A/N: Thanks to reviewers once again. I have a feeling that I'm not going to
be on for at least two weeks because I'm pretty sure my computer has a
virus, so I have to get my cousin here to reboot it. I'm only updating now
because I'm afraid that I'm not going to be able in a few more hours. Yes,
I know. I AM paranoid. Lol, here's to: Crazy azn angel, THE BOOT OF MANY
MOODS, Goddess of the Bloodmoon, Sweet-soph, Anjlz7, Icedfirestar,
NewSecretRose, Dracoandhermioneforever88, FiRe-n-IcE-62, Silvy-Silver-Eyed,
A.J.D'Angelo, DanishGirl, Purple Spotted Hedwig.
Ah, yes. And thanks to all those people who sent me gummy bears! Yum!
Choo choo.. here comes the train! *****************************************************
Draco's POV
I walked in a daze the rest of the day. Nothing seemed to be real anymore. Hermione's soft curls were a dream, and Potter's irritating scar was no more than a figment of my imagination. It was my father's entire fault, and I hated him. I hated Pansy just as much. The wench was going to pay for my trouble. I somehow KNEW this was going to involve Hermione in more ways than one. How I missed the days when I was back in muggle high school. My only problem was the prissy bitch, Brittany. She would weaken easily under sharp insults, and I had quite a tongue if I say so myself.
"Draco.." Someone seemingly whispered into my ear. "Draco!" The voice cried more urgently now. I was suddenly shaken out of my stupor and lifted my head to look at Hermione. "Class is over." She repeated. I suddenly realized that the entire transfiguration class was empty, and McGonagall was staring at me with pointed eyes. I hurriedly shuffled my books together into my pack as Hermione pulled me by the arm and said a hurried goodbye to the professor.
"What's wrong Draco?" Hermione asked, as she stopped at the side of the hall turning to face me.
I looked away. I didn't want her to get involved in this. She meant too much to me. "Nothing.. it's nothing." I repeated.
"Draco! I know there's something wrong! You dazed off in class, even when the bell rang you were oblivious!" She pressed.
"I told you! There is nothing wrong, okay??" I cried as I shook my head and ran a hand through my hair.
"But, you seemed like someone died! I know you, and that is NOT how you usually look!" Hermione continued once again. She was really getting on my nerves. Couldn't she tell that I wanted to be left alone??
"Listen to me, and stop nagging!! NOTHING IS FUCKIN' WRONG!! SO JUST LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE!!" I roared this time, unexpectedly. I would've done anything to take that back. Her face had this especially poignant, hurt look on it, which made me want to kiss it away so badly. But at the moment, I was a bit disoriented with my thoughts. Instead, my Malfoy genes took over, and I quickly turned and walked away.
Hermione's POV
"Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry." I repeated to myself over and over again. I was fighting an inner battle and I definitely seemed to be losing. It was when I saw Ginny talking to Ron in the common room, did I start bawling my eyes out. I felt ridiculous, but it felt better all the same as she came over and hugged me.
"Whaa.." Ron asked confused as he started up towards us. Ginny waved him away as we walked up the stairs into the girl's dormitories. Lavender was in there combing her blonde waves in front of a mirror.
"What happened?" She asked Ginny softly, nodding towards me, as we sat down on the red and gold striped couch. I felt her shrug.
"Hermione?" Ginny gently prodded. I lifted my head up off her shoulder and sniffled a little bit.
"He yelled at me." I said softly, letting the words sink in. He had always been so gentle and caring. I loved him, and what he said had hurt a little more than little.
"Are you ready to talk about it?" Lavender asked in a psychiatrist type way. I nodded as I finished hiccupping.
"He acted so disoriented today. I didn't know what was bothering him, so at the end of the last class, I asked him. He seemed to be a little stubborn about it, whatever IT is. I guess this is partially my fault, because I was nagging a bit. It's just that I was so worried for him!" I explained all in one breath.
They both squished on into the couch beside me as they each put an arm around my shoulders.
"You really shouldn't worry much. It's Draco Malfoy we're talking about. He's always been known for his secretiveness and possessiveness. Only because of you, he changed. He probably needs to be by himself for a while. Give him some time, he'll tell you when he's ready and gets the chance." Ginny soothed.
I smiled a little bit, realizing the truth in her words. "You know what? That might actually be good advice." I stated as I hugged my two friends.
"When have I NOT given good advice?" Ginny cried, affronted.
"Come to think of it, remember that time in Honeydukes.."
Lavender started laughing, remembering the bizarre scene involving Fred and George Weasley, flying duck creams, and cannon icee balls. I smiled. Treasure the moments.
Draco's POV
I felt really bad about yelling at Hermione last night as I watched her laugh with her friends at the Gryffindor table, without even taking one glance at ME. Understatement, I felt horrible. That old Malfoy side had come out of me again. My father and Pansy had initiated it. It was Saturday today and we had no classes. I had to talk to Hermione alone, to redeem myself. I casually got out of my seat and strode my way lazily towards the Gryffindor table. It was my signature walk. I reached the red and yellow clad table and touched Hermione's shoulder.
"Hermione?" I asked. She, along with the rest of the Gryffindors along the table looked up at me. To add, some Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws were looking at me too. That made just about four hundred eyes boring into my figure.
"Can I talk to you for a few minutes? Alone?" I added. She quietly got out of her seat and followed me out of the great hall into the main corridor. "What do you want?" She asked a bit bluntly. I touched her arm gently and got to the point. "I'm really sorry for cursing and snapping at you yesterday." I took a breath. "It's just that something was bothering me. Yes, you were right." I said seeing her knowing face. "It's this." I handed her the crumpled letter that I had shoved into my pocket this morning.
I saw her expression change from confusion to horror. It gave me some satisfaction to see her realize that I wasn't getting all stormy for no reason at all. She suddenly looked up and wrapped me in a hug. "I'm so sorry.. I didn't know.. I had no idea.." She whispered into my chest. I stroked her hair and hugged her back. "It's not your fault." I tilted her head up gently and leaned in closer to her mouth. Our lips touched as an electrifying shiver ran up my spine. It was like a sigh of relief, and I felt her deepen the kiss by probing her tongue into my mouth.
Then, someone interrupted us. AGAIN.
"Ahem! Mr. Malfoy, Ms. Granger.. that will be enough! That is a bit inappropriate for most students to see, so I suggest you stop this behavior, or I might give you detention in the future!" Snape barked. "And to ease my state of mind." I heard him mutter. We stepped about a foot apart blushing deeply and hurried back into the Great Hall.
Snape's POV
Of all my luck, I just HAD to catch them snogging in the hallway. It was gross enough in my nightmares.. but did I REALLY have to see it in full vivid color?? Let's thank god I knew the memory erasing charm and I had a pensive.
That Afternoon
Draco's POV
"Meet me in the astronomy tower at eight," I whispered to Hermione in the middle of Potions.
"Mr. Malfoy! Is there something you might like to discuss with the class??" Snape barked. Why did they ALWAYS say the same lines over and over again? It was getting tiring, if you ask me.
"Um.. actually, there IS something I've been meaning to ask." I said sarcastically. "Do you like, EVER wash your hair??" Damn, just like the English teacher did to me when I talked back to her, I got two weeks of detention.
That night
I leaned on the railing that separated me from solid ground and plunging two hundred and fifty feet into my death. "Draco?" Hermione whispered from behind me.
"You came!"
"Of course I came, you dolt. Would I have a reason not to?" She asked putting her arms around my waist. "What are we doing here anyways?" She asked, her face gazing up into mine.
"Nothing.. just wanted to be here with you.." I answered. She laughed lightly. "Your so cute when you look like that!"
I stared at her, affronted. "I am NOT cute!" I cried. Cute?? As in fluffy bunnies, cute?? I think not.
She raised her eyebrows at me. "Then what do you WANT me to call you?"
"Devilish, sexy, inviting, dangerous, attractive, arousing, debonair.." I led off. She laughed.
"My, my. Aren't we conceited?" I smiled at her response and kissed her forehead.
And that was how the rest of the night was until ten o'clock. We talked about little things and got to know each other much better. I even conjured up two plush armchairs so we wouldn't have to stand around talking for three hours. I found out about her family history and even her pet peeves. I would never take her for granted again. In the soft moonlight, with the breeze rippling her hair, she was gorgeous. Finally, it was time to go, and I walked her to the portrait of the fat lady. "See you tomorrow?" I questioned, already knowing the answer.
"Of course, prat." He responded kissing my nose and was off into her common room already. And, as always, a playful insult to go with it.
I walked back to my common room and into my dormitory acting like a giddy schoolboy, which I was. I whistled happily as I got into my bed. I heard someone growl. "Shuddup, mate. We don't want to hear about your adventures with Hermione right now. Go to sleep." Jarvis grumbled from somewhere in the dark room. I laughed softly and snuggled deeper into the covers. Then a thought hit me. A thought that kept me from getting my usual necessary hours of sleep.
"Was I going to choose love over power?"
A/N: Thanks for all your compliments, constructive criticism, etc.. Please review!!
Ah, yes. And thanks to all those people who sent me gummy bears! Yum!
Choo choo.. here comes the train! *****************************************************
Draco's POV
I walked in a daze the rest of the day. Nothing seemed to be real anymore. Hermione's soft curls were a dream, and Potter's irritating scar was no more than a figment of my imagination. It was my father's entire fault, and I hated him. I hated Pansy just as much. The wench was going to pay for my trouble. I somehow KNEW this was going to involve Hermione in more ways than one. How I missed the days when I was back in muggle high school. My only problem was the prissy bitch, Brittany. She would weaken easily under sharp insults, and I had quite a tongue if I say so myself.
"Draco.." Someone seemingly whispered into my ear. "Draco!" The voice cried more urgently now. I was suddenly shaken out of my stupor and lifted my head to look at Hermione. "Class is over." She repeated. I suddenly realized that the entire transfiguration class was empty, and McGonagall was staring at me with pointed eyes. I hurriedly shuffled my books together into my pack as Hermione pulled me by the arm and said a hurried goodbye to the professor.
"What's wrong Draco?" Hermione asked, as she stopped at the side of the hall turning to face me.
I looked away. I didn't want her to get involved in this. She meant too much to me. "Nothing.. it's nothing." I repeated.
"Draco! I know there's something wrong! You dazed off in class, even when the bell rang you were oblivious!" She pressed.
"I told you! There is nothing wrong, okay??" I cried as I shook my head and ran a hand through my hair.
"But, you seemed like someone died! I know you, and that is NOT how you usually look!" Hermione continued once again. She was really getting on my nerves. Couldn't she tell that I wanted to be left alone??
"Listen to me, and stop nagging!! NOTHING IS FUCKIN' WRONG!! SO JUST LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE!!" I roared this time, unexpectedly. I would've done anything to take that back. Her face had this especially poignant, hurt look on it, which made me want to kiss it away so badly. But at the moment, I was a bit disoriented with my thoughts. Instead, my Malfoy genes took over, and I quickly turned and walked away.
Hermione's POV
"Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry." I repeated to myself over and over again. I was fighting an inner battle and I definitely seemed to be losing. It was when I saw Ginny talking to Ron in the common room, did I start bawling my eyes out. I felt ridiculous, but it felt better all the same as she came over and hugged me.
"Whaa.." Ron asked confused as he started up towards us. Ginny waved him away as we walked up the stairs into the girl's dormitories. Lavender was in there combing her blonde waves in front of a mirror.
"What happened?" She asked Ginny softly, nodding towards me, as we sat down on the red and gold striped couch. I felt her shrug.
"Hermione?" Ginny gently prodded. I lifted my head up off her shoulder and sniffled a little bit.
"He yelled at me." I said softly, letting the words sink in. He had always been so gentle and caring. I loved him, and what he said had hurt a little more than little.
"Are you ready to talk about it?" Lavender asked in a psychiatrist type way. I nodded as I finished hiccupping.
"He acted so disoriented today. I didn't know what was bothering him, so at the end of the last class, I asked him. He seemed to be a little stubborn about it, whatever IT is. I guess this is partially my fault, because I was nagging a bit. It's just that I was so worried for him!" I explained all in one breath.
They both squished on into the couch beside me as they each put an arm around my shoulders.
"You really shouldn't worry much. It's Draco Malfoy we're talking about. He's always been known for his secretiveness and possessiveness. Only because of you, he changed. He probably needs to be by himself for a while. Give him some time, he'll tell you when he's ready and gets the chance." Ginny soothed.
I smiled a little bit, realizing the truth in her words. "You know what? That might actually be good advice." I stated as I hugged my two friends.
"When have I NOT given good advice?" Ginny cried, affronted.
"Come to think of it, remember that time in Honeydukes.."
Lavender started laughing, remembering the bizarre scene involving Fred and George Weasley, flying duck creams, and cannon icee balls. I smiled. Treasure the moments.
Draco's POV
I felt really bad about yelling at Hermione last night as I watched her laugh with her friends at the Gryffindor table, without even taking one glance at ME. Understatement, I felt horrible. That old Malfoy side had come out of me again. My father and Pansy had initiated it. It was Saturday today and we had no classes. I had to talk to Hermione alone, to redeem myself. I casually got out of my seat and strode my way lazily towards the Gryffindor table. It was my signature walk. I reached the red and yellow clad table and touched Hermione's shoulder.
"Hermione?" I asked. She, along with the rest of the Gryffindors along the table looked up at me. To add, some Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws were looking at me too. That made just about four hundred eyes boring into my figure.
"Can I talk to you for a few minutes? Alone?" I added. She quietly got out of her seat and followed me out of the great hall into the main corridor. "What do you want?" She asked a bit bluntly. I touched her arm gently and got to the point. "I'm really sorry for cursing and snapping at you yesterday." I took a breath. "It's just that something was bothering me. Yes, you were right." I said seeing her knowing face. "It's this." I handed her the crumpled letter that I had shoved into my pocket this morning.
I saw her expression change from confusion to horror. It gave me some satisfaction to see her realize that I wasn't getting all stormy for no reason at all. She suddenly looked up and wrapped me in a hug. "I'm so sorry.. I didn't know.. I had no idea.." She whispered into my chest. I stroked her hair and hugged her back. "It's not your fault." I tilted her head up gently and leaned in closer to her mouth. Our lips touched as an electrifying shiver ran up my spine. It was like a sigh of relief, and I felt her deepen the kiss by probing her tongue into my mouth.
Then, someone interrupted us. AGAIN.
"Ahem! Mr. Malfoy, Ms. Granger.. that will be enough! That is a bit inappropriate for most students to see, so I suggest you stop this behavior, or I might give you detention in the future!" Snape barked. "And to ease my state of mind." I heard him mutter. We stepped about a foot apart blushing deeply and hurried back into the Great Hall.
Snape's POV
Of all my luck, I just HAD to catch them snogging in the hallway. It was gross enough in my nightmares.. but did I REALLY have to see it in full vivid color?? Let's thank god I knew the memory erasing charm and I had a pensive.
That Afternoon
Draco's POV
"Meet me in the astronomy tower at eight," I whispered to Hermione in the middle of Potions.
"Mr. Malfoy! Is there something you might like to discuss with the class??" Snape barked. Why did they ALWAYS say the same lines over and over again? It was getting tiring, if you ask me.
"Um.. actually, there IS something I've been meaning to ask." I said sarcastically. "Do you like, EVER wash your hair??" Damn, just like the English teacher did to me when I talked back to her, I got two weeks of detention.
That night
I leaned on the railing that separated me from solid ground and plunging two hundred and fifty feet into my death. "Draco?" Hermione whispered from behind me.
"You came!"
"Of course I came, you dolt. Would I have a reason not to?" She asked putting her arms around my waist. "What are we doing here anyways?" She asked, her face gazing up into mine.
"Nothing.. just wanted to be here with you.." I answered. She laughed lightly. "Your so cute when you look like that!"
I stared at her, affronted. "I am NOT cute!" I cried. Cute?? As in fluffy bunnies, cute?? I think not.
She raised her eyebrows at me. "Then what do you WANT me to call you?"
"Devilish, sexy, inviting, dangerous, attractive, arousing, debonair.." I led off. She laughed.
"My, my. Aren't we conceited?" I smiled at her response and kissed her forehead.
And that was how the rest of the night was until ten o'clock. We talked about little things and got to know each other much better. I even conjured up two plush armchairs so we wouldn't have to stand around talking for three hours. I found out about her family history and even her pet peeves. I would never take her for granted again. In the soft moonlight, with the breeze rippling her hair, she was gorgeous. Finally, it was time to go, and I walked her to the portrait of the fat lady. "See you tomorrow?" I questioned, already knowing the answer.
"Of course, prat." He responded kissing my nose and was off into her common room already. And, as always, a playful insult to go with it.
I walked back to my common room and into my dormitory acting like a giddy schoolboy, which I was. I whistled happily as I got into my bed. I heard someone growl. "Shuddup, mate. We don't want to hear about your adventures with Hermione right now. Go to sleep." Jarvis grumbled from somewhere in the dark room. I laughed softly and snuggled deeper into the covers. Then a thought hit me. A thought that kept me from getting my usual necessary hours of sleep.
"Was I going to choose love over power?"
A/N: Thanks for all your compliments, constructive criticism, etc.. Please review!!