Take On Me
By
Ponderer
Chapter Five
Ginny woke up happily the next morning, nestled underneath her blankets, wrapped in Harry's arms. She was only wearing his shirt from the day before while he wore his blue boxers; his hair unruly and she had to hold back a giggle as she tried unsuccessfully to pat it down. His arms tightened around her waist as he slowly woke up. "Good morning," she smiled, leaning down to kiss him on the mouth. He responded slowly, still waking up.
"How you can be up this early is beyond me," he murmured, burying his head in her neck, giving the exposed skin a few kisses.
"It's how I grew up. Living with six brothers, I had to learn to get up early to get the bathroom. I never grew out of it I guess," she laughed at his expression.
"I still can't believe you only had one bathroom. We had two, one for Dudley, while I shared with my aunt and uncle," Harry replied then shivered. "Then again, I guess we're even. I had it just as bad."
"Thank you," she said and kissed him again. "How get up, Ron's coming home today."
"The match is over already?" Harry yawned, watching his girlfriend gather some clean clothes from her drawers.
"Yes, he owled me quite early this morning. They won naturally, and the game was over within an hour," Ginny explained.
"Wow, he must be thrilled then," Harry grinned.
"He was. And have you been that beautiful owl he's been using while he's away?"
"He won't tell me whose it is," Harry offered.
"Interesting," she shrugged. "No matter. Come on, we must get ready."
"I thought you were going to shower first, let me sleep in a bit more," Harry grinned sleepily.
"Well, you can if you want but there's an open invitation to join me, but if you're too tired…" Ginny said seductively before shrugging her shoulders and going into the bathroom, Harry hot on her heels.
Draco woke up and quickly showered and changed because his mother was coming to visit for the week. He went downstairs and grabbed a warm muffin before quickly stuffing it down his throat. He didn't know why, but he was always nervous when his mother came. He valued her opinion very much and wanted his friends to be on her good side; especially Hermione. If Narcissa liked Hermione, he would have a better chance of having her.
"Good morning Mr. Malfoy," Rosetta said, bringing a tray of tea and muffins into the dining room.
"Morning," he mumbled before downing a cup of tea.
"Are you going to pick your Mother up at Kings Cross?"
"Yes. I have to be there ten minutes before the train arrives," Draco replied.
"Everything in the guest room is all set up for Mrs. Malfoy when she comes," she smiled and he nodded gratefully. "How was your trip?"
"All right I suppose. Some wizard flipped his lid and we had to collect him," Draco smirked.
"Miss Hermione said you had a cut on your face," Rosetta explained thoughtfully.
"When did she tell you that? I got back very late last night."
"She didn't tell me then, she told me this morning."
"Where is she now?" Draco asked.
"To the clinic. Poor girl's overworking herself. Well, you should be leaving. You know how your mother doesn't like to wait," Rosetta added.
"Yes, I'll be back in a bit," he nodded and stood. Before he left the house though, Ron ran to him out of breath. "Weasley, did you bring home that trophy of yours?"
"I guess you know we won then," Ron grinned, his cheeks red from excitement.
"Obviously," Draco smirked. "Congratulations," he said and shook his friend's hand.
"Did anyone tell you about the party tonight?" Ron asked as they started walking outside into the morning air.
"No, what party?"
"A celebration for our win over the Belgium Waffles."
"Ah, I would, but my mum's coming town," Draco declined.
"Bring her as your date! There'll be dancing and food and all…" Ron continued, almost seeming desperate towards Draco.
"Where's this party anyway?" his friend inserted.
"It's here," Ron questioned while Draco sighed. "Look, if Narcissa gets tired or whatever, she can go to bed. She loves Weasley parties!"
"Because you always get her drunk on butter beer!" Draco accused.
"She still has fun," Ron replied.
"I'll think about it. See you later," Draco sighed again and left. Ron went back inside grinning. The plan was in action.
"Hello Mother," Draco grinned when he spotted her from the platform.
"Draco dear, it's wonderful to see you," she smiled and hugged him.
"I've missed you," he said, pulling away from her embrace.
"I've missed you as well. The manor's so quiet without you running around putting spells on things," Narcissa laughed, letting Draco lead her away to get her luggage. "How is everyone doing?"
"Fine. Ron just won the trophy for the Canons," Draco explained.
"That's wonderful. How about Ginny?"
"She's dating some French Guy. I haven't spoken to her in awhile though," he replied.
"Well, how about Harry and Hermione?" she asked instead, surprised to see more emotion race through her son's eyes when she said Hermione, rather than Ginny.
"They're both fine. Except Hermione's been overworking herself at the clinic," Draco sighed and grabbed for his mother's bags as they came their way. He put them on the trolley and they started walking out to the streets.
"Hasn't she always been a hard worker?" his mum questioned.
"Yes, but she hardly sleeps. She looks so tired all of the time…"
"As you do too. You look like you haven't slept in days."
"Well, I won't tonight either. The Weasleys are throwing a celebration party for the win," Draco explained, waiting for some kind of outburst.
"Oh, I love their parties!" Narcissa exclaimed, shocking her son a bit.
"What? You want to go?" Draco asked incredulously.
"Yes Draco. I like to go out and mingle. I'm not that old," she laughed and playfully punched his arm.
"Okay then, I guess you'll be my date for the evening," Draco replied smirking.
"Oh thanks," his mother retorted sarcastically. "How gracious of you."
"Yes, well, I try," he smirked again.
"Are you sure she's allowed visitors at work?" Mrs. Malfoy asked again as she and her son entered the clinic.
"Yes Mum. Besides, I'm taking her home and she's getting a break. This place is raking havoc on her," Draco explained, searching around the hallway for Hermione.
"She's not just going to up and leave work like that," his mother warned.
"Yes, so I'll just use my sad face and she'll have no other choice but to come with me," he smiled.
"Draco…" she started and he gave her his sad face, receiving a sigh. "Well, go find her. I'll be sitting over here." Draco grinned gratefully, and after he made sure she was sat down, he began to walk down the hallway in search. His long jacket swayed back and forth as he glided along. Many of the female doctors and patients watched his body as he passed but he gave them no attention. He was used to it, the curse of being such a handsome man, but he only cared about one thing at that moment: find Hermione. And he did a few seconds later. She was standing with a few younger looking doctors so he knew they were med students. Her hair was a mess and she looked like she wanted to be curled up in bed. No matter, he'd just have to go over there.
"Now, Lucien, what is your synopsis for Mr. Starr?" her voice asked, looking expectantly at the student, but he was looking behind her at Draco. She turned around and concern took over immediately. "Draco, is everything all right?"
"Yes, once I get you out of here," he answered simply while she frowned.
"What are you playing at? I can't leave now, I'm teaching," she explained, motioning behind her to the staring students.
"Somehow I don't think they'll mind," he smirked and the doctors smirked behind her.
"What?" she cried out, stress taking over her voice.
"Look, you're going home. You look horrible, you're hardly slept, so you're going to take a few days off to get yourself rested," Draco told her sternly.
"Draco, I can't! I have much to do. I can't just leave all my patients behind!" Draco began to pout but she crossed her arms over her chest and he knew she wasn't falling for it. He only had one last option. He turned to the nearest female student and flashed a charming smile.
"Would you mind covering for her? She'll call tomorrow for the time off. Thanks," he grinned because the girl greedily nodded at his request.
Suddenly Hermione felt herself lifted up as Draco threw her over his shoulder. "Draco Malfoy! Put me down this instant!" she yelled, pounding on his back as he began to stride back out the entrance. "Draco!" her angered voice echoed as the three left and the students stood there laughing at the situation.
"Malfoy, that wasn't necessary," Hermione said stubbornly as Draco carried her over the threshold of the manor. Narcissa closed the door and bit back a grin at the still bickering pair. Just like it used to be, she thought.
"I thought it was," he replied, laughing.
"Can you put me down now?" she gritted out.
"Only if you promise to go upstairs and sleep," he explained.
"But…" she started.
"No buts. There's to be a party tonight so I want you rested up. Now get upstairs and sleep," he said aging and she sighed.
"Fine," she agreed and he put her down. The first thing she did was stretch, then growl as she marched up the steps. Draco watched her calmly. An hour later, he was at her door and he peaked in, finding her lying in bed, not sleeping.
"Why aren't you sleeping?" he asked, going to sit by the bed.
"Because I can't seem to. I've been on autopilot for some time and I don't think I can stop," she explained softly.
"Sure you can," he replied.
"Will you stay here with me until I fall asleep?" she asked meekly, reminding him of a little girl.
"I thought you were mad at me," he smiled and she mirrored the action.
"I can't stay mad at you," she told him.
"All right, scoot over then," he said and she did so. He lay on top of the blankets and opened his arms to her as she curled her body around him.
"Promise you'll stay?" she whispered, sleep over taking her once his warmth covered her body.
"I promise," e replied, kissing her head that rest on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. Soon, her breathing slowed and he knew she was asleep. Not wanted to interrupt that, he closed his eyes and both slept for a long time.
"How are things?" Ron's voice asked to people walking by. The Manor was packed with people from wall to wall. Music was blasting and it was even louder from all the voices. Harry and Ginny were stationed in the foyer, gathering coats and greeting everyone. Ron was going around the rooms, making sure all was well. Hermione decided to stay in the kitchen, helping Rosetta make snacks while catching up with Narcissa.
"So, how have you been Mrs. Malfoy?" Hermione asked the blond haired woman.
"I've been fine. Better now that I'm with Draco. The house gets so lonely without him," she explained.
"Yes, he's a good boy," Rosetta spoke up and the mother grinned.
"He used to be so tense when he was at Hogwarts. But, when he was little, he was a spitting image of me. Then he grew up and looked exactly like his father. Scary really and it's still hard to look at him because of it," Narcissa continued.
"I used to look like my dad when I was young," Hermione said, trying to make the conversation light. "But between fifth and sixth years I grew up to be just like my mum," she continued.
"Very beautiful too," Draco said, startling the three women. Hermione blushed as he grinned at her, the look unnoticed by the other two.
"What kind of trouble are you getting into now?" his mother asked, breaking his attention from Hermione.
"Enough," he replied, before giving her cheek a kiss.
"Always the kidder," Narcissa murmured and all three woman grinned to themselves while Draco's smirk grew.
"What are you ladies up to?" he asked, stealing a carrot from Hermione's hand.
"Trying to make snacks but someone's eating it already," she replied, pointing her knife at him. Draco just watched her innocently, chewing the carrot slowly.
"Sorry," he muttered, grinning. "Why are you back here anyway? Shouldn't you be mingling with the young folk?"
"Yes dear, take a bit of a break. I can help Rosetta," Narcissa offered, already standing up from her seat.
"No, I'd much rather be here," Hermione replied shaking her head stubbornly.
"Don't make me carry you again," Draco warned. Hermione glared at him and put her knife down with a sigh.
"Fine," she huffed. "But only for awhile," she added.
"Whatever," Draco said. He grabbed her arm and pulled her into the living room. He dropped her arm and instead picked up her hand, leading her to middle of the floor to dance.
"Draco, I don't feel like dancing right now," she explained but he just brought his arms to her waist to bring her closer. A fast song was playing by a muggle singer.
"Please Hermione? We're easily the best dancers here; can't we show off just a bit?" Hermione cracked a small grin at his pout before agreeing.
"Okay, but not too much. Don't want to make the others look bad." Draco's reply was a laugh before he brought her even closer, and they begun to dance.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Okay, again, so sorry that this took so long to post. I'm almost done writing the story, eight chapters and an epilogue on the way! I'm a bit behind on the whole 'write two chapters and post one' thing, but I'm trying my best to get it up as soon as I can!
Thank you for those who have caught mistakes I have made and I apologize. I usually don't even double check my work because I'm lazy. I don't want to hassle with a beta, but if I can, I'll have my friend Trina do it for me. But, thanks for the offers anyway!
I would also like to thank everyone who's reviewed so far. I know this story isn't really hard core Draco/Hermione, but it is my first and I tend to like the more fluffy stuff to write, rather than darker stuff. Although, I like reading all genres of it. So, please, keep reviewing and reading!
Thanks!!!
-- Ponderer