this only made Potter laugh more. But suddenly an anguished scream echoed through the sky. Both seekers looked around wildly, anxious to see what had happened, and if it was their teammate that was the source of the scream. Draco caught sight of Goyle who was swinging his bat jubilantly around him, obviously pleased with his actions.
" Looks like a Gryffindor fell off their broom," smirked Draco with mock concern, at the boy who was no longer amused.
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Her breath coming out in laboured spurts Hermione attempted to run to the pitch, her lungs burning with the exertion. Mud splattered onto her black robes, as her school shoes suck deeper and deeper into something that was fast resembling a bog. She could see a huddle of green and maroon robes in the distance, and the sound of angry voices floated to her ears. Getting closer she was sure she could see a maroon heap in the centre of the cluster, clearly bending over clutching their abdomen.
" Ron, Harry!" she yelled, hoping they could hear. A tall red- headed figure turned round, and catching sight of her he jogged towards her. Hermione stopped, waiting for Ron to reach her as she caught her breath, which she had lost about 10 minutes ago.
" Hermione! What are you doing here? You're going to get a cold?"
She ignored his patronising concern, as her eyes took in his appearance; his face burned of a shade closer to his hair which itself was stuck somewhat unattractively to his head, and above his eye was a cut from which bright red blood was trickling.
" What have you been doing? You haven't been fighting have you? Wait till Dumbledore finds out!" she shrilled.
He began to shake his head furiously, " It was Malfoy's fault. He hit Harry, so Harry challenged the git to a game of quidditch. Then bloody Goyle sent a bludger for Malcolm, whose probably busted a couple of ribs, now were down to six players....."
Hermione's head was spinning with details, as Ron's fast words flew from one ear to another. But she was definite about one thing, Malfoy was there and as usual his was in the thick of things.
" I'll play."
Ron abruptly halted his tirade on the gittishness that was Malfoy, his mouth hanging open at Hermione's sudden assertion. Slowly processing the words, his head then began another bout of frenzied shaking, " No way Hermione. You don't even like to fly!" He looked at her questioning before lowering his voice and whispering to her, " This is about Malfoy isn't it, you want to get him back for what he did on the corridor, don't you?"
Hermione could feel herself wilting under his inquiring gaze. Well, she did want to get him back...but it was more like she wanted to show him that he couldn't just ignore her like he had done all day. No he would have to take notice of her. But technically Ron was right so she nodded her head in response. He simply looked at her, silently appraising her, trying to assess whether she was telling the truth and whether the plan would actually work. It was in this moment of judging that Harry had approached them, wondering what had torn his keeper away.
" What are you doing here?"
Hermione couldn't help but cringe from his hateful tone. Still not forgiven then.
" Come to cheer on lover boy."
Another comment that left Hermione wanting to slink into the background, and disappear altogether.
" No, she's over that, aren't you?" A heavy arm was slung over Hermione's shoulder, as blue eyes begged her to agree.
"I just want to play Harry. You need me. I might not be good but 7 players are better then 6." Hermione had to endure another painstaking feeling of being on trial, as green eyes danced over her features.
" Fine!" Ron gave a gentle squeeze of her shoulder, and Hermione couldn't help but smile for her apology had been accepted in that one word answer.
" Malfoy!" Harry screamed not bothering to turn round.
****************
Draco heard Potter's voice cut through the air, and he began to stride towards him. Normally he would have made the four-eyed arse walk to him but his spirits had been significantly improved after watching one of the Gryffindor chasers limping off the field, in what delightfully looked like a lot of pain. However they were quickly dampened when he recognised the familiar figure of Granger. Oh god he was even beginning to recognise her silluette, two years ago, hell 3 months ago he wouldn't even know where to start. Now he could probably imagine her with his eyes shut, and that definitely wasn't a good thing for he was actually beginning to see her face every time he did. Keeping his eyes wide open he went up to the trio.
" What is it?" pointedly talking to Potter, ignoring Granger. However he could feel her eyes penetrating into him, getting under his skin like she had been doing all day.
" We're down one and Hermione offered to play."
"You're point being."
Harry made openly rolled his eyes, " Stop being a complete arse. You know why I told you. Its called sportsmanship.but its not like you know anything about that."
However Draco did not hear his scathing comment, as he was staring at her, looking into her eyes. Trying to figure out what she was doing, everybody knew she was a crap flyer. He could tell she was trying to be indifferent, but Draco was adept at deciphering her eyes for they told their own story...so she wanted to be noticed.
Hermione was trying her damnest not to give anything away, but by judging by the smirk on his lips he already knew.
" Let the mudblood play." Draco tossed the phrase into the silence. Both Ron and Harry appeared ready to attack Malfoy for his unnecessary use of language, but the look Hermione gave them quelled them into submission.
" You're a bitter prick, whose never beaten gryffindor. Mudblood or not we'll still kick your bony arse," stated Hermione, wanting to seek revenge for the pain he had caused. Harry and Rom laughed in approval before walking off back to the rest of the team, Malfoy on the other hand said nothing.
Tired of waiting for a reaction Hermione made to follow her friends, but a cool hand on her skin stopped her. She closed her eyes, leaning into his touch as he stroked the redness her sleeve had caused. The itchiness of the spot was immediately relieved, and instead was replaced by a warming sensation that was spreading gradually along her face, heating her insides as it went. A second later he was gone, leaving Hermione feeling once more rejected and unwanted.
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Hermione sat uncomfortably on the unfamiliar broom, Malcolm's. She had managed to be helpful in a few situations; but the quaffle was only passed to her in desperate circumstances, otherwise her main objective was to stay on her broom. Which was becoming increasingly difficult as the wind was picking up, and flashbacks of Malfoy's hand passed through her mind. In her state of dreaminess Hermione didn't hear Harry's shout of warning.
The bludger suddenly hit her full force, taking her breath away. Her fingers relaxed the grip on the broom as jolts of pain rocketed through her body. Her contact with the wood lost, Hermione found herself flying through the air, the rain accompanying her flight. Kicking her legs and waving her arms she tried to fly, like all the birds that she had admired when she was younger. But no amount of movement could defy the gravity that was pushing her down, faster and faster. She could hear the sound of the air whistling past her ears, announcing her arrival for the hard, wet ground below. Her swift mind calculated the likely hood of survival, considering the height at which she had fallen and the speed that she was travelling and it had disregarded any chances of hope and instead braced itself for the only fate possible, death. Spreading her arms out wide like an eagle, Hermione was ready to embrace the darkness that she would soon meet. It was in her preparation for death that another darkness became her unlikely saviour, be it grudgingly. In the corner of her eye she glimpsed a flash of green material, and her arm shot out through the air grabbing at the life-rope that god had bestowed.
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Draco had not heard the shrieks of caution to Hermione, for he had caught sight of the snitch and he immediately zoomed after it. His fingers outstretched, pulling on all the muscles in his hand, the golden prize within his grasp. His eyes remained open, beating the windblown rain that was fighting to close them; but nothing could stop him from winning, from defeating the one boy he had never been able to triumph over. Victory clouding his mind, he was unaware of the mass of black that was rapidly falling in his direction, it was only when a panicked hand seized his robes that he once again remembered he was not the only one flying in the night sky. The dead weight gripping onto him; he saw his path to success disappearing before his eyes, as he too found himself descending towards the unforgiving earth. The instinct for survival kicking in, adrenalin rushing through his system, his fingers clutched onto the broom handle, trying to control it; to stop it from spinning and whipping them through the air. His muscles tight and stinging from the effort, Draco gritted his teeth determined to make sure his cold lifeless body would not be laying on the ground with Potter laughing over it. His arms were slowly absorbing the chaotic power that reverberated through the wood; and the broom was eventually brought to a standstill. Breathing hard, his heart pounding against his rib cage Draco looked down at the cause of his near- death experience. Past events meant that he was not surprising to see Granger dangling from his torn right sleeve; it would have to be her! Draco twirled his head around, he couldn't hear any joyous screaming, the snitch could still be his..but only if he lost the mudblood hanging onto him.
" Get the fuck off my sleeve you mudblood bitch!" he screamed in her face. He watched as her eyes snapped open, and instead of receiving a gracious thank you her mouth formed a wide circle and an ear splitting scream was emitted.
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From the moment she felt the heavy, rough material between her fingers her mind had gone blank of all other thoughts, all concentration focussed on her grip; her desperate fingers tightening, resolute in their aim to not relinquish their hold. She even forgot to breathe as her legs thrashed from one direction to another, her hips swinging painfully from side to side. So absorbed in her aim, she had not realised the moment the broom stopped moving or that her head was no longer spinning and that the ground was not beckoning. Her eyes shut tightly, all her energy continued to be sent to her right hand. Suddenly she could hear a harsh voice screaming at her, reflexively her eyes flicked open; meeting cold silver. Shock hit her, her concentration shattered, and her once reliable fingers let go.
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Adrenalin still rampant in his veins his hand flew through the air; flying directly towards the target - a delicate creamy wrist. Snatching it, he tightened the hold and using any remaining strength he heaved her upwards, pulling her towards him
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The past ten seconds happening purely on impulse, back to reality Draco was surprised to find a particularly wet Granger practically sitting on his lap. Their faces so close he could see the film of moisture coating her face and the scattering of freckles dusting her skin. He could feel her warm breath that escaped through her mouth caress his cheek, heating the coolness of his own skin. His eyes travelled down the slope of her cheek, running smoothly to the contours of her lips. Wet and parted, Draco forgot about Snape's orders and his own plans, he only remembered the unknown feeling that had consumed him in the great hall, the feel of her skin under his fingertips and more importantly his lips. Hesitancy - another new emotion she caused in him - marred his normally strong hands, as he brought the trembling fingers of his left hand to rest onto her waist. Her body did not react to his touch, like it had in the past and Draco searched for her eyes to see if they had even registered the subtle movement. Finding the brown orbs, partly covered in wet curls he peered into them; needing to know what she was feeling. He noticed that her eyes had gone glassy, fixed on something in front of her. Tracking back her line of sight, his fingers pierced through her robes when he realised what had enthralled her so.
********************
She was about to say thank you when she caught it. The ugliness tainting his flawless skin. Her eyes followed the black lines engraved into his flesh, saw as they curved round to form a skull and a snake. She stopped at the snake's face, staring into it. It was smirking at her. Laughing at her naivety. Harry was right all along. Why had she been so stupid? Of course he was a death eater. Was there any doubt? Well if there was, they didn't exist anymore. Nausea was taking over her, and Hermione had the sudden urge to be sick; to purge out all thoughts of lost souls and unquestionable love, for a death eater didn't deserve them.
' Never was and never will be
You don't know how you've betrayed me....
I know the truth now
I know who you are
And I don't love you anymore'
( Everybody's fool by Evanescence)
She was about to move backwards, to separate herself from the man she now thought of as evil, when strong fingers plunged into her robes, burning her skin. In a second she was brought even closer to him, their hips clashing painfully into one another. His cool breathes on her neck, set off waves of repulsion down her skin.
" Where do you think your going, without even saying thank you?" he whispered dangerously.
" I don't say thank you to death eaters!" Hermione stated coldly, sounding a lot braver than she actually felt. She felt his body stiffen beneath her. She waited cautiously for his answer, afraid of how he would react. But instead of throwing her off him, he dragged his left hand up her body, bringing his hand up to a neck. She may have beaten the wandering hand away, had her arms not been paralysed by fear as his fingers tightened round her neck, digging into her, pushing onto her windpipe. The pressure was enough to limit the air reaching her lungs, and she could feel them spasm with the lack of air.
" Don't start acting brave Hermione, its not you. Now, listen to me." he applied further pressure making sure he had her attention, "...I don't want you running off to Potter, the Weasel or anyone else saying that Draco Malfoy is a death eater. You're gonna be the good girl that you are and keep quiet. If you don't, remember what I am, and what you are. You're life and that of your parents are in your hands, don't start being brave." The last words said, he loosened the grip.
Unintentionally Hermione collapsed onto him, gasping for air; her body shaking with anger at the threat. To think she could have had any feelings for the bastard in front of her! Regaining her composure, she raised her head so she could see his cruel face.
" You wouldn't dare touch me! You're nothing but a fucking coward, like the rest of your death eater pals," she spat into his face. His eyes turned harder than stone at the comment, a storm of fury raging within them.
" Don't tempt me!" he declared before crushing his lips onto hers. Hermione twisted her head, wanting to escape the fire of his lips; but they always found her, wanting more. His tongue pushed against her closed mouth, seeking the entrance that was determinately denied. Not taking no for an answer he bit into the bruised flesh of her lips. Hermione gasped in pain, as she felt his hard teeth penetrate into her, blood flowing from the wound. He used her shock to his advantage, thrusting his tongue into her mouth, exploring the warmth it offered within. Hermione did not respond to the violation, instead she slumped into him, tired and defeated; allowing him to finish using her, trying to block the sensation of pleasure that was threatening to burst forth from the torrent of disgust flowing through her. The moment soon passed as he lifted his lips of hers, slick with her blood, they curled into a smirk.
" Like I said don't tempt me." With that, Hermione felt a force as strong as a bludger strike her cheek as she felt herself once again flying through the air, plummeting to the ground beneath.
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A/N * wipes sweat of forehead * Chapter 9 dun and no more soppy Hermione- prefer the whole strong willed idea! I know I skimmed a bit on the detail of the actual quidditch match but the way I was prob gonna write it, it wud prob end up bing really dull so I thought I mite as well do the best bits. Hope u all liked it! Please review and tell me what u thought about anything and everything! Pretty Please! Oh and one last thing a big hug to all those who have reviewed in the past - I got past the 25 mark *me doing victory dance* so all I can say is bring on 50!
Thanx to u guys who reviewed last time:
Dracosbabigirl: gud to hear you're enjoyin it! Please tell me if u liked this chapter as well!
Abject misery: Thanx a lot! Your complement really means a lot! Thanx for the advice and will promise not to do it again, please keep telling me things like that - anything that will improve the story!
Thalion1: You never fail to put a cheesy smile on my face with your reviews! And in answer to you question, course you are but only if you keep sending in your fantastic reviews. * laughs evily * (only jokin)
Mesmer: I completely agree with u on the whole filler chapter opinion, it was rather dire. But I hope I've managed to redeem myself with this chapter! Please review and tell me what you think, I really do appreciate it!
Noisyaime: He may be falling for her ( may, ain't gonna say anymore) but things are gonna get a bit trickier now that Hermione knows about the death eater thing.
Ok that's all ** ta for now, and can't wait 2 hear back from u all**