This fanfic is dedicated to Fox McCoy and Awks
Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to Harry Potter
Chapter Five
"I-I..." Hermione for the first time didn't know the answer to a question. Utterly speechless, Hermione did the only thing she could think of, she ran off. She ran with no intension of going somewhere specifically, just away, away from Malfoy, somewhere to think. Unintentionally, though thankfully, Hermione found herself outside the room of requirement. Somewhere to hide, anywhere, just to think... Hermione thought hard for a few seconds, and then opened the door, which appeared to lead in to a broom closet. Closing the door behind her quickly as if she was being chased, Hermione looked at the room she created in her head. Panting, she sunk into a huge squashy, velvet green chair. She noticed the kitchenette, bathroom, and small bedroom. I guess it must have seemed I need a place to hide for a long time. She walked into the kitchenette, boiled some water for tea, and then noticed her book on the coffee table, with bookmark marking her spot. She smiled contently, returned to her tea, threw out the tea bag, and walked back to her chair. She curled up into a fetal position, tea in one hand, book in the other, and began to read, taking her mind off her run-in with the newly discovered, artistic Malfoy.
* * * *
"Holy fuck!" Malfoy said aloud, unconcerned with his vulgarity or the fact Madam Price was walking around the corner.
"Five points from Slytherin, Mr. Malfoy! I will not tolerate that kind of language in my library, especially from a sixth year. I would expect better from you. You are setting an example to all the younger students in this school, whether you want to or not..."
Malfoy gathered his things and left the library before Madam Price had finished her lecture, not thinking of anything except for Hermione. What am I going to tell her? That it wasn't her. She won't buy it; she is the bloody smartest student in our school. Fuck! And I called her a mudblood. She looked so shocked, as if I haven't done that before, but she looked truly hurt. Fuck, fuck, fuck! I screwed up royally with her this time. I need to find her, explain... but what am I going to say... Lost in his thoughts, Malfoy was unaware of where his feet were taking him, when it hit him. I'll owl her! That way I won't have to spend the next three hours searching for Herim- Granger! Granger, God damn it! Her name is Granger! Finally looking around himself, Malfoy had no idea where he had walked to. Isn't this just perfect. Exactly what I need right now, just perfect. Deciding to just run in any direction and that eventually he would stumble upon something familiar, Malfoy at last made his way to the owlery.
Granger,
"No, definitely not."
Dear Hermione, he started.
I am so damn hypocritical, he thought to himself.
* * * *
Avidly reading, and hardly aware of anything around her, Hermione was interrupted by what sounded like an owl furiously hooting outside her door. Forgetting that she was trying to hide from Malfoy, Hermione went to go see what was going on out in the hall. Opening the door, she saw an overly energetic owl flying around frantically. She laughed aloud at the owl, "You and Pig could be brothers!" Untying the letter from the hyperactive owl's leg, Hermione closed the door behind her, and unscrolled the parchment.
Dear Hermione,
I am sorry, truly. You surprised me, and I'm sorry that I yelled at you, and called you, well you know. I know that you have every right, more than every right, to be mad at me, but I am still asking you to forgive me. I still need you for tutoring, and you need me to be civil to your friends Potter and Weasley.
Ha! "He isn't sorry, he is only worried I won't tutor him! Real genuine guy, Malfoy is."
I wasn't lying when I said I was enjoying our time together. I hope you weren't either, I would hate for this friendship, relationship, whatever screwed up thing is going on between us now, to be ruined on account of me being an inconsiderate prick.
Meet me tonight at midnight in the Astronomy Tower, if you forgive me.
Sorry for today, and for the past six years,
Draco
Hermione stared down at the parchment, rereading it several times, before finally placing it on the coffee table. What the hell is going on with Dr- Malfoy? He's sorry? Sorry! Sorry isn't going to make for forget the past six years of my life! Hermione was pacing furiously around the room muttering words to herself when she finally collapsed into her chair. Midnight? What the hell kind of prank was Malfoy trying to pull? No, I won't meet him. Plus, it is too risky to meet so late. Hermione made a mental note to herself that her decision was final, and that forgiving Malfoy so easily wasn't smart.
However when 11:30 rolled around, Hermione was back in her room trying on outfits that complemented her figure. If I don't go and find out what he wants, the suspense and thought of not knowing with eventually kill me! Wearing a simple pair of jeans and a red cable knit sweater with a white collar, Hermione headed out of her room, but not before grabbing Harry's invisibility cloak, which he left at school for her. "Don't forget to have some fun while we're are gone" he had told her before leaving. Well, I wouldn't exactly call this fun. She threw the cloak over her shoulders, and walked through the portrait.
* * * *
"Hermione! You made it!" Malfoy's face lit up when he saw her walk into the room. Her chestnut hair cascaded down her shoulders; the moonlight hit her while shading and illuminating parts of her face. "You're beautiful," he whispered quietly to himself so she couldn't hear.
"Only to tell you that if you don't go to back to the dorms or I'll call Macgonagal up here!" And I don't want you waiting up here all night alone, she added as an after thought. "What kind of idiot goes roaming around the castle at midnight? Something could have happened!"
"You worried about me, Granger?" Malfoy smirked at her.
Ugh! "I'm leaving! If you want to go and get yourself into trouble, that is fine with me! I actually welcome the idea!" Hermione turned around angrily, and headed out the door. As she neared the exit, Malfoy lifted her by the shoulders and carried back into the tower towards the window. Why is this always happening to me?! She thought while struggling to free herself from Malfoy's grasp. "Put me down!"
He put her down as she ordered, but didn't let her go. "I am sorry, Hermione. About everything, today, name calling, for just being a complete asshole as long as you've known me." Hermione didn't dare look at him, but instead stared at her feet.
"Let me go, Malfoy! I want to leave!"
"Not until you hear me out, Hermione! Do you have any idea how hard this is for me, apologizing? I've never been so sorry about anything before. I care about you, damn it! I look forward to studying everyday, not because of anything else besides getting to spend time with you. I am supposed to hate you, not like you, let alone care for you!" Malfoy then realized he was shouting. He went white in the face, shocked at what he just revealed to Hermione. Holy fuck, I was NOT supposed to say all that. He couldn't look at her, so instead walked out to the terrace, avoiding her eyes. He slid down the side of the building and raked his hands through his hair. Crap!
It must have been several minutes before Hermione could react to anything Malfoy just said to her. Taking a deep breath, Hermione walked out to the terrace to find Malfoy. "I don't want to hear about it, Granger. Could you just go?" It wasn't like Hermione to disobey directions, but she ignored what he said, and sat down about a foot or two away from Malfoy who looked like he had never been more embarrassed in his life.
"Why'd you ask me out here tonight?" Asked Hermione knowing that he never intended to tell her all that he just did.
"To give you your Christmas present," he said quietly. Hermione completely forgot that it was Christmas Eve, or technically Christmas day.
"You really shouldn't have, Malfoy. I mean..."
He cut her off, "I wanted to." He reached into the bag and pulled out the drawing he was working on earlier, the one that started this whole mess. "I was going to use this to kind of explain everything that I just said before, but I, I guess I don't really have to." He handed her the picture, and she took it, eyes resting on the title again. 'Forbidden'.
"I love it, thank you Draco." He looked down at her pleased.
"You used my name," Malfoy said, smiling widely.
"Well, you used mine first!" she answered teasingly. She drew her knees in and hugged them, trying to get warmer. Without asking, Malfoy grabbed the blanket from behind him, and unfolded it. He drew her in, wrapped his arm around her, and laid the blanket over them.
"Better?"
Hermione didn't answer. He was so warm; she leaned further in towards him and rested her head on his chest. As she curled up to next to him, he tightened his hold on her, and remembered the time in the broom closet when he didn't want to let her go. He looked down at the girl who appeared to now be sleeping soundly. "Sweet dreams, Hermione." Bloody hell, I've got it bad. He leaned down, kissed her lightly on the forehead, and fell asleep under the stars, with Hermione in his arms.
* * * *
The sun had risen, and both Malfoy and Hermione spent the entire night, and the majority of the morning, sleeping in one another's arms. Hermione's stomach grumbled, awakening her from her sound sleep. She jumped when she woke up and saw whom she was sleeping with. Her head was resting by his shoulder, in between his arm and chest. Her left leg was positioned between both of his legs and her left arm was draped over his torso. He had not loosened his grip on Hermione from last night, and still had his left armed wrapped arm her tightly as if someone was threatening to take her away from him. His right hand was lying on top of Hermione's left one, fingers entwined. Her violent awakening also woke up Malfoy, who sleepily greeted her with a subconscious "Morning, gorgeous." When he looked down at who was sleeping on top of him, he seemed just as shocked as Hermione. "Granger! Wh-what is going on?" He rubbed his eyes, shading them from the blinding sun.
"We fell asleep last night." She answered looking down and turning slightly pink. Hermione then got up tearing herself away from the very intimate position she found herself in and walked away from the hardly conscious boy still sitting on the stone floor. She turned around only to say, "I'm just going to go." She met Malfoy's gaze who looked just utterly confused and tired.
"I'll meet you later?" He looked up at her hopefully. I just spent my Christmas Eve with Hermione Granger in my arms. I am either the smartest or the dumbest man alive to not take advantage of that.
"Sure," she replied hesitantly. Hermione turned back around and was barely inside when she heard her name being called.
"Oi, Hermione!" She turned around and saw Malfoy peering in through the doorway, leaning on his arms that were holding onto the frame. He took a step towards her as she attempted to take one back but her feet wouldn't move. "Merry Christmas." He leaned down, wrapped his arms around her back. Nervously, Hermione looked down, scared for what she thought might come next. He drew her in closer, and lifted her chin so she met his gaze. His piercing silver eyes memorized her and he leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. Breaking away from the kiss almost as soon as he initiated it, he kept his eyes closed, and didn't let her go from his arms. He rested his forehead against hers, and whispered into her ear, "mistletoe." She looked up, and sure enough above their heads was mistletoe hanging from the frame of the door.
Hermione broke from his grasp and looked Malfoy in the eyes. "I can't do this. I have to go." And with that, Hermione left Malfoy alone on Christmas day in the Astronomy Tower.
A/N: sorry the chapters are so short, but once i get further into the story ill make them longer!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to Harry Potter
Chapter Five
"I-I..." Hermione for the first time didn't know the answer to a question. Utterly speechless, Hermione did the only thing she could think of, she ran off. She ran with no intension of going somewhere specifically, just away, away from Malfoy, somewhere to think. Unintentionally, though thankfully, Hermione found herself outside the room of requirement. Somewhere to hide, anywhere, just to think... Hermione thought hard for a few seconds, and then opened the door, which appeared to lead in to a broom closet. Closing the door behind her quickly as if she was being chased, Hermione looked at the room she created in her head. Panting, she sunk into a huge squashy, velvet green chair. She noticed the kitchenette, bathroom, and small bedroom. I guess it must have seemed I need a place to hide for a long time. She walked into the kitchenette, boiled some water for tea, and then noticed her book on the coffee table, with bookmark marking her spot. She smiled contently, returned to her tea, threw out the tea bag, and walked back to her chair. She curled up into a fetal position, tea in one hand, book in the other, and began to read, taking her mind off her run-in with the newly discovered, artistic Malfoy.
* * * *
"Holy fuck!" Malfoy said aloud, unconcerned with his vulgarity or the fact Madam Price was walking around the corner.
"Five points from Slytherin, Mr. Malfoy! I will not tolerate that kind of language in my library, especially from a sixth year. I would expect better from you. You are setting an example to all the younger students in this school, whether you want to or not..."
Malfoy gathered his things and left the library before Madam Price had finished her lecture, not thinking of anything except for Hermione. What am I going to tell her? That it wasn't her. She won't buy it; she is the bloody smartest student in our school. Fuck! And I called her a mudblood. She looked so shocked, as if I haven't done that before, but she looked truly hurt. Fuck, fuck, fuck! I screwed up royally with her this time. I need to find her, explain... but what am I going to say... Lost in his thoughts, Malfoy was unaware of where his feet were taking him, when it hit him. I'll owl her! That way I won't have to spend the next three hours searching for Herim- Granger! Granger, God damn it! Her name is Granger! Finally looking around himself, Malfoy had no idea where he had walked to. Isn't this just perfect. Exactly what I need right now, just perfect. Deciding to just run in any direction and that eventually he would stumble upon something familiar, Malfoy at last made his way to the owlery.
Granger,
"No, definitely not."
Dear Hermione, he started.
I am so damn hypocritical, he thought to himself.
* * * *
Avidly reading, and hardly aware of anything around her, Hermione was interrupted by what sounded like an owl furiously hooting outside her door. Forgetting that she was trying to hide from Malfoy, Hermione went to go see what was going on out in the hall. Opening the door, she saw an overly energetic owl flying around frantically. She laughed aloud at the owl, "You and Pig could be brothers!" Untying the letter from the hyperactive owl's leg, Hermione closed the door behind her, and unscrolled the parchment.
Dear Hermione,
I am sorry, truly. You surprised me, and I'm sorry that I yelled at you, and called you, well you know. I know that you have every right, more than every right, to be mad at me, but I am still asking you to forgive me. I still need you for tutoring, and you need me to be civil to your friends Potter and Weasley.
Ha! "He isn't sorry, he is only worried I won't tutor him! Real genuine guy, Malfoy is."
I wasn't lying when I said I was enjoying our time together. I hope you weren't either, I would hate for this friendship, relationship, whatever screwed up thing is going on between us now, to be ruined on account of me being an inconsiderate prick.
Meet me tonight at midnight in the Astronomy Tower, if you forgive me.
Sorry for today, and for the past six years,
Draco
Hermione stared down at the parchment, rereading it several times, before finally placing it on the coffee table. What the hell is going on with Dr- Malfoy? He's sorry? Sorry! Sorry isn't going to make for forget the past six years of my life! Hermione was pacing furiously around the room muttering words to herself when she finally collapsed into her chair. Midnight? What the hell kind of prank was Malfoy trying to pull? No, I won't meet him. Plus, it is too risky to meet so late. Hermione made a mental note to herself that her decision was final, and that forgiving Malfoy so easily wasn't smart.
However when 11:30 rolled around, Hermione was back in her room trying on outfits that complemented her figure. If I don't go and find out what he wants, the suspense and thought of not knowing with eventually kill me! Wearing a simple pair of jeans and a red cable knit sweater with a white collar, Hermione headed out of her room, but not before grabbing Harry's invisibility cloak, which he left at school for her. "Don't forget to have some fun while we're are gone" he had told her before leaving. Well, I wouldn't exactly call this fun. She threw the cloak over her shoulders, and walked through the portrait.
* * * *
"Hermione! You made it!" Malfoy's face lit up when he saw her walk into the room. Her chestnut hair cascaded down her shoulders; the moonlight hit her while shading and illuminating parts of her face. "You're beautiful," he whispered quietly to himself so she couldn't hear.
"Only to tell you that if you don't go to back to the dorms or I'll call Macgonagal up here!" And I don't want you waiting up here all night alone, she added as an after thought. "What kind of idiot goes roaming around the castle at midnight? Something could have happened!"
"You worried about me, Granger?" Malfoy smirked at her.
Ugh! "I'm leaving! If you want to go and get yourself into trouble, that is fine with me! I actually welcome the idea!" Hermione turned around angrily, and headed out the door. As she neared the exit, Malfoy lifted her by the shoulders and carried back into the tower towards the window. Why is this always happening to me?! She thought while struggling to free herself from Malfoy's grasp. "Put me down!"
He put her down as she ordered, but didn't let her go. "I am sorry, Hermione. About everything, today, name calling, for just being a complete asshole as long as you've known me." Hermione didn't dare look at him, but instead stared at her feet.
"Let me go, Malfoy! I want to leave!"
"Not until you hear me out, Hermione! Do you have any idea how hard this is for me, apologizing? I've never been so sorry about anything before. I care about you, damn it! I look forward to studying everyday, not because of anything else besides getting to spend time with you. I am supposed to hate you, not like you, let alone care for you!" Malfoy then realized he was shouting. He went white in the face, shocked at what he just revealed to Hermione. Holy fuck, I was NOT supposed to say all that. He couldn't look at her, so instead walked out to the terrace, avoiding her eyes. He slid down the side of the building and raked his hands through his hair. Crap!
It must have been several minutes before Hermione could react to anything Malfoy just said to her. Taking a deep breath, Hermione walked out to the terrace to find Malfoy. "I don't want to hear about it, Granger. Could you just go?" It wasn't like Hermione to disobey directions, but she ignored what he said, and sat down about a foot or two away from Malfoy who looked like he had never been more embarrassed in his life.
"Why'd you ask me out here tonight?" Asked Hermione knowing that he never intended to tell her all that he just did.
"To give you your Christmas present," he said quietly. Hermione completely forgot that it was Christmas Eve, or technically Christmas day.
"You really shouldn't have, Malfoy. I mean..."
He cut her off, "I wanted to." He reached into the bag and pulled out the drawing he was working on earlier, the one that started this whole mess. "I was going to use this to kind of explain everything that I just said before, but I, I guess I don't really have to." He handed her the picture, and she took it, eyes resting on the title again. 'Forbidden'.
"I love it, thank you Draco." He looked down at her pleased.
"You used my name," Malfoy said, smiling widely.
"Well, you used mine first!" she answered teasingly. She drew her knees in and hugged them, trying to get warmer. Without asking, Malfoy grabbed the blanket from behind him, and unfolded it. He drew her in, wrapped his arm around her, and laid the blanket over them.
"Better?"
Hermione didn't answer. He was so warm; she leaned further in towards him and rested her head on his chest. As she curled up to next to him, he tightened his hold on her, and remembered the time in the broom closet when he didn't want to let her go. He looked down at the girl who appeared to now be sleeping soundly. "Sweet dreams, Hermione." Bloody hell, I've got it bad. He leaned down, kissed her lightly on the forehead, and fell asleep under the stars, with Hermione in his arms.
* * * *
The sun had risen, and both Malfoy and Hermione spent the entire night, and the majority of the morning, sleeping in one another's arms. Hermione's stomach grumbled, awakening her from her sound sleep. She jumped when she woke up and saw whom she was sleeping with. Her head was resting by his shoulder, in between his arm and chest. Her left leg was positioned between both of his legs and her left arm was draped over his torso. He had not loosened his grip on Hermione from last night, and still had his left armed wrapped arm her tightly as if someone was threatening to take her away from him. His right hand was lying on top of Hermione's left one, fingers entwined. Her violent awakening also woke up Malfoy, who sleepily greeted her with a subconscious "Morning, gorgeous." When he looked down at who was sleeping on top of him, he seemed just as shocked as Hermione. "Granger! Wh-what is going on?" He rubbed his eyes, shading them from the blinding sun.
"We fell asleep last night." She answered looking down and turning slightly pink. Hermione then got up tearing herself away from the very intimate position she found herself in and walked away from the hardly conscious boy still sitting on the stone floor. She turned around only to say, "I'm just going to go." She met Malfoy's gaze who looked just utterly confused and tired.
"I'll meet you later?" He looked up at her hopefully. I just spent my Christmas Eve with Hermione Granger in my arms. I am either the smartest or the dumbest man alive to not take advantage of that.
"Sure," she replied hesitantly. Hermione turned back around and was barely inside when she heard her name being called.
"Oi, Hermione!" She turned around and saw Malfoy peering in through the doorway, leaning on his arms that were holding onto the frame. He took a step towards her as she attempted to take one back but her feet wouldn't move. "Merry Christmas." He leaned down, wrapped his arms around her back. Nervously, Hermione looked down, scared for what she thought might come next. He drew her in closer, and lifted her chin so she met his gaze. His piercing silver eyes memorized her and he leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. Breaking away from the kiss almost as soon as he initiated it, he kept his eyes closed, and didn't let her go from his arms. He rested his forehead against hers, and whispered into her ear, "mistletoe." She looked up, and sure enough above their heads was mistletoe hanging from the frame of the door.
Hermione broke from his grasp and looked Malfoy in the eyes. "I can't do this. I have to go." And with that, Hermione left Malfoy alone on Christmas day in the Astronomy Tower.
A/N: sorry the chapters are so short, but once i get further into the story ill make them longer!
