Chapter 10 (Initiation!)

It was just after 9pm and all the good little first years had been shown to their rooms. Hermione and Ginny were in Hermione's room picking out bathing suits. Ginny was looking at a black tankini and figuring she'd wear that one.

Wear the blue bikini, Ginny. It matches your eyes exactly!

Ginny argued, But it's so skimpy! It's not like Harry is going to be there. There's no one I really want to impress.

Hermione argued, But if you are all covered up, how am I going to have the nerve to wear this? Hermione pulled out a tiny white bikini with a thong bottom.

Ginny gasped. I expected you'd be wearing a one piece with shorts like at the Burrow when we go swimming. When did you ever get something like that?

Hermione blushed and shrugged, I got it last month in London. I'm not sure how I got the nerve, but I thought it was about time I owned a bathing suit that didn't look like something a grandmother would wear. And I checked. It's lined so it's not going to get all see through if it gets wet.

My brother is going to go crazy when he sees you! Ginny smiled and teased.

Hermione then dropped the white bikini and picked up her old navy blue one piece.

Ginny finally had to ask. You don't like my brother the same way he likes you, do you?

Hermione felt a huge wave of relief start to hit her. She could say it out loud. No, Ginny. I've never thought of him as more than a friend. We just kissed a couple of times for some reason or another. I didn't really even enjoy it and I planned on telling him that I didn't feel the same way he did. But with you and Harry together, it just sort of turned into a foursome, two couples. You and Harry are always pawing at each other and kissing, so I guess Ron just sort of figured he got to do the same with me. Hermione then added something she had never even admitted before, at times, I felt violated.

Ginny looked sad. She also knew she did 99% of the pawing, but she wasn't going to admit that to Hermione. So I guess you'll never really be my sister someday.

Ginny, that's the exact kind of pressure I feel all the time. Hermione explained and luckily she was able to do it without anger. You're parents are so good to me and always call me their second daughter. I'm an only child, I love the idea of having you for a sister and a whole pack of red headed brothers, but the only problem is that I don't want to marry Ron.

Ginny was heart broken. How long are you going to string him along? I mean, I saw how you kissed him today, that looked real.

Hermione tried to explain. I've never felt any kind of passion when Ron and I kiss. I thought if I tried a bit harder and kissed him like that, maybe I'd feel something. It just made me feel worse.

Ginny walked to the other side of the bed where Hermione was and gave her a hug. The two girls held each other for a long time. Without letting go, Ginny asked, What about Fred or George, do they do anything for you?

Hermione started laughing so hard she let go and plopped down on her bed.

Ginny continued. No, I'm serious. I want to figure out how I can get you to be my sister. Well?

Hermione thought about the twins. Well, I know they'd keep me laughing and at least there would be a lot of fun. And in spite of their lack of OWLs, they are geniuses in their own way.

Ginny looked shocked for a moment, Hermione! I said Fred OR George, not both of them!

Hermione blushed because she hadn't realized the implications of what she had just said. Well, that says a lot. It shows I really don't know either of them. I know this Fred/George person that happens to have two bodies. I don't think I think about either of them that way.

Ginny lay down on the bed next to her. Well, Percy's out of the question. Both Bill or Charlie are cool. Ginny grinned, And they're OLDER MEN. You know what they say about older men, don't you? Hermione shook her head no and Ginny looked puzzled, I guess I don't know either, but I'm sure somebody says something about them!

Both girls giggled themselves silly again. Ginny flopped on the bed next to Hermione and gave her another hug. Hermione cuddled back and they lay like that for a while. Hermione noticed just how comfortable she was and wondered why Ron couldn't make her feel that good.

Ginny giggled again and got an impish little look in her eyes and gave Hermione a quick kiss. I know! You can marry me!

That started the laughter again. Um, Ginny, if I married you, we still wouldn't be sisters. Hermione pointed out.

I also don't think we're gay, Ginny said reflectively. At least I don't think we are.

Hermione decided not to answer that. The implications of hugging Ginny feeling better than kissing Ron was something she didn't want to think about right now. Hermione stopped laughing. We're going to be late, put on the blue bikini now!

Ginny argued, But I told you, Harry's not...

No arguing with the Head Girl. Wear the blue one!

Ginny laughed. Only if you wear the white one.

Hermione stripped off her uniform and pulled on the white bathing suit. Only because it's 9:20 and we need to be in the prefect's bath in 10 minutes. I'm not taking orders from you. Hermione stated and stuck her tongue out at Ginny.

Ginny tossed off her school uniform and put on the blue bikini. Yes, your royal big-head girl!

Hermione stood in front of her three-way mirror and made sure she hadn't left any hair on her legs. Thank goodness for personal grooming charms! She also noticed that the white bikini was so high cut in front that there was a tiny bit of extra hair that needed removing that didn't show in her other bathing suits. She grabbed her wand and took care of that little problem easily.

Ginny was so happy to see Hermione being so relaxed and silly again. As sad as it made her to think of Hermione breaking up with her brother, she was glad to have her old friend back.

Then they both looked at each other and cracked up. Two hot girls wearing sexy bikinis with grey knee socks and Mary Janes was a sight funny enough to scare away the meanest Boggart! They placed their robes back on over their swimsuits and headed for the prefect's bath.

***


When they arrived, almost every one else was already there. The 5th years held their robes wrapped tightly around them like they expected an indoor wind to come along and blow them away any second. The bath was still in the process of filling up with different colored foam and bubbles and soft warm water that smelled wonderful.

Hermione also heard a comment from one of the 5th year boys that she hadn't thought about. Why didn't you guys tell us that the prefect's bath wasn't really a bath but more of a swimming pool? I was afraid you guys were going to have us all mashed together naked.

The older prefects laughed. We really didn't think of that. We're so used to this place, we forgot what the word bath' means to most people.

The same boy commented, Well, you must have remembered what it was like when you were 5th years?

Draco jumped in quickly to answer that one, I don't know, this is close in size to the bath in my mother's wing of Malfoy Manor.

Hermione glared at him, You are such a showoff about your assets! Draco glared back at her and Hermione continued. I guess we just thought this place was legendary. It's nice to see almost everyone is here.

By the time the bath was ready, all of the prefects arrived. Draco clapped his hands together and made his first command of the night. Ok, 5th years, drop those robes and get in the water!

A few of the brave ones did their best to slide into the water right away keeping themselves covered until the bubbles took over. They placed their wands on top of their robes. One girl that hadn't entered the water yet asked. You aren't going to take our robes away once we go in, will you?

Draco laughed, Believe it or not, I hadn't thought of that! That would really add a new spin to this

Hermione interrupted, We might move your robes so they don't get wet, but I promise, when you are ready to get out of the water, we'll have a big warm fluffy towel ready to cover you by the prefect of your choice inches from the water.

Draco spoke quietly so just Hermione could hear, You're no fun, GrangerI mean Hermione!

She whispered back, Oh, I don't know Malfoy. I think I'm lots of fun, you just won't ever get to find out exactly how much.

On the other side of the bath, Ron wasn't happy about the quiet conversation between his girlfriend and Malfoy. Ginny was standing next to him and could almost hear him growling like a dog. Ron, she's not your property or something, would you knock it off.

Ron glared at his sister. She's my girlfriend and haven't seen her in 6 weeks and she's being all close and friendly with Malfoy. I have every right to be jealous!

Ron, why don't you just relax and enjoy the view! At that moment a couple more of the 5th years carefully slid into the pool. Several house elves discretely entered the room and set up a keg of Butterbeer and some snacks and left without saying a word.

Ron wasn't sure what to make of his little sister. Enjoy the view? What would Harry say if he knew you were looking?

Actually, those are the last words he said to me before I went to change into my bathing suit, Ron. I'm in a stable relationship with someone I love; I'm not dead! There are some good-looking people in nothing at all or tiny little bathing suits. Lighten up.

Ron looked across the pool and saw Hermione, still in her robe, but now barefoot, getting foaming mugs of Butterbeer for the 5th years already in the bath. Ginny had exaggerated a bit about the view. The 5th years had all been easily able to slip into the water and bubbles completely covered their bodies.

All but one of the 5th years were naked and in the bath except for the girl from Hufflepuff. She held her robe tightly around her with one arm and held a mug of Butterbeer in the other. The peer pressure started from within the water. The Gryffindor girl said, You'd better get your little butt in here or we'll take that robe off and toss you in! The guys started taunting, Come on in, the water is really nice. You don't want us to do it for you, do you? She took a huge gulp of her Butterbeer and shivered. The Gryffindor girl spoke again, this time she was kind, Look, the bubbles are so thick, no one can see anything, come on in!

This time she chugged the rest of her Butterbeer and wiped the foam from her lips. She then grinned as she remembered an old saying of her Grandmother's, In for a penny, in for a pound. She put down her glass and let her robe slide down her shoulders she made sure to take her time so she had the attention of the room. She continued to let the robe slip off until it showed her cleavage in the most flattering way. Then she looked right at Draco, and then at Ron, and still standing outside the bath, let her robe slip to the ground. Neville dropped his Butterbeer mug and it shattered as he saw his first naked woman in person. She looked down at the 5th years in the bath and asked, Isn't there anyone who'll give a girl a hand getting in? All four of the 5th year boys glided to her side of the bath and helped her in. The 5th year boys, thankful that they had water to cover them, the 6th and 7th year boys glad they still were wearing their robes.

Another house elf discretely entered the room to clean up the broken glass so no one would hurt their feet and was gone before anyone noticed.

Ginny teased Ron, Did you see the way she looked at you when she took off her robe! I think she likes you!

I have a girlfriend, Ginny. Her name is Hermione. Ron was really starting to get annoyed with his sister.

I guess, but maybe you need someone a little more open about what she wants?

Ron, forgetting where he was, yelled at her, Virginia Weasley! He realized everyone had turned to stare at him and blushed redder than his hair.

Ginny was tired of talking to her brother. She had planted a seed or two, but they didn't seem to be taking root. Ginny, who was already barefoot, tossed off her robe reveling her tiny blue bikini and walked toward the bath. Ron saw the way the others were looking at his sister and he just couldn't take it. It took every bit of self-control he had not to throw the robe back over her and drag her back to Gryffindor Tower.

Ron decided he just handle this anymore. He put his shoes back on, and started to leave. Before he left the bath he spoke to Hermione. Don't worry, I won't spoil your party, but I'll be waiting up for you when you return.

Hermione was annoyed, but tried to hide the extent of her anger, You'll be waiting up a long time, Ron. I don't live in Gryffindor Tower anymore. I have a private room.

We need to talk. If you can take some time out of your busy Head Girl schedule, let me know! and with that, he stormed out of the prefect's bath.

The Butterbeer flowed freely and almost all of the 6th and 7th years had their robes off and were running around in their bathing suits. Every once in a while someone taunted the 5th years claiming to have a de-bubbling spell which lead to screams and begging from the bath and laughter from the older students. Hermione and Draco had been so busy playing that they still had their robes on.

Draco had been trying to figure out what the final initiation would be, and the evil sneer he was known for came to his face when he figured it out. He picked up a box that had been hidden in the corner and brought it near the bath. He hadn't had to do anything to get the attention of the prefects; everyone had been waiting for him to come up with something. This box contains 8 bathing suits, one for each of you. They look kind of large, but they are enchanted to shrink down to the correct size once someone puts them on. The 5th years looked up hopefully. They were starting to feel a little bit pruney from being in the water so long, and it would be much easier to get out of the bath if they were covered. As you know, there is one female and one male prefect from each house in the water right now. Without speaking, you will need to find each other blind folded to earn your suits. Draco waved his wand and a series of scarves tied themselves around the 5th years eyes. 6th years, get in the water and mix them around a bit so they can't don't remember where they are.

Hermione had to speak up in at this point, And guide them by the shoulders, 6th years, keep your hands where we can see them! There was an audible sigh of relief from the 5th years.

Once they had been spun around and mixed up, the 6th years got out of the bath. Draco took charge again, OK, Begin!

Hermione gave some guidance, Remember, think about how tall your housemate is and what his or her hair is like. That's a much better way to tell who is who.

Draco glared and spoke directly to just Hermione. You should have let them figure that out.

She shrugged, Isn't this kinky enough already?

You should have seen some of the party games my parents hosted at Malfoy Manor after I was supposed to be in bed.

Hermione smirked, That explains a lot. She thought for a moment. The bathing suit part is a nice touch. That was nice of you.

Draco smiled, Speaking of bathing suits, when do I get to see yours?

When I'm good and ready! It's a bit chilly in here still. She lied. It was really too warm for even her light work robe.

The 5th years were laughing in the pool, groping for their housemate. There were one or two touches that went over the line a bit, but none of them seemed to mind.

So, do you think you've found your housemate? They all nodded. Now if you are correct, you get a bathing suit. If you are wrong, you have to snog the person you are with. Are you still sure? There were a few little squeals, but they all nodded their heads again. OK, take off your blind folds!

There was a sigh of relief from the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw 5th years, but the Hufflepuff and Slytherin perfects were mismatched. Hermione tossed the bathing suits to the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw 5th years and let them know they could come out of the water as soon as they were dressed. As they left the bath, Hermione noticed the girls were wearing flattering but modest one-piece suits and not something too skimpy. She gave Malfoy credit for having a little class.

Everyone gathered stared and watched the embarrassed Slytherin and Hufflepuff perfects give each other a quick and distant kiss. There were a few taunts from the other prefects for a longer kiss, but since Draco or Hermione didn't back them up, it didn't happen.

OK, now switch to your housemate Draco commanded. Hermione wondered what he was up to. Now, how are we going to make sure you two pairs really get to know each other? There were looks of horror on the prefects still in the water. Anyone have any ideas? Draco asked the rest of the prefects.

Ginny had an idea, Make them get to know one body part of the other that's under the water that we can't see! Each person gets to pick the part on the other!

Malfoy was charmed. Hermione jumped in, OK, but remember you have to work with closely with this person for at least the next year and most likely the next 3. Make sure you don't do anything that will make that too difficult.

The Hufflepuff girl looked at the Hufflepuff boy and suggested, Why don't we just get to know each other's backs. We can get it over in one step with a big hug? The boy's eyes grew wide and the watching crowd cheered with approval.

The two Hufflepuffs held each other close in the warm water and bubbles. They then pulled away from each other and blushed. The crowd applauded their efforts. Hermione tossed them their suits, and let them know they could exit the pool, but the male prefect from Hufflepuff stated, If you don't mind, I'm going to stay in the water for a few more minutesnice in the bubbles. Everyone laughed and had a good idea as to why he needed a few more minutes.

The Slytherins glared at each other and didn't look happy with their situation. They finally decided that their hands were under the water, so they kept their distance and touched hands for a moment. It met the criteria, so Hermione tossed them their suits, but they did get a few catcalls and taunts, especially from the older Slytherin prefects.

Padma took a look at her waterproof watch and noted, You guys, it's almost 11! Even we don't have permission to be out this late and classes start tomorrow! There were a few gasps as people grabbed towels and tried to figure out whose robes were whose and the girls had the tricky part of pulling knee socks over slightly damp legs. It didn't take long for the room to clear out. Hermione, who was still barefoot and hadn't taken off her robe the whole night was tossing used towels into a basket.

The house elves will take care of that, you know. Draco stated and Hermione jumped.

I didn't know you were still here! she said in surprise.

Draco looked at her and shrugged. I never got a chance to get in the water myself. He pulled off his robe and was wearing a pair of kelly green swim trunks that looked like they were made of silk. Hermione couldn't help but run her eyes up and down his body that had been so nicely toned from years of Quidditch practice.

At first it had puzzled Hermione as to why Quidditch players were so athletic, but then she read a book about the magic involved in a broom like a Nimbus or a Firebolt versus a school broom like the one she learned to fly on. The more magic that went to speed and maneuverability, the more Muggle Physics came into play while riding and the rider needed an amazing amount of physical strength in the upper body and the abdomen just to remain upright.

He entered the bath and turned on the taps that produced messaging jets of water. He looked back up at her. I also haven't seen your bathing suit yet.

Hermione deliberated for just a moment. She walked over to the keg and got two foaming mugs of Butterbeer, handed one to Draco and placed the other next to the bath. She then turned around and took off her robe, forgetting that her back view exposed more than the font with the style of suit she was wearing. Draco's jaw dropped as he saw her curves accented by a barely there thong backed bikini. Her hair covered the straps from her top and for a moment he wondered if she was even wearing one. She turned to face him, and he noticed that, yes, the white bathing suit did have a top, but it seemed to be there to accent her breasts more that to cover them.

She held her head high and walked into the water as if she wore bathing suits like that all the time. She glided over to the side of the bath and grabbed her mug of Butterbeer and took a long drink.

Draco's power of speech came back, but all he could say was the word,

Hermione smiled, So I guess you like my suit, it's new. Hermione got nervous as Draco glided nearer to her, but he stopped in front of the bath's control panel.

You should try some of the water jets, there are some settings that are quite nice, Draco commented.

Show me? Hermione asked, I've never gotten the hang of this thing.

Draco smiled. Alright, sit down right in the middle of the other side. Do you see that place that's kind of like a built in chair? Hermione nodded and glided over to the place he mentioned and sat down in the water. Draco started adjusting the controls. She felt jets of water running up and down her back like an expert masseuse, then he added in jets for her legs and she felt her calves and thighs being caressed with water. He added in lower back, and programmed in a sequence to run that would eventually, slowly add in jets of water between her legs as well. He hoped he had it set so it would start so gently, she wouldn't notice at first. He adjusted the jets for himself on the opposite side of the bath and sat across from her.

she said and took a long sip of her Butterbeer, finishing the mug. She placed it behind her on the floor. You really know how to set these things.

It's similar to the system we have at home. He stated. It's been a long day, this is just what I needed.

She giggled, I still can't believe what we just did! She thought for another moment, It was really fun. It was kind of out there, but I think the prefects are really going to have a sense of

Draco smiled at a memory, That final punishment' Ginny came up with was classic. Did you see the looks on their faces?

Hermione smiled, It was fun. I'm glad no one overdid it.

I'd like to overdo it' with Ginny. I've made up my mind this time. She'll be spending as much time in my room this year as the clause allows. She's going to be so used up, they'll be nothing left for Potter until the end of the school year.

Hermione gasped.

Come on, Granger, he teased. There has got to be someone that pushes your buttons

Draco, please don't pick Ginny. Why not go with Pansy or someone you know who wants you just as bad? Hermione figured if she didn't break the news to him about Prefects being able to say no, maybe he wouldn't have time to come up with alternatives.

Draco shook his head. Been there, done that with Pansy more times that I can count starting in 2nd or 3rd year, I don't remember. I want something fresh that comes up with ideas like Ginny did tonight.

Once you pick, you're set for the year. What if she never comes around all year and shares any of those ideas' with you. Hermione tried to appeal to his logic. You'd be much better off with a sure thing.

You forget, it IS a sure thing

Hermione tried to reason with him, She may not have a choice, but don't you want someone who wants you?

For you, Granger, I'll think about it. No promises. Draco decided that it was best not to mention that he did have a bit of a past with Ginny.

Hermione relaxed a bit. She'd have a few more days to work on him before the official selection. She concentrated on the water massage she was getting. She put her head back and closed her eyes, noticing that the pattern of the water jets had changed slightly and this new setting felt even better.

What about us, Granger? What about our bonding? Are we a team? Draco asked.

Hermione still had her eyes closed, enjoying the water jets, We have to be. No matter what our personal feelings are, you're the Head Boy, I'm the Head Girl. We need to stick together. Hermione let out a little gasp of pleasure, What settings did you use on this thing? It's amazing!

Draco answered, Oh, just a little pattern I worked out. I'm glad you like it. Draco wished he had thought to ask the house elves to bring something stronger to drink. He quietly moved across the water, making sure he didn't make a sound or a splash, and sat right next to her, just watching for a few minutes. Her head was tilted back and her eyes were closed. Madame Pomfrey and the Pepperup potion had done their job well, there wasn't a sign remaining from the events of earlier this evening. He noticed she was breathing more heavily now by watching her chest go up and down. He also noticed that she had left her wand in her robe pocket. He wasn't sure what to do next. Did he kiss her, or maybe put a hand on her thigh? What had the best chance of not ruining the mood? He decided on a subtle approach. He spoke very quietly. I just wanted to let you know I've moved where I'm sitting so I can hear you better. I didn't want to startle you.

She opened her eyes and looked at him. What do we have to do for our initiation? She asked suggestively. We made the prefects go through quite a bit to get to know each other.

Draco put made a mental notch in the win column under subtle' but went for a more. Can it involve a lack of bathing suits and blindfolds?

Hermione commented. That's not what I had in mind.

What were you thinking of? he asked.

I want to get to know you. I want to talk without fear and find out why you feel we're so different. I want to know what it was like for you before you came to Hogwarts. You can be really mean sometimes. What do you get out of it? Hermione paused for a moment and her thoughts went back to very early that morning on the train. But I think I'd like to save that for another time, because right now the only thing I want is to kiss you again.

Draco didn't need to be asked twice. He stood in front of where she was sitting, put his hands on her shoulders, and kissed her deeply. He made sure she didn't move from where she was sitting so the water jets could continue to work their magic. Their lips parted and they both tasted the sweetness of the Butterbeer as they explored each other's mouths with their tongues. Draco started to slide a hand around from her back to her breasts, but Hermione stopped the kiss and held his hand. I've got it. She said and smiled. The initiation is, anything goes, unless it involves touching anything covered by our bathing suits or the suits themselves. Draco raised his eyebrows. That includes not letting anything slip out or moving anything aside. If there is fabric over it, it's off limits.

I'm not sure I like the rules, they're far too much in your favor. Draco stated.

Malfoy, your shorts have twice the fabric as I have in my whole suit!

Malfoy snorted.

I'm not budging. That's the deal. If you don't like it, I'll just head back to my room now. Alone. Hermione was afraid for a moment that he might call her bluff. It had been an exhausting day emotionally. She knew tomorrow she would have to face Ron and eventually she and Harry would have to confront what happened in the carriage, but right now she wanted an escape.

Draco kissed her passionately and then looked into her eyes. How long have you been just as evil as I am?

Hermione kissed him for a moment then answered. I'm not evil in the slightest. You just assume anything you want is evil. Just because you lived in a dungeon and I lived in the tower for 6 years, don't assume that there is some sort of symbolism involved.

Draco kissed her some more and didn't speak again till he was out of breath. You don't know what you're talking about. Your wand is all the way across the room and now I know you've been physically training to fight as well, so that won't take me by surprise again. You are totally helpless right now. Do you know what I could do to you?

Hermione kissed him back before answering which surprised the hell out of him because he was sure that she'd take what he said as quite a threat. Yes. But you won't.

Draco hissed at her, Who are you to tell me what to do? I've done it before.

Again, Hermione kissed him before answering. I don't doubt it. It's not like there haven't been Gryffindor boys who have crossed that line with some of the other girls. But if you hurt me or try something I haven't consented to, you'll never find out what happens next. If I don't manage to get you kicked out and sent to Azkaban, I'll spend the year avoiding you, never sticking up for you or going along with your little Head Boy games with the prefects. Without me, the only people that will follow you are Slytherins and you've already had that for 6 years. Together, we have the whole school. She began kissing him again. She wrapped her legs around him and began caressing his back.

He stopped kissing her for a moment and looked at her. She was wrong, he thought. She also had an evil side. She knew how to manipulate someone and wasn't afraid to do it. He decided that it might be fun to show her what she was really capable of doing to get what she wanted. It would be a little project for him. He looked into her eyes. I'm getting waterlogged. Can we continue this back in our sitting room? I'll stick to the rules. She nodded and began kissing him again. He lifted her up and carried her from the bath without stopping the kiss.

At that point, they were both startled by a very unwelcome visitor. Peeves loud voice echoed throughout the prefect's bath. Well lookie, lookie here! It's only the first night of school and already the Head Boy and Girl are up past midnight!

Hermione and Draco looked at each other and together muttered, as Draco carefully stood Hermione back on the ground and wondered how they were going to get out of this one.

Peeves floated around them and began chanting, Slytherin and Gryffindor sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes lust

Peeves, if you don't stop it right now, I'll set the Bloody Baron on you and convince him to show no mercy this time!

Peeves stopped his chanting, but continued to taunt them. I don't know; this is just too good to ignore. It might be worth anything that bloody Baron can dish out to make sure the whole school knows about the two of you.

Draco spoke in a fierce, deliberate voice even Hermione hadn't head before. It gave her chills. There seemed to be an eerie silver glow emitting from Draco's eyes. I think you may have forgotten just what the Baron is capable of and of his relationship with my family. You also seem to not remember that even though there is no magic I know that can touch a ghost, I know dark magic that could easily send a insignificant poltergeist like yourself straight to hell! Draco raised his wand. Make sure to say hello to my grandparents!

With that, Peeves backed off, Just kidding, Mr. MalfoyI'll be on my wayI'm sure Filch has just cleaned something I can dirty up again. I'll make sure he doesn't run into you accidentally and Peeves zoomed out of the room as fast has he had come in.

Hermione laughed nervously. Draco, not noticing her fear, looked at her and smiled and raised his eyebrows questioningly. Are you really to retire to our quarters, Miss Granger?

Draco, do you really have such power? She asked as if she was afraid of the answer.

He nodded. I'm not going to lie. Yes. That and more. Some of the spells I know aren't even in the restricted section in the library. I've been studying the dark arts since I was a child

I'm going to assume there are times when you could have used some of that power against us. Why haven't you? Hermione asked.

Draco put his arms around her and kissed her deeply. Hermione was still afraid and he could tell she was now holding back. The spells are far too powerful, Hermione. Just casting one would leave me drained and vulnerable.

We've had you in some uncomfortable situations over the years. You could have used the power with someone else there to make sure you got away safely. Why haven't you? Hermione asked.

Draco could tell she was afraid. I think I've already told you too much, but I'll answer because I'm a randy bastard and want to continue what we've started. He looked into her eyes and stroked her hair. The power is too strong. As an example, I could have destroyed your little trio years ago with one word and a flick of my wand, but the power is not subtitle. There would be a crater the size of a house where you stood and my spent body would be passed out right next to it if I did happen to survive. He saw a look of confusion in her eyes. Don't you understand? It's too fucking strong; I can't use it. What I think I haven't made clear is that I know what we've learned at Hogwarts, and I know additional spells far too powerful to use. There isn't anything in the middle other than the unforgivables.

Hermione looked skeptical. A crater, Draco? You and I are both in Newt Arithmancy this year, do you really expect me to believe...

Draco cut her off. I've seen you in the restricted section of the library enough times, you have to be aware that there is more to Arithmancy than Merlin's Postulates and Corollaries.

Hermione thought for a moment. I did find some material on Nimue's work in the restricted section. Hermione tried to recall what she remembered. Hmmm, the work I saw wasn't nicely numbered into Postulates and Corollaries, and it seemed to be based more on destructive properties, but now that I think about it, it really was just Arithmancy wasn't it?

Now you are living up to your reputation. Draco smiled. Let's see if you can put it together.

Hermione thought for a moment. I think I've got it. I recall a theory that seems to relate to the kind of power you are talking about. It related to dark, destruction, but the most important aspect was the effect of scaling so the person casting the spell would still receive damage, but nowhere near the amount the item on the opposite end of the wand would get so you'd still have...

And they both finished in unison, ...Conservation of magical energy.

After the satisfaction of figuring out something so complex, the realization sink in and Hermione began to tremble. Do all Death Eaters have that kind of power?

Draco shook his head. Six years of school and he was finally having a real conversation with someone who wasn't a teacher and it had to be ruined by his father. No and I am not a Death Eater. They don't use it for almost all of the same reasons I've never used it against you. Most of the highest level Death Eaters are strong enough to cast the that kind of spell without it draining them completely, but what's the point of totally obliterating everything you want to take over or dominate? But then, most of them are in Azkaban, so it's really not an issue anyway. From what I understand, muggles also have folklore that involves an evil person or force that has the goal of destroying the world. Hasn't that Christian God even done it a few times? Where is the logic in that? Even idiots like Death Eaters are smart enough to want a world remaining once they've accomplished their goals. The ones that aren't are just a bunch of wannabe followers that would be a waste of flesh for either side

Hermione didn't speak. Draco walked over to their robes and carried them back over to her. He dressed her and she didn't resist. Once his own robe back on, he put his arms around her and noticed she was still trembling. Come on, let's go back to our rooms. Draco picked up their shoes and socks and he carried them. They left the bath and arm and arm, walked back to their chamber.

A few minutes later the door the prefect's bath opened and closed again. If one listened closely, very quiet footsteps could be heard heading through the halls towards Gryffindor tower.