Disclaimer: I own nothing...but my sick and twisted imagination
-Deb: Thanks for sending me the email. I hate it when I make errors. I am grateful for the help. -Sunshine: Thanks. -Time Bomb: Sorry I didn't take that twist on things. Thanks for reviewing. -Lily: I always liked Percy best, his character is definitely quirky- In a pansy –ass sorta way. -KivaidensGirl: I also had problems, but all better now. Besides I have been preoccupied with my unhealthy obsession with AFI. Can't seem to get past Davey. Must concentrate on Draco....mmmm. And yes the whole "Downfall of Lucius" part got enormous respect. I am too pleased. -Anastasia: Absolutely hot. Damn those peppers. -Ghypscee: If I didn't have a backache I would bow...And no you don't need to update it after each time. -Justcrazyobsessed: Thanks for the review. Orangey: Wow! I feel your wrath. Great! Exactly what I wanted. Thanks a million. -DHL: I enjoyed writing that last chapter so much.. I was forced to laugh with each head hit. -Luver-of-Tom: Your ideas are very romantic. I respect that you offered to share them with me. But at this time I must humbly decline. Maybe next story. -Lochness: My tale is not quite finished but I am in the process of concluding my thoughts into a coherent stream. After that I will do a rough draft, then finalize it on the comp. Only after I pick it apart and criticize it a million times will I actually post it. -Raven G: Hey! Nice name... -Ktgirl: If you let me know what your confused about and then I can help. -Mirage: Thanks I am writing as fast as I can. -Hugs-A-lot: Wow, thank you. -Medea: Thank you for the loyalty even if you didn't like where it went. It's nice to meet another who escapes married life for fantasy sporadically. -Ann: Never fear here is more. -Teenie: Thank you so much. -RonWaesley: Thanks for the glowing review. -Lavender: Ton's of gratitude. -Sapphire: Thanks. -Beth: LOL! You are wonderful. -Brit: Oh my god, that is so nice of you. -PolishPrincess: Thank you. I won't forget to mention that. -Lizzy: Ron definitely needs a good spanking. Poor Draco. -Staarz: Thank you for your review. And LOTR is wonderfully brilliant! -Jamie: Thanks. -HarryPotterFan: I will try to write as fast as possible. -Tinkerbell: Sorry, nope, Ron's the bad guy in my story. I don't think I plan on changing it. I don't quite know myself. But there is always hope... -IcyBlueEyes: Thank you kindly.. -Lenne: Thanks you very much. I hope that you read more. -BenKingLover: Sorry I haven't had time to update lately.
NOW ON TO THE STORY! Chapter 18: Claustrophobia and The Proposition
Once through the threshold of Hogwarts Draco was immediately rushed to the Head Nurse's station. Hermione refused to be parted from his side, which was a blessing because she kept insisting that she didn't need any medical attentions. She was so deep in shock that the only way the duo could assure that she got the required healing was to insist that she accompany Draco to Madam Pomfrey's. Naturally, Hermione's strong willed ideals couldn't argue with the request.
The stern faced witch turned Ron and Harry away at the door instantly as she ushered in the injured couple. The boy's pleas to remain and offer moral support for their dear friend went unrecognized. They were firmly cast out and refused entrance. In his wrath, Ron kicked the closed door. "Calm down Ron, I am sure that Hermione will be fine." Harry threw an arm around his best friend's slumped shoulders. Ron's scowl was the only reply.
Harry and Ron were granted permission by Professor McGonagall, after wearily relating their two choppy sides to the events, to skip lessons for the rest of the day to regain their sapped strength. The teachers arranged to meet that night with all house heads to discuss the situation and what new precautionary measures shall be in effect. Naturally the security shall have to be reinforced. Dumbledore suggested they enlist the aid of the Order.
The Headmaster concealed his confusion as to why the Slytherins would attack at that moment and who had assisted them. He informed the Order that they had to keep vigil over the four students more closely now that there was an unseen force at work here. Facing Voldemort was a hardship in its own right, but to face the unknown was even more difficult. This was exactly the advantage that Voldemort would use against them. With someone leaking inside information, no one was safe.
Dumbledore refused to express the deep concern that he felt after speaking with Hermione privately upon her waking in the hospital.. She had apologized relentlessly for stealing and losing the pensive, but the old wizard knew of the protective charms that were placed around the pensive to keep its secrets locked up tight. In all probability Voldemort wouldn't be able to get past them. (Unless he got lucky.)
His sparkling eyes were troubled as he pondered the dire situation. The problem was larger than anyone could imagine. He harbored his trepidation, not wanting to alarm any of the students. Always the voice of reason he focused on the tasks at hand, knowing that time was soon to run out and the culprit would be revealed. Even if the consequences were disastrous.
In the hospital wing Hermione recovered consciousness. She had been resting on the cot parallel to Draco's. He was still in a deep slumber, and would probably not wake for some time. The nurse had performed many spells to restore the well being of the two, but finally informed her that only time would heal the remainder of the wounds.
Hospitals were not high on Hermione's list of luxury resorts. The smells twisted her intestines into knots. She became overly anxious and constantly nervous. She had always been in good health, with the exception of when she had been hospitalized after being petrified. But at least then she had been unaware of the claustrophobia that rose, threatening to swallow her in a blaze of fear.
She refused to leave Draco's side while he was still so helpless. He needed her and that took precedence for Hermione over her terror of hospitals. She paced the room to ease her jittery nerves. When she grew exhausted she would climb up next to Draco on the bed and wrap her arms around him tightly, afraid of the nightmares return, more vivid for being memories.
Draco was covered in a sheen sweat and he constantly mumbled in his feverish sleep. He was restless and Hermione's heart ached to witness this. His incoherent babble worried her as she applied another cool rag to his forehead. The silky blond hair was drenched and sticking to his face and she lovingly pushed it back. Her fingers traced a route gently along his bruises and swollen lips. She fought the urge to kiss them away.
After tedious hours of nail-biting Draco's temperature finally receded. This signified that he was fighting the infections and would most likely pull through. The nurse kindly woke Hermione to inform her of the status changes. She smiled gratefully at the nurse as she slid back into the chair positioned by the bedside.
The nurse asked if she was strong enough to receive visitors, since there were two that were driving her to insanity with their relentless pleading. Like an attacking army they had camped outside the doors almost all day. Hermione released a small snort, knowing the disposition of her close friends very intimately. If they were banned from her side they had most definitely thrown themselves bodily at the doors, begged on knees at Dumbledore's noble feet, and called in a bomb threat before retiring for the day.
If persistence were a virtue worthy of awards those two would be covered in medals. Nine times out of ten it was that persistence that helped them succeed. Ron was the only one waiting still by the door when the nurse cracked the doors. He had been snoring loudly but jumped to his unsteady feet the moment the heavy wood budged and instinctively threw as much of his body between the crack as possible to prevent it from closing again without him inside.
He managed to secure a right foot and his left hand in the space before the nurse pushed back the doors completely. "Mr. Weasley, if you don't mind. I am trying to open the doors. You may come in now and stop loitering about my chambers with your incessant nagging." She graciously stepped back and allowed him to push hastily past her.
Draco had felt the cool towels applied to his scalding head and eyes from the dark end of a tunnel. He drifted in his mind back towards the pleasure of cool relief from the burning haze he felt locked in. His eyes had struggled to open as his ears overheard two voices speaking as if underwater. Willing himself to concentrate he only succeeded in pushing a blinding headache forward.
Muffled conversations of the two didn't cease because he had a migraine. So he tried again to grasp what was being said. "Two friends.....outside.....waiting for you all day.....Strong enough.....receive visitors....." The spoken words were a jigsaw puzzle that was missing crucial pieces and were not making up a proper sentence.
Then he heard a loud sob and a low "oomph." Ron had seen Hermione and tackled her roughly in a full on run. The embrace was rough and forceful. Ron was literally squeezing the life out of Hermione. "Ron, I can't breath." She managed to squirm out of his intense hug. Ron eased his grip but spun Hermione around the floor in his arms and set her down only after they had reached the other side of the room.
Draco's eyes fluttered open momentarily and he beheld Hermione standing with her back to him wrapped possessively in Ron's arms. Both faces held the others gaze lovingly. Ron's head dipped closer to the dizzy girl's and his lips slipped on top of Hermione's in a hasty wet kiss. Draco's eyes shut and he quietly groaned.
Hermione pushed Ron's over enthusiastic body from her and blushed. She had known that he would be relieved, just not that relieved. It was flattering, but she did not reciprocate his affections. She lightly slapped his arm and glanced back guiltily at Draco peacefully sleeping.
Draco was nauseas with the effort to pay attention. His surroundings sunk into blackness. He had just witnessed his girlfriend kissing the Weasel and, as furious as he was, he still couldn't manage to keep his eyes open. The words swam in his head in another catatonic wave. "I never properly thanked you for all that you've done."
Hermione's soft tone carried like a whisper to Draco on the opposite side of the room. He forced himself to slit open his eyes once more. Ron's arms slid down her hips and he stepped into her personal boundaries. "I don't need you to say the words, Hermione. Your body shows me so much more than anything spoken." Hermione's face went blank with puzzlement. Ron knew that she was trying to interpret the comment, but he quickly continued his proposition before she could grasp the hidden innuendos.
Ron's eyes skimmed to Draco's face quickly, observing that he was alert and paying close attention to their little performance. Ron's sinful grin was hid by Hermione's shadow as he tenderly and slyly slid the back of his hand along Hermione's exposed arm. His other hand hovered one inch away from her bottom, making the illusion to anyone at a distance that he was caressing her.
Ron's heart practically jumped from his chest with enthusiasm, this was perfect. Draco could assume any number of possibilities while he rotted in his bed. Ron had achieved his goal. He was inside the chamber and Hermione was nearly in his arms. All he had to do was to remove Draco from the picture to have all his fantasies come true.
Hermione was still shaken over the ordeal, and had not fully spoken about her experiences to any one other than Dumbledore. Being consoled by Ron was a treasured experience to her fragile nerves. She sniffled as the tears poured out. "Oh, Ron, it was horrible" Her voice was an undertone. A summer breeze could have carried it away it was spoken so softly. Draco couldn't hear most of what was being said as Hermione's confession poured into Ron's chest where she clung for dear life.
"Everything is different..... I am Different...Terrible ...No way I can be who I was before. ...I don't ..ever want to go back... I am so afraid of everything, but mostly..... Draco." Hermione's voice broke into deep sobs as this last statement broke through Draco's cloudy mind. He couldn't believe his hearing. She couldn't have just told that traitorous slime bag of a weasel that she feared ..him? He desperately wanted to speak but his parched throat couldn't release even the slightest croak.
Hermione was not aware that part of her phrase could have been taken so harshly or she would have rephrased it. The rise and fall of her voice along with the uncontrollable sobbing had allowed Draco only to hear fragments of the actual conversation. Hermione's true words were "Now that it is over everything is different. I worry that I am different. With all the terrible things that happened to us, there's no way that I can be who I was before this. I am scared he'll find me. Ron, I don't ever want to go back there. I am so afraid of everything, but mostly of losing Draco."
Ron was compassionately stroking her hair and kissing her tears away, all the while rubbing her back comfortingly. Draco's energy was sapped as he fell back against the crumpled pillows silently. He couldn't hold open his eyes a second longer but there was no mistaking Ron's parting comments to Hermione. "Darling you look tired, you haven't eaten all day. Please let me escort you to dinner. We can have a quiet meal in my room. You must be starving, and Draco isn't going to have any miraculous recovery in the next few minutes."
Ron slipped his arm under her elbow and started to lead Hermione from the room. When she began to shake her head he pushed her harder towards the door saying, "You need to keep up your strength. I won't take no for an answer." Ron's false concern was an Oscar winning performance. He had acted the fretful companion perfectly. Draco believed it utterly. He drifted into unconscious misery of tormenting dreams. Ron and Hermione in passionate embraces, taunting him. Each second for him was pure agony, yet he didn't have the strength to wake, not yet.
-Deb: Thanks for sending me the email. I hate it when I make errors. I am grateful for the help. -Sunshine: Thanks. -Time Bomb: Sorry I didn't take that twist on things. Thanks for reviewing. -Lily: I always liked Percy best, his character is definitely quirky- In a pansy –ass sorta way. -KivaidensGirl: I also had problems, but all better now. Besides I have been preoccupied with my unhealthy obsession with AFI. Can't seem to get past Davey. Must concentrate on Draco....mmmm. And yes the whole "Downfall of Lucius" part got enormous respect. I am too pleased. -Anastasia: Absolutely hot. Damn those peppers. -Ghypscee: If I didn't have a backache I would bow...And no you don't need to update it after each time. -Justcrazyobsessed: Thanks for the review. Orangey: Wow! I feel your wrath. Great! Exactly what I wanted. Thanks a million. -DHL: I enjoyed writing that last chapter so much.. I was forced to laugh with each head hit. -Luver-of-Tom: Your ideas are very romantic. I respect that you offered to share them with me. But at this time I must humbly decline. Maybe next story. -Lochness: My tale is not quite finished but I am in the process of concluding my thoughts into a coherent stream. After that I will do a rough draft, then finalize it on the comp. Only after I pick it apart and criticize it a million times will I actually post it. -Raven G: Hey! Nice name... -Ktgirl: If you let me know what your confused about and then I can help. -Mirage: Thanks I am writing as fast as I can. -Hugs-A-lot: Wow, thank you. -Medea: Thank you for the loyalty even if you didn't like where it went. It's nice to meet another who escapes married life for fantasy sporadically. -Ann: Never fear here is more. -Teenie: Thank you so much. -RonWaesley: Thanks for the glowing review. -Lavender: Ton's of gratitude. -Sapphire: Thanks. -Beth: LOL! You are wonderful. -Brit: Oh my god, that is so nice of you. -PolishPrincess: Thank you. I won't forget to mention that. -Lizzy: Ron definitely needs a good spanking. Poor Draco. -Staarz: Thank you for your review. And LOTR is wonderfully brilliant! -Jamie: Thanks. -HarryPotterFan: I will try to write as fast as possible. -Tinkerbell: Sorry, nope, Ron's the bad guy in my story. I don't think I plan on changing it. I don't quite know myself. But there is always hope... -IcyBlueEyes: Thank you kindly.. -Lenne: Thanks you very much. I hope that you read more. -BenKingLover: Sorry I haven't had time to update lately.
NOW ON TO THE STORY! Chapter 18: Claustrophobia and The Proposition
Once through the threshold of Hogwarts Draco was immediately rushed to the Head Nurse's station. Hermione refused to be parted from his side, which was a blessing because she kept insisting that she didn't need any medical attentions. She was so deep in shock that the only way the duo could assure that she got the required healing was to insist that she accompany Draco to Madam Pomfrey's. Naturally, Hermione's strong willed ideals couldn't argue with the request.
The stern faced witch turned Ron and Harry away at the door instantly as she ushered in the injured couple. The boy's pleas to remain and offer moral support for their dear friend went unrecognized. They were firmly cast out and refused entrance. In his wrath, Ron kicked the closed door. "Calm down Ron, I am sure that Hermione will be fine." Harry threw an arm around his best friend's slumped shoulders. Ron's scowl was the only reply.
Harry and Ron were granted permission by Professor McGonagall, after wearily relating their two choppy sides to the events, to skip lessons for the rest of the day to regain their sapped strength. The teachers arranged to meet that night with all house heads to discuss the situation and what new precautionary measures shall be in effect. Naturally the security shall have to be reinforced. Dumbledore suggested they enlist the aid of the Order.
The Headmaster concealed his confusion as to why the Slytherins would attack at that moment and who had assisted them. He informed the Order that they had to keep vigil over the four students more closely now that there was an unseen force at work here. Facing Voldemort was a hardship in its own right, but to face the unknown was even more difficult. This was exactly the advantage that Voldemort would use against them. With someone leaking inside information, no one was safe.
Dumbledore refused to express the deep concern that he felt after speaking with Hermione privately upon her waking in the hospital.. She had apologized relentlessly for stealing and losing the pensive, but the old wizard knew of the protective charms that were placed around the pensive to keep its secrets locked up tight. In all probability Voldemort wouldn't be able to get past them. (Unless he got lucky.)
His sparkling eyes were troubled as he pondered the dire situation. The problem was larger than anyone could imagine. He harbored his trepidation, not wanting to alarm any of the students. Always the voice of reason he focused on the tasks at hand, knowing that time was soon to run out and the culprit would be revealed. Even if the consequences were disastrous.
In the hospital wing Hermione recovered consciousness. She had been resting on the cot parallel to Draco's. He was still in a deep slumber, and would probably not wake for some time. The nurse had performed many spells to restore the well being of the two, but finally informed her that only time would heal the remainder of the wounds.
Hospitals were not high on Hermione's list of luxury resorts. The smells twisted her intestines into knots. She became overly anxious and constantly nervous. She had always been in good health, with the exception of when she had been hospitalized after being petrified. But at least then she had been unaware of the claustrophobia that rose, threatening to swallow her in a blaze of fear.
She refused to leave Draco's side while he was still so helpless. He needed her and that took precedence for Hermione over her terror of hospitals. She paced the room to ease her jittery nerves. When she grew exhausted she would climb up next to Draco on the bed and wrap her arms around him tightly, afraid of the nightmares return, more vivid for being memories.
Draco was covered in a sheen sweat and he constantly mumbled in his feverish sleep. He was restless and Hermione's heart ached to witness this. His incoherent babble worried her as she applied another cool rag to his forehead. The silky blond hair was drenched and sticking to his face and she lovingly pushed it back. Her fingers traced a route gently along his bruises and swollen lips. She fought the urge to kiss them away.
After tedious hours of nail-biting Draco's temperature finally receded. This signified that he was fighting the infections and would most likely pull through. The nurse kindly woke Hermione to inform her of the status changes. She smiled gratefully at the nurse as she slid back into the chair positioned by the bedside.
The nurse asked if she was strong enough to receive visitors, since there were two that were driving her to insanity with their relentless pleading. Like an attacking army they had camped outside the doors almost all day. Hermione released a small snort, knowing the disposition of her close friends very intimately. If they were banned from her side they had most definitely thrown themselves bodily at the doors, begged on knees at Dumbledore's noble feet, and called in a bomb threat before retiring for the day.
If persistence were a virtue worthy of awards those two would be covered in medals. Nine times out of ten it was that persistence that helped them succeed. Ron was the only one waiting still by the door when the nurse cracked the doors. He had been snoring loudly but jumped to his unsteady feet the moment the heavy wood budged and instinctively threw as much of his body between the crack as possible to prevent it from closing again without him inside.
He managed to secure a right foot and his left hand in the space before the nurse pushed back the doors completely. "Mr. Weasley, if you don't mind. I am trying to open the doors. You may come in now and stop loitering about my chambers with your incessant nagging." She graciously stepped back and allowed him to push hastily past her.
Draco had felt the cool towels applied to his scalding head and eyes from the dark end of a tunnel. He drifted in his mind back towards the pleasure of cool relief from the burning haze he felt locked in. His eyes had struggled to open as his ears overheard two voices speaking as if underwater. Willing himself to concentrate he only succeeded in pushing a blinding headache forward.
Muffled conversations of the two didn't cease because he had a migraine. So he tried again to grasp what was being said. "Two friends.....outside.....waiting for you all day.....Strong enough.....receive visitors....." The spoken words were a jigsaw puzzle that was missing crucial pieces and were not making up a proper sentence.
Then he heard a loud sob and a low "oomph." Ron had seen Hermione and tackled her roughly in a full on run. The embrace was rough and forceful. Ron was literally squeezing the life out of Hermione. "Ron, I can't breath." She managed to squirm out of his intense hug. Ron eased his grip but spun Hermione around the floor in his arms and set her down only after they had reached the other side of the room.
Draco's eyes fluttered open momentarily and he beheld Hermione standing with her back to him wrapped possessively in Ron's arms. Both faces held the others gaze lovingly. Ron's head dipped closer to the dizzy girl's and his lips slipped on top of Hermione's in a hasty wet kiss. Draco's eyes shut and he quietly groaned.
Hermione pushed Ron's over enthusiastic body from her and blushed. She had known that he would be relieved, just not that relieved. It was flattering, but she did not reciprocate his affections. She lightly slapped his arm and glanced back guiltily at Draco peacefully sleeping.
Draco was nauseas with the effort to pay attention. His surroundings sunk into blackness. He had just witnessed his girlfriend kissing the Weasel and, as furious as he was, he still couldn't manage to keep his eyes open. The words swam in his head in another catatonic wave. "I never properly thanked you for all that you've done."
Hermione's soft tone carried like a whisper to Draco on the opposite side of the room. He forced himself to slit open his eyes once more. Ron's arms slid down her hips and he stepped into her personal boundaries. "I don't need you to say the words, Hermione. Your body shows me so much more than anything spoken." Hermione's face went blank with puzzlement. Ron knew that she was trying to interpret the comment, but he quickly continued his proposition before she could grasp the hidden innuendos.
Ron's eyes skimmed to Draco's face quickly, observing that he was alert and paying close attention to their little performance. Ron's sinful grin was hid by Hermione's shadow as he tenderly and slyly slid the back of his hand along Hermione's exposed arm. His other hand hovered one inch away from her bottom, making the illusion to anyone at a distance that he was caressing her.
Ron's heart practically jumped from his chest with enthusiasm, this was perfect. Draco could assume any number of possibilities while he rotted in his bed. Ron had achieved his goal. He was inside the chamber and Hermione was nearly in his arms. All he had to do was to remove Draco from the picture to have all his fantasies come true.
Hermione was still shaken over the ordeal, and had not fully spoken about her experiences to any one other than Dumbledore. Being consoled by Ron was a treasured experience to her fragile nerves. She sniffled as the tears poured out. "Oh, Ron, it was horrible" Her voice was an undertone. A summer breeze could have carried it away it was spoken so softly. Draco couldn't hear most of what was being said as Hermione's confession poured into Ron's chest where she clung for dear life.
"Everything is different..... I am Different...Terrible ...No way I can be who I was before. ...I don't ..ever want to go back... I am so afraid of everything, but mostly..... Draco." Hermione's voice broke into deep sobs as this last statement broke through Draco's cloudy mind. He couldn't believe his hearing. She couldn't have just told that traitorous slime bag of a weasel that she feared ..him? He desperately wanted to speak but his parched throat couldn't release even the slightest croak.
Hermione was not aware that part of her phrase could have been taken so harshly or she would have rephrased it. The rise and fall of her voice along with the uncontrollable sobbing had allowed Draco only to hear fragments of the actual conversation. Hermione's true words were "Now that it is over everything is different. I worry that I am different. With all the terrible things that happened to us, there's no way that I can be who I was before this. I am scared he'll find me. Ron, I don't ever want to go back there. I am so afraid of everything, but mostly of losing Draco."
Ron was compassionately stroking her hair and kissing her tears away, all the while rubbing her back comfortingly. Draco's energy was sapped as he fell back against the crumpled pillows silently. He couldn't hold open his eyes a second longer but there was no mistaking Ron's parting comments to Hermione. "Darling you look tired, you haven't eaten all day. Please let me escort you to dinner. We can have a quiet meal in my room. You must be starving, and Draco isn't going to have any miraculous recovery in the next few minutes."
Ron slipped his arm under her elbow and started to lead Hermione from the room. When she began to shake her head he pushed her harder towards the door saying, "You need to keep up your strength. I won't take no for an answer." Ron's false concern was an Oscar winning performance. He had acted the fretful companion perfectly. Draco believed it utterly. He drifted into unconscious misery of tormenting dreams. Ron and Hermione in passionate embraces, taunting him. Each second for him was pure agony, yet he didn't have the strength to wake, not yet.