Chapter 10
Draco shakes his head, groaning as light sifted over him. Damn window, he thinks to himself. Rolling over, he buries his head into his pillow. He hated life. He hated it badly. "Stupid family traditions," he growls under his breath. Getting himself in an upright position, he pushes his hair back from his face, yawning.
Stumbling to the bathroom, he jumps in the shower, jolted awake by the sudden rush of water. Shivering, he turns on the warm, just standing and enjoying the water. He jumps up; a muffled noise of shock as Hermione walks in. He watches her, sticking his head out of the shower, "Do you mind?"
She quirks a brow at him, "Seen you naked before, Malfoy."
"No first names now?" He asks, quizzically.
She shrugs, brushing her teeth, looking in the mirror and scowling. She hated her hair. Combing it back, she ties a bandanna around the stray locks of hair, the dark purple complimenting her deep chocolate brown eyes. Draco nods an approval. He grins as he sees her applying a light amount of makeup. She looks over at him, sticking her tongue out at him, still layering a small bit of blush on her cheeks.
She never wore makeup at Hogwarts, but this wasn't Hogwarts. Turning her head to look at Draco, his upper half still sticking around the shower door, she gives him a dirty look. "Do you mind?" She mimics, gesturing the toilet.
He laughs, "If you need it so badly, use it."
She glares. "Hurry up before I make your water colder then ice." She stalks out. She felt like taking a bath, but not before slapping herself. "Why did I put on my makeup then?" A small timid voice in the back of her head answers her; You want him to notice you.
She shakes the thought. Even if she did she'd never admit it. Not to herself or anyone else.
After about ten minutes of hearing the water run, she growls lowly under her breath. She knew that whatever she did with magic, he'd be able to reverse. With that knowledge, she runs downstairs to the water heater, playing with the switches until she hears the comforting yell of Draco's acquaintance with the cold water.
Walking back upstairs, feeling dizzy suddenly, she lies on the couch, seeing an indignant Draco coming down the stairs. He was dressed in only pants, and was holding a shirt. He glowers at her sitting on the couch. She lays still, breathing quietly. He watches her impatient, "Well?"
"What?" She grumbles. Her head hurt, like it had never before. Like a constant pounding.
He shakes his head; "You got me out, so go enjoy it."
She groans, her arm covering her eyes. "My head…"
Draco gets up walking upstairs, to rummage through his bags. When he returns, he holds a small container. Rattling it, he commands her, "Sit up."
She does what he asked, moaning with effort. Everything felt as though it was spinning. Her head pounded, and she blinked a couple of times. He opens the container, dropping out a few pills, handing them to her. He pushes a glass of water from the table towards her. "Swallow."
She does it, mumbling, "I hope these kill me."
He laughs cynically, "They'll knock you out like you're dead. But they'll help."
Hermione sighs, lying back, the pain in her head easing only slightly. "Oh God…"
"The name's Draco. If you prefer, Malfoy." He smiles at her, more of a smile then a smirk for once.
"Take a bath, you'll feel better." He stands up, yawning and trudging into the kitchen. Grabbing a cloth, he wets it, going back to Hermione and putting in on her forehead. She looked beautiful to him. In a helpless sort of way. She looked at him, still pondering the thought of where he got the pills, what they were, and why he was giving them to her. She had the thought that he felt nothing for her. After such a beating and all. She was curious to if he could even show emotion towards her.
She looks up at him through glazed eyes, "Draco…"
He takes the cloth from her head, "Yeah?"
"I think I love you." She chokes on the words, everything hurting. Her body wretched as she threw up, spilling the contents of her stomach on the ground. She sits up, mumbling that she'll get it. Draco pushes her down, considering that her words must have been caused by the simplicity of her delirium. He grabs his wand, flickering it at the mess Hermione left. It disappears, leaving it dry and undefined. He picks her up, careful of his footing, and takes her up to her room. Already the pills were having an effect. She drowsily leaned against him, everything spinning.
He lies her down on her bed, smoothing the blankets over her. Returning downstairs, he grabs a cup of water, another wet cloth, and a book from his room. Taking his place in her quarters, he lies the cloth on her head, the water beside her bed, and sits in the black chair with a book. This was going to be a long night.
She slept, but not easily. She kept waking, crying most times, screaming once or twice. Most times about something as simple as no, but mainly about Draco. She'd hug him close, and wouldn't let go for the longest time seemingly to him. He never doubted the theory of her just being sick. That's the only reason she clung to him and mumbled sorry over and over again. Wasn't it? He began having doubts when her fevers calmed, over the period of a few days though. Sick, he could believe, but when he caught her staring at him for long moments at a time, he couldn't help but wonder just how much of it was caused by the fever.
She had trouble remembering things. The smell of blood wouldn't leave her, but luckily her period didn't hinder her. Still though, she had problems understanding things. She kept thinking of random things, without knowing why. A wand, journals, bathtubs, trees, streams, green valleys, cats. Random things she couldn't place, sometimes. Other times, she knew all too well what some things were. Like the sword that hung above the fireplace in her house, sheathed for the present, but always bloody in her dreams. She didn't think they were dreams. Dreams were helpful, they meant something to most people. They tried to help, warn. Not harm. Scare. But they did. And as Draco finally let her out of bed, she sat still, poised in the armchair before the fire. The light glared off of the sword on the mantle, causing her to shudder suddenly. She feels a blanket on her, and looking up, she sees an almost concerned Draco. He sat in his own chair, glad she was out and about, but still worried.
Whatever she had had, it had kept her in bed for almost four days. He didn't feel like being kept in bed for Christmas. Not this year. This year would be different. He wouldn't have to put up with old Aunt Edina this year. Nor his own parents. He was still unsure about whether or not to get Hermione a gift. He had a feeling he should. So, he had bought her something, but was almost afraid to give it to her. He had it wrapped, stuffed under his bed. As he thought, his eyes wandered to her again. Just seeing her, sitting there, he couldn't help but lick his lips. They had a little over a week left together, and she was still untouchable.
Tomorrow was Christmas. He wondered if she even knew it. With her odd waking in the night, both had been thrown off their usual time schedules. As the clock chimed midnight, the area became eerily silent. Leaves blew down 145th slowly, making their way to the already plugged gutters. Draco glanced over to her; wondering how something could invoke such thoughts into his head.
Hermione glanced over at Draco quietly, "Merry Christmas, Draco Malfoy."
He smiles slightly, "Merry Christmas, Hermione Granger."
She grinned at him, thinking also. The dreams had ceased partially. She had talked with Draco about some. She knew he didn't care, but it was nice just to know that he would listen. She stood up, wobbly, and went into her room. Digging under her bed, she pulled out the box. Taking it downstairs, she sat in her chair, pushing the box across the floor to him. He looked at it surprised. He hadn't been expecting this. Smiling sheepishly, he jumps up, stumbling over his own feet to retrieve his gift for her. Pushing it in her lap, he sits back with the wrapped box, opening it slowly. He never got anything from anyone except his mother. And even she never gave him much.
She also unwrapped hers carefully. She didn't know what to expect. This was Draco she was talking about. He finished opening his first, his being the smaller. In his hands he held a small wooden box, intricately carved with snakes on it. A small poem was inscribed.
Warriors beware;
Owner take care.
In this box lies,
The death of all knives.
He looks up at her, still running his hand over the wood. Opening it he finds muggle pens, and a small booklet. Looking at the opened part, he sees another inscription.
I never gave you this.
You never saw.
The box of knives,
Secrets kept.
To anyone who dares,
To read inside.
Until your death,
Secrets kept.
So that's what it meant, he thought wonderingly, looking as she found her gifts. Pulling out of the somewhat large box, she finds new robes, new quills, new parchment, and other assorted things. She looks at him, her mouth gaping, "I-I can't accept these! They must have cost a fortune…"
He shrugs, pointing at the box. "So this was cheap?" Both knew that the Box of Knives was something many wizards had, but not until they were older. Expensive, and rare, they weren't common in younger people.
He picks up the booklet, flipping through it. In it he saw tons of pictures. Pictures of Hogwarts, of himself, Potter, Weasleys, Snape, Dumbledore… Everyone. Seeing the last page, he looks at one of Hogwarts library. Dark and dank, he sees Hermione sitting at a desk. The picture looked up at him briefly, brown eyes vibrant before looking at her book again. Strands of hair wafted over her face, casting a very appeasing look.
He looked up at her, "Thanks, 'Mione." He whispered. This was his first real Christmas. He had gifts, he had a woman happy with him, and he was content. She blushed. In the morning she'd have more gift from her family, and maybe another for Draco.
But he wasn't expecting any. He only expected some letter from his father, maybe clothing from mom. Nothing more. He yawned, stretching. "Time for bed, 'Mione."
She nods, not protesting like usual. She stared into the fire until she felt him tugging her up. She followed him, not very graceful at all, as he stood at the room of her door, watching her get in bed. He looked up at the ceiling, sighing contently. Thoughts of peace resided in him, until he heard her whine. "Draco…"
He looked at her, lying in the bed, looking content, yet with her face strained. The only clothing he allowed her to wear was sweat pants and tee-shirts, loose old ones of his and her fathers. Her cheeks flushed red as she spilled out the words before thinking, "Will you sleep in here?" He looked at her surprised. The doubt showed on her face, but he could see the sparkle of hope in her mahogany eyes. At that moment his control broke on thoughts he had long ago dismissed. Thoughts of doing more then just sleeping in her bed, more than anything else he wished for her to be happy with him. And now, trusting him to sleep in her room… "Where?"
She shrugged… "The floor… the bed…" Reddened slightly, "I don't care."
He thinks about it. She hadn't been contagious for a while now, so he nodded to her, walking into his own room for clean boxers. (A/N: The smell of clean boxers… XD) Returning to her room, he sits on the edge of the bed, stroking her hair with his hand. She looked at him warily, still nervous, knowing he could hurt her, but nonetheless feeling safer and more comfortable then ever. And she was fairly curious about him these days. She wondered why he hid behind his eyes, and why he noticed her more and more. Not that she minded, she loved being noticed by him. But still, she passed it off as just a simple interest of her health, not sexuality. He sighed, "Choose now- floor or bed?"
She stutters slightly, "Bed." She looks away unsure. She wasn't positive she could trust him. He was Draco after all. But it was Christmas. She missed Harry and Ron right now, and wanted to wake up next to someone, anyone.
Draco nods, climbing over her and positioning himself on her other side. Getting comfortable he yawns, watching as she clicked the light off. She moved closer to him, inching towards him. He finally pulls her so her body stretched out along his. Whispering he kisses her neck, "Can we just forget who we are for tonight?"
She snuggles up to his broad chest, feeling and hearing at the same time as he breathed in and out. She shakes her head, mumbling. "Not in the mood."
He sighs dejectedly. Holding her close, he looked out the window to the waxing moon, contently yawning as he watched the snow fall gently, layering the ground in powdered sugar almost, creating the picture perfect Christmas Eve for one Draco Malfoy.
She awoke early, her bathroom trip becoming a routine. Yawning, she stretched. She felt so much better! Skipping down the stairs, she runs through the kitchen, cooking food for herself, some left over for the brute upstairs.
Sitting quietly in the chair, she looks at the robe he had gotten her. It fit her perfectly, and was made of the softest material she had ever felt. They were light, like fleece, but warm, and black, like the usual. Still though. It felt wrong for her to accept items from him. His beating had made her cautious. But not so that she hadn't forgiven him. Draco never took steps without calm motives. His motive was something, and if it mattered to him so much, well, then he could have it.
She arranged the gifts for herself in front of her chair, along with the sparse ones from Draco's family. She added her other gift to him, nervously. She knew she was pushing it. But still, she wanted to see his reaction to it. Not like he'd ever use it, but still.
Looking to the stairs, she sees him walking down them coolly and calmly. He sat down chair, looking over at her. She picked up the largest gift from her parents, one of which Draco had the exact same one of. Unwrapping them at the same time, they find fleece blankets both the colors of their houses. Hermione rubs her fingers over the soft material, tracing her cursive name in the center of it. Opening to the other gifts, she finds mainly clothing and school supplies.
Draco's small pile soon disperses until only the envelope she left for him is left. He picks it up, twiddling his fingers, and looking at her with a somewhat confused. Opening it, he reads the small sheet of paper, seeing the Hermione is busy looking out the window, wrapped in the red and gold blanket.
Mr. Malfoy-
This certificate is good for one evening alone with one Miss Granger.
At the bottom, she had signed. He looked at her flowery writing. Looked like a teachers. But still, what was the meaning of this? "Uhm, what exactly do you mean by this?"
"Means for one night, me and you are someone else." She whispers, her throat drier then she ever recalled.
He nods, setting it aside, "And when I run out?"
She shrugs, "You make do with what you have."
He gets up, moving her blanket aside to sit on her lap. She stares into his cold gray eyes, biting back the urge to throw him off and run. She flinches as he traces his finger around her face. "Only once?"
She nods, afraid to say anything for the fear that she may blurt just how much she wanted him.
He musters up all his will power, taking the paper from the small table and putting it in her hand. He meant for the action to be mean, harsh. Instead it came out more trembling then he wanted. Quickly he got up off of her, walking upstairs, leaving her shaking and scared. But the emotion that showed through her eyes most of all was the one and only: pain.
A/N: Well... Not as good as it could have been, but oh well. I kind of liked it. The whole Certificate thing will come in later when I decide to throw in a steamy scene. Hope you all like it, please review with ideas!
XtremeGirl: Welcome!
Mystryst: If you don't like it, don't read it. ' I'm just doing this for fun in spare time, not writing a book for J.K. Rowling herself!
Dracoluver: Damn, I was hoping no one would notice those! Okay, here's a quick fix, the Three Broomsticks is also in Diagon Alley XD
Agony Manson: Moosey Doom? I'm afraid ' -Hides-
Chels: Hehe, like you could kick my ass if you tried.
The_Dragons_Lover: ^^ I'll keep posting it up as long as people read it. XD
Next chapter... Errr, whatever comes to mind XD
Draco shakes his head, groaning as light sifted over him. Damn window, he thinks to himself. Rolling over, he buries his head into his pillow. He hated life. He hated it badly. "Stupid family traditions," he growls under his breath. Getting himself in an upright position, he pushes his hair back from his face, yawning.
Stumbling to the bathroom, he jumps in the shower, jolted awake by the sudden rush of water. Shivering, he turns on the warm, just standing and enjoying the water. He jumps up; a muffled noise of shock as Hermione walks in. He watches her, sticking his head out of the shower, "Do you mind?"
She quirks a brow at him, "Seen you naked before, Malfoy."
"No first names now?" He asks, quizzically.
She shrugs, brushing her teeth, looking in the mirror and scowling. She hated her hair. Combing it back, she ties a bandanna around the stray locks of hair, the dark purple complimenting her deep chocolate brown eyes. Draco nods an approval. He grins as he sees her applying a light amount of makeup. She looks over at him, sticking her tongue out at him, still layering a small bit of blush on her cheeks.
She never wore makeup at Hogwarts, but this wasn't Hogwarts. Turning her head to look at Draco, his upper half still sticking around the shower door, she gives him a dirty look. "Do you mind?" She mimics, gesturing the toilet.
He laughs, "If you need it so badly, use it."
She glares. "Hurry up before I make your water colder then ice." She stalks out. She felt like taking a bath, but not before slapping herself. "Why did I put on my makeup then?" A small timid voice in the back of her head answers her; You want him to notice you.
She shakes the thought. Even if she did she'd never admit it. Not to herself or anyone else.
After about ten minutes of hearing the water run, she growls lowly under her breath. She knew that whatever she did with magic, he'd be able to reverse. With that knowledge, she runs downstairs to the water heater, playing with the switches until she hears the comforting yell of Draco's acquaintance with the cold water.
Walking back upstairs, feeling dizzy suddenly, she lies on the couch, seeing an indignant Draco coming down the stairs. He was dressed in only pants, and was holding a shirt. He glowers at her sitting on the couch. She lays still, breathing quietly. He watches her impatient, "Well?"
"What?" She grumbles. Her head hurt, like it had never before. Like a constant pounding.
He shakes his head; "You got me out, so go enjoy it."
She groans, her arm covering her eyes. "My head…"
Draco gets up walking upstairs, to rummage through his bags. When he returns, he holds a small container. Rattling it, he commands her, "Sit up."
She does what he asked, moaning with effort. Everything felt as though it was spinning. Her head pounded, and she blinked a couple of times. He opens the container, dropping out a few pills, handing them to her. He pushes a glass of water from the table towards her. "Swallow."
She does it, mumbling, "I hope these kill me."
He laughs cynically, "They'll knock you out like you're dead. But they'll help."
Hermione sighs, lying back, the pain in her head easing only slightly. "Oh God…"
"The name's Draco. If you prefer, Malfoy." He smiles at her, more of a smile then a smirk for once.
"Take a bath, you'll feel better." He stands up, yawning and trudging into the kitchen. Grabbing a cloth, he wets it, going back to Hermione and putting in on her forehead. She looked beautiful to him. In a helpless sort of way. She looked at him, still pondering the thought of where he got the pills, what they were, and why he was giving them to her. She had the thought that he felt nothing for her. After such a beating and all. She was curious to if he could even show emotion towards her.
She looks up at him through glazed eyes, "Draco…"
He takes the cloth from her head, "Yeah?"
"I think I love you." She chokes on the words, everything hurting. Her body wretched as she threw up, spilling the contents of her stomach on the ground. She sits up, mumbling that she'll get it. Draco pushes her down, considering that her words must have been caused by the simplicity of her delirium. He grabs his wand, flickering it at the mess Hermione left. It disappears, leaving it dry and undefined. He picks her up, careful of his footing, and takes her up to her room. Already the pills were having an effect. She drowsily leaned against him, everything spinning.
He lies her down on her bed, smoothing the blankets over her. Returning downstairs, he grabs a cup of water, another wet cloth, and a book from his room. Taking his place in her quarters, he lies the cloth on her head, the water beside her bed, and sits in the black chair with a book. This was going to be a long night.
She slept, but not easily. She kept waking, crying most times, screaming once or twice. Most times about something as simple as no, but mainly about Draco. She'd hug him close, and wouldn't let go for the longest time seemingly to him. He never doubted the theory of her just being sick. That's the only reason she clung to him and mumbled sorry over and over again. Wasn't it? He began having doubts when her fevers calmed, over the period of a few days though. Sick, he could believe, but when he caught her staring at him for long moments at a time, he couldn't help but wonder just how much of it was caused by the fever.
She had trouble remembering things. The smell of blood wouldn't leave her, but luckily her period didn't hinder her. Still though, she had problems understanding things. She kept thinking of random things, without knowing why. A wand, journals, bathtubs, trees, streams, green valleys, cats. Random things she couldn't place, sometimes. Other times, she knew all too well what some things were. Like the sword that hung above the fireplace in her house, sheathed for the present, but always bloody in her dreams. She didn't think they were dreams. Dreams were helpful, they meant something to most people. They tried to help, warn. Not harm. Scare. But they did. And as Draco finally let her out of bed, she sat still, poised in the armchair before the fire. The light glared off of the sword on the mantle, causing her to shudder suddenly. She feels a blanket on her, and looking up, she sees an almost concerned Draco. He sat in his own chair, glad she was out and about, but still worried.
Whatever she had had, it had kept her in bed for almost four days. He didn't feel like being kept in bed for Christmas. Not this year. This year would be different. He wouldn't have to put up with old Aunt Edina this year. Nor his own parents. He was still unsure about whether or not to get Hermione a gift. He had a feeling he should. So, he had bought her something, but was almost afraid to give it to her. He had it wrapped, stuffed under his bed. As he thought, his eyes wandered to her again. Just seeing her, sitting there, he couldn't help but lick his lips. They had a little over a week left together, and she was still untouchable.
Tomorrow was Christmas. He wondered if she even knew it. With her odd waking in the night, both had been thrown off their usual time schedules. As the clock chimed midnight, the area became eerily silent. Leaves blew down 145th slowly, making their way to the already plugged gutters. Draco glanced over to her; wondering how something could invoke such thoughts into his head.
Hermione glanced over at Draco quietly, "Merry Christmas, Draco Malfoy."
He smiles slightly, "Merry Christmas, Hermione Granger."
She grinned at him, thinking also. The dreams had ceased partially. She had talked with Draco about some. She knew he didn't care, but it was nice just to know that he would listen. She stood up, wobbly, and went into her room. Digging under her bed, she pulled out the box. Taking it downstairs, she sat in her chair, pushing the box across the floor to him. He looked at it surprised. He hadn't been expecting this. Smiling sheepishly, he jumps up, stumbling over his own feet to retrieve his gift for her. Pushing it in her lap, he sits back with the wrapped box, opening it slowly. He never got anything from anyone except his mother. And even she never gave him much.
She also unwrapped hers carefully. She didn't know what to expect. This was Draco she was talking about. He finished opening his first, his being the smaller. In his hands he held a small wooden box, intricately carved with snakes on it. A small poem was inscribed.
Warriors beware;
Owner take care.
In this box lies,
The death of all knives.
He looks up at her, still running his hand over the wood. Opening it he finds muggle pens, and a small booklet. Looking at the opened part, he sees another inscription.
I never gave you this.
You never saw.
The box of knives,
Secrets kept.
To anyone who dares,
To read inside.
Until your death,
Secrets kept.
So that's what it meant, he thought wonderingly, looking as she found her gifts. Pulling out of the somewhat large box, she finds new robes, new quills, new parchment, and other assorted things. She looks at him, her mouth gaping, "I-I can't accept these! They must have cost a fortune…"
He shrugs, pointing at the box. "So this was cheap?" Both knew that the Box of Knives was something many wizards had, but not until they were older. Expensive, and rare, they weren't common in younger people.
He picks up the booklet, flipping through it. In it he saw tons of pictures. Pictures of Hogwarts, of himself, Potter, Weasleys, Snape, Dumbledore… Everyone. Seeing the last page, he looks at one of Hogwarts library. Dark and dank, he sees Hermione sitting at a desk. The picture looked up at him briefly, brown eyes vibrant before looking at her book again. Strands of hair wafted over her face, casting a very appeasing look.
He looked up at her, "Thanks, 'Mione." He whispered. This was his first real Christmas. He had gifts, he had a woman happy with him, and he was content. She blushed. In the morning she'd have more gift from her family, and maybe another for Draco.
But he wasn't expecting any. He only expected some letter from his father, maybe clothing from mom. Nothing more. He yawned, stretching. "Time for bed, 'Mione."
She nods, not protesting like usual. She stared into the fire until she felt him tugging her up. She followed him, not very graceful at all, as he stood at the room of her door, watching her get in bed. He looked up at the ceiling, sighing contently. Thoughts of peace resided in him, until he heard her whine. "Draco…"
He looked at her, lying in the bed, looking content, yet with her face strained. The only clothing he allowed her to wear was sweat pants and tee-shirts, loose old ones of his and her fathers. Her cheeks flushed red as she spilled out the words before thinking, "Will you sleep in here?" He looked at her surprised. The doubt showed on her face, but he could see the sparkle of hope in her mahogany eyes. At that moment his control broke on thoughts he had long ago dismissed. Thoughts of doing more then just sleeping in her bed, more than anything else he wished for her to be happy with him. And now, trusting him to sleep in her room… "Where?"
She shrugged… "The floor… the bed…" Reddened slightly, "I don't care."
He thinks about it. She hadn't been contagious for a while now, so he nodded to her, walking into his own room for clean boxers. (A/N: The smell of clean boxers… XD) Returning to her room, he sits on the edge of the bed, stroking her hair with his hand. She looked at him warily, still nervous, knowing he could hurt her, but nonetheless feeling safer and more comfortable then ever. And she was fairly curious about him these days. She wondered why he hid behind his eyes, and why he noticed her more and more. Not that she minded, she loved being noticed by him. But still, she passed it off as just a simple interest of her health, not sexuality. He sighed, "Choose now- floor or bed?"
She stutters slightly, "Bed." She looks away unsure. She wasn't positive she could trust him. He was Draco after all. But it was Christmas. She missed Harry and Ron right now, and wanted to wake up next to someone, anyone.
Draco nods, climbing over her and positioning himself on her other side. Getting comfortable he yawns, watching as she clicked the light off. She moved closer to him, inching towards him. He finally pulls her so her body stretched out along his. Whispering he kisses her neck, "Can we just forget who we are for tonight?"
She snuggles up to his broad chest, feeling and hearing at the same time as he breathed in and out. She shakes her head, mumbling. "Not in the mood."
He sighs dejectedly. Holding her close, he looked out the window to the waxing moon, contently yawning as he watched the snow fall gently, layering the ground in powdered sugar almost, creating the picture perfect Christmas Eve for one Draco Malfoy.
She awoke early, her bathroom trip becoming a routine. Yawning, she stretched. She felt so much better! Skipping down the stairs, she runs through the kitchen, cooking food for herself, some left over for the brute upstairs.
Sitting quietly in the chair, she looks at the robe he had gotten her. It fit her perfectly, and was made of the softest material she had ever felt. They were light, like fleece, but warm, and black, like the usual. Still though. It felt wrong for her to accept items from him. His beating had made her cautious. But not so that she hadn't forgiven him. Draco never took steps without calm motives. His motive was something, and if it mattered to him so much, well, then he could have it.
She arranged the gifts for herself in front of her chair, along with the sparse ones from Draco's family. She added her other gift to him, nervously. She knew she was pushing it. But still, she wanted to see his reaction to it. Not like he'd ever use it, but still.
Looking to the stairs, she sees him walking down them coolly and calmly. He sat down chair, looking over at her. She picked up the largest gift from her parents, one of which Draco had the exact same one of. Unwrapping them at the same time, they find fleece blankets both the colors of their houses. Hermione rubs her fingers over the soft material, tracing her cursive name in the center of it. Opening to the other gifts, she finds mainly clothing and school supplies.
Draco's small pile soon disperses until only the envelope she left for him is left. He picks it up, twiddling his fingers, and looking at her with a somewhat confused. Opening it, he reads the small sheet of paper, seeing the Hermione is busy looking out the window, wrapped in the red and gold blanket.
Mr. Malfoy-
This certificate is good for one evening alone with one Miss Granger.
At the bottom, she had signed. He looked at her flowery writing. Looked like a teachers. But still, what was the meaning of this? "Uhm, what exactly do you mean by this?"
"Means for one night, me and you are someone else." She whispers, her throat drier then she ever recalled.
He nods, setting it aside, "And when I run out?"
She shrugs, "You make do with what you have."
He gets up, moving her blanket aside to sit on her lap. She stares into his cold gray eyes, biting back the urge to throw him off and run. She flinches as he traces his finger around her face. "Only once?"
She nods, afraid to say anything for the fear that she may blurt just how much she wanted him.
He musters up all his will power, taking the paper from the small table and putting it in her hand. He meant for the action to be mean, harsh. Instead it came out more trembling then he wanted. Quickly he got up off of her, walking upstairs, leaving her shaking and scared. But the emotion that showed through her eyes most of all was the one and only: pain.
A/N: Well... Not as good as it could have been, but oh well. I kind of liked it. The whole Certificate thing will come in later when I decide to throw in a steamy scene. Hope you all like it, please review with ideas!
XtremeGirl: Welcome!
Mystryst: If you don't like it, don't read it. ' I'm just doing this for fun in spare time, not writing a book for J.K. Rowling herself!
Dracoluver: Damn, I was hoping no one would notice those! Okay, here's a quick fix, the Three Broomsticks is also in Diagon Alley XD
Agony Manson: Moosey Doom? I'm afraid ' -Hides-
Chels: Hehe, like you could kick my ass if you tried.
The_Dragons_Lover: ^^ I'll keep posting it up as long as people read it. XD
Next chapter... Errr, whatever comes to mind XD
