Disclaimer: I do not own the characters. J.K. Rowling, Bloomsbury books, Scholastic books and Warner Brothers have that pleasure. I am merely borrowing them.
Chapter Three: The ascent
Draco sauntered into the NEWT level DADA class, his black robes lazily flowing behind him. His gray eyes searched the room zeroing in on Pansy standing with her back to him rummaging for something in her bag. Making a beeline for her he came up behind, whispering heavily into her ear, "Let's skive off this class and go back to the dorms." He misconstrued her incredulous gasp as assent. Moving closer he drew her to him, molding his body to hers, his hands skimming her hips and down over her thighs.
"Draco, don't joke around, this is important." Pansy extricated herself from the embrace crossing the room to stand with her friends. She would not allow another scene like the one in the common room yesterday, especially in front of students from other houses.
Nonplussed, Draco spied Hermione Granger poring over her text before the final bell. Approaching her he bent close, his lips almost touching her ear. "I think of you when I'm alone," he purred. He was so close she could smell his cologne, a musky scent with sandalwood and lime. Eyes wide, she sat rigid, not daring to breathe. Her eyes moved to Ron who was keenly aware of what was going on and was already storming over.
"Sod off, Malfoy!" spat Ron, color rising, hands fisted at his sides.
Draco straightened. "Calm down, Weasel. Don't get your knickers in a twist. This is none of your business." Bending again he made his offer. "Let's skive off this class and go to my dorm."
"I think not, Malfoy!" Hermione's face reddened, this time not with embarrassment but with fury. She sprang from her seat knocking Draco back into a desk. "What game is this?" She demanded with a tone that flirted with ferocity.
"Yes, dear Draco. What are you up to?" Pansy came to stand shoulder to shoulder with Hermione. The Slytherin's beautiful face was pink, her breathing labored. Within her inflamed emotions, embarrassment and rage were battling for dominance. Rage won. Hands on her hips she roared "Did you think I wouldn't notice you hitting on her?!" The word caused her lip to curl in distaste. "Right in front of me! Draco, how could you?!"
Draco's bewildered eyes darted from one girl to the other. "What is the problem?"
"I know what you were trying to do! How could you after all that we've been to each other? Do I mean nothing to you?" Her tears flowed freely now. Millicent Bullstrode handed her a wad of Kleenex then pulled back as Draco neared.
"Come now, Pansy." Draco sidled up to her patting her shoulder. "You are the one I can't live without."
"Then w-w-why were y-you flirting with h-her?" She stabbed a finger in the Gryffindor girl's direction.
"It's not what you think, precious. It is just sex, plain and simple. Men need it Pansy, often." He nodded towards the males in class, looking for encouragement. The boys stared at their feet.
"I guess you would be happy to have us both?!"
"Two against one, eh? I'm up for it if you are. Let's go." Draco spun on his heel heading for the door. The room was quiet save for Pansy's muffled sobs her face buried in mounds of Kleenex.
Ron broke the silence blurting, "Bloody Hell!"
Professor Lupin entered the room immediately sensing the tension. Draco was nearing the door as the class glared at him. "Where are you going, Mr. Malfoy? Class is this way." Lupin pointed into the room.
"Not today. I got a better offer. Come on girls." He motioned to the two unmoving girls.
"Kindly turn around and return to your seat."
"Like bloody Hell I will!"
Lupin turned. "What did you say?"
"A werewolf with poor hearing, what a laugh!" He turned back to his captive audience. Draco started to pace not allowing a pause in his diatribe. The words were pouring forth at increasing speed. "What is your problem, werewolf? Dad tried to stop you from being rehired, you know." His voice started to increase in volume. "Fudge, the ignorant sod, believed old Dumbledore's pleas that it would help the golden boy to have his little pet back here." Draco whirled, stabbing a finger at Lupin. "Don't get too comfortable, though." Draco put forth his nastiest sneer. "When Father becomes Minister he will have the lot of you people contained, or simply euthanized."
"Draco Malfoy!" Lupin's eyes glittered dangerously. He walked to the desk and hurriedly wrote something on a piece of parchment and spelled it sealed. "You will take this to the Headmaster at once."
"Excuse me?!" Draco's voice was now booming off the walls. "Do you know who you are talking to, werewolf?" He welcomed the rising anger, its passion spreading through his veins, empowering him. He felt invincible. He slipped his hand into his pocket and felt the handle of his wand, holding it very tightly.
There was a light touch at his sleeve. Releasing the tight grip on his wand he jumped spinning around to find Pansy's tear-stained face before him. "Draco, you must go to the Headmaster."
"Headmaster?" His attention refocused, the anger began to subside. "Well, I do have some ideas I think he should hear." He stroked his chin thoughtfully. His eyes lit with an inner fire, "Yes, that sounds like a capital idea." He spun to face Lupin. "Very well, werewolf, I will allow you to take this round, but not the match." Grinning, Draco snatched the proffered note and left the room quickly, blowing the girls kisses on his way out.
Lupin stood still for a moment, lost in thought. He looked up to see a dozen pairs of eyes trained on him. Clapping his hands the students jumped. "Well.Back to work. Harry, come forward and we'll get started on today's lesson.
*****
Draco stopped short on the way to the Headmaster's office his attention drawn to the stone floor where ribs of daylight beamed through the shutters of a window. Flinging open the shutters he greeted the chilly day. Mesmerized, he watched as a gust of wind taunted the Whomping Willow causing it to frantically swing at its invisible opponent. He covered his eyes, momentarily blinded, as the sun came out from behind the clouds striking the new fallen snow. Blinking he then marveled at the beauty of the sunlight glimmering on the snow causing it to sparkle and shine. It's so beautiful today, a beautiful day for flying. He turned his attention back to the dull gray hallway, holding the note for the Headmaster. Drawn again to the window, he glanced at the dazzling white carpet, not even a footprint to mar its white perfection. Decisions, Decisions. He pocketed the note and took off at a run for the dorms where he knew his broom was itching for a flight.
*****
After the class period Lupin made his way to the Great Hall for lunch. Spotting Snape he quickened his pace to reach the other teacher. "Did the Headmaster talk to you, Severus?" Snape stopped, titling his head to the side and crossing his arms over his chest.
"What would he need to speak to me about, Lupin?" An eyebrow rose.
"Oh." He was at a loss for words. He should've waited and talked to him later. Suddenly Harry ran past them up the stairs, not even slowing.
"POTTER! There is to be no running in the halls. Five points from Gryffindor."
Harry had bolted past them and was barreling up the stairs two at a time, not the least slowed by Snape's comment.
Hermione and Ron came puffing up the hall a moment later. "Professors." Hermione was wide-eyed and winded. She took a deep breath. "It's Malfoy.he's outside on his broom."
".completely bloody starkers!" finished Ron.
The mental image kept both Snape and Lupin momentarily paralyzed. In the next instant they were off, charging past the quickly growing throng of students.
Next Chapter: In the frigid air, Draco gets company in the form of one Harry Potter