Hey. This chapter is basically gonna encompass most of the autumn term, if
not all, because I need something to happen between x-mas and easter so I'm
just gonna be a bit vague about this term.
Harry and Hermione soon worked out an agreement - each ignored the other unless is was necessary they spoke together, like when almost every single teacher thought it would be a wonderful idea to pair them together. Ron had a hard time of it, since two of his best friends refused to talk to each other unless on a working basis.
Draco thought the three were quite amusing, unless Ron or Harry made an even slightly flirtatious move towards Hermione, because then he got possessive and jealous, even though it didn't actually mean anything. Hermione had to talk to him more than once about that.
Term progressed as usual - meaning that Hermione and Draco were top of all their classes, Harry and Ron fooled around. Harry still didn't talk to Hermione, who didn't care because she was having a wonderful time with Draco, who did truly love her. And to top it off, Ron harboured a secret envy of Harry for being Head Boy, and for Draco, for loving Hermione and having her love him back. For all his actions, Ron loved Hermione almost as much as Draco did.
At the end of one transfiguration lesson just after half term, Professor McGonagall called Hermione back.
"Miss Granger, we have been offered an opportunity to send you on an exchange program. How would you feel about that?"
"Really? That would be so cool!" Hermione temporarily forgot she was seventeen and not twelve. "I mean, okay. When is it?"
McGonagall smiled. "Between Christmas and Easter."
"An entire term?" Hermione exclaimed.
"Yes. You will go to Beauxbaxtons, and the Head Girl from Beauxbaxtons would come here, and take your place."
"So I'd be Head Girl there and she'd be Head Girl here?"
"Exactly. What do you think?"
"How long do I have to decide?"
"A couple of weeks yet. Though I must say Miss Granger, this is an excellent opportunity for you both. Miss Evesham has already agreed to come here, so we're just waiting on your decision."
"Mine? No pressure then?" Hermione asked sarcastically.
"None whatsoever." McGonagall replied with a small smile. Hermione stared at her. Stuffy Prof. McGonagall was just sarcastic. Holy shit. What the hell was the world coming to?
"I'll go." Hermione said quickly. McGonagall frowned.
"Are you sure? Don't you want to think about it?"
"No, I know I want to go. And if I wait, my friends will convince me it's a terrible idea then I wont go and I'll be terribly disappointed."
"I see." The teacher nodded.
"What about uniform and all that stuff?"
"Beauxbaxtons is paying for yours, and Hogwarts is paying for Miss Evesham's uniform."
"Oh! Alright, I guess. Books?"
"Same. They can be put in the library as spares afterwards. It's all taken care of, Miss Granger. You'll be told what you need otherwise."
"Oh okay."
"You need to get to your next lesson, Miss Granger."
"Thanks, Professor." Hermione smiled as she left the classroom.
Two weeks later, Draco caught up with her in the library. She was poring over a book on Ancient Runes.
"Hey love." He said from behind her. He bent down and pressed a kiss against her neck.
"Where have you been hiding? I haven't seen you in weeks. Literally." Hermione complained, stretching her arms out behind her and wrapping them around Draco's head.
"I've been very busy. Your birthday is tomorrow love. I couldn't let you get away with silly little presents." Draco said smugly. Hermione turned her head to look at him properly.
"Oh really? And this took two weeks?"
"Not really. But you have a habit of getting me to tell you secrets that I don't want to, so I didn't want to risk seeing you."
"So I'm a risk now am I? I have a surprise for you too, though I don't think you'll like it much."
"What?" Draco asked seriously, coming around to sit opposite her.
"I'm spending the spring term at Beauxbaxtons." Hermione said quickly.
"What?!?!" Draco yelled. Madame Pince came bustling over.
"What in Merlin's name is going on?" she demanded.
"Sorry Madame Pince." Draco said humbly.
"So you should be. Another outburst like that and you'll be banned from the library." She scolded. Draco nodded apologetically. Madame Pince huffed once more and bustled away.
"What the hell do you mean, you're spending Spring term at Beauxbaxtons?" Draco hissed.
"Exactly what I said. I told you you wouldn't like it."
"No kidding." Draco frowned. "Why?"
"The opportunity came up. And it's a good one. Please understand, Draco." Hermione pleaded.
"Oh I understand alright. Doesn't mean I like it." Hermione smiled.
"Thank you!" she exclaimed. She leaned over to kiss him, but he turned his face and she barely brushed his cheek. He stood abruptly.
"I have to go." He said, and stood. He strode out of the library, and Hermione watched dismayed, before she hung her head in her hand and groaned.
"What's this about you going to Beauxbaxtons?" Harry demanded as he entered their common room a couple of days later. Hermione was curled up in front of the fire reading.
"What do you care?" Hermione asked, looking up. Harry was still annoyingly good looking, and right now he was giving her a look she was sure many girls would have killed for.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"a) you didn't need to know. b) you don't care anyway. You hate me remember? And c) how the hell did you find out anyway?"
"Malfoy told me."
"What!" Hermione stood, spilling the book and red blanket that had been wrapped around her to the floor.
"Your boyfriend told me, and asked me to beat sense into you."
"I seriously resent that. Its none of his bloody business."
"It's mine though. Am I meant to just be Head Boy alone?"
"I was never Head Boy, Harry. And anyway. The Head Girl from Beaxbaxtons is coming here. She's called somebody Evesham, and I'm sure you'll get on fine."
"I don't want you to go." Harry said stubbornly.
"Harry, why do you care?" Hermione asked gently, coming up to him. She didn't get too close though.
"Look. I know I've been horrible to you all term, but I like having you here. I also like the fact you've not been as horrible to me as I have been to you."
"What are you getting at?" Hermione asked suspiciously.
"I want to apologise." Harry said quickly. Hermione took a step back, surprised "I should have said that before, but I didn't. And I'm sorry for that too."
"God, Harry. I mean -"
"You don't have to accept if you don't want to. I know I've been awful."
"Not accept.Shit Harry! I've been waiting for this all summer!" Hermione exclaimed, and hugged Harry tightly. "I'm really sorry about not telling you about Draco sooner. I should have, I know. And that was no way for you to find out. But I didn't know you were coming, and I didn't expect anything to happen until term, and I made a proper idiot of us both and I'm sorry." Hermione babbled. Harry grinned and kissed her on the forehead.
"Yeah, whatever. It's all good." He said.
"Thanks. And I AM going to Beauxbaxtons, no matter what you say. It's a brilliant opportunity, and I'm not going to miss it because I'm stuck with a Head Boy who cant manage without me and a particularly moody boyfriend who cant bear to let me out of his sight." Harry was silent for a moment.
"You've got a point there." He conceded finally.
"What, that you're incompetent?" Hermione asked.
"No that your boyfriend is moody and can't seem to function without you."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"If you like. Why do you want to go, anyway?"
"Why?! For fuck's sakes, Harry! It is one of the most amazing opportunities I am ever likely to have!" Hermione exclaimed, pulling back out of his arms.
"What about your NEWTs?" Harry asked.
"They're studying for them too, you know. I'll be just fine. It's only for one term, Harry. I'm not going away forever. And anyway, I've already given my answer - I cant change my mind now."
"Really?"
"Really really. Now, I have to go and have a shower, okay?"
"If you're asking."
"I'm not, I'm telling you Mr Head Boy." Harry laughed. Hermione grinned and went to have her shower.
"Why the fuck didn't you tell me you were going to Beauxbaxtons!" Ron caught her coming out of Potions.
"Who told you?" Hermione said tiredly. Between her boyfriend and her ex, they could out-gossip Lavender and Parvati.
"First Harry. Then by Malfoy, would you believe? Seems they can't convince you to stay."
"So what makes you think you can?" Hermione asked, walking away.
"The fact I'm one of your best friends." Ron said, catching up.
"Ron, Draco is the guy I love, Harry is one of my best friends. They couldn't manage it."
The guy she loves. Ron pulled his self together. "Okay you might have a point there."
"I know I have a point there." Hermione grinned, then stopped at the doorway to the Arithmancy classroom. "I'll see you later, Ron." She grinned, and went inside. Ron rolled his eyes.
"You're not going to Beauxbaxtons, Hermione. We wont let you." Ron said, cornering Hermione by the Transfiguration classroom, where Hermione had been having a meeting with Professor McGonagall about her leaving. Ron was flanked by Harry and Draco, although Draco looked like he wished he was anywhere else but here.
"Oh yeah? And what are you planning on doing? Tying me up?" Hermione snapped.
"If it works." Ron said.
"Oh please. I am so tired of this. Harry and Draco, I thought you understood, even if you were mad at me about it. And Ron, just get over it. I'm not leaving forever, you will see me again. It's just like the summer holidays. Hell, it isn't even as long as the summer. I'm going, staying for a term, coming back. It isn't a big deal. Really."
"But Hermione -"
"Weasley, just leave it. If you push her she'll end up hurting your feelings and going anyway." Draco said tiredly. "I have work to do. Good luck. You'll need it." Draco said with a frown, and he walked away.
"Fat lot of good he did. Mind you, he is a Malfoy." Ron sneered.
"You know what, Ron? Just fuck off. I don't care if you don't want me to go. I'm tired of being your fucking mother, sister, homework helper etc. For once in the last seven years, I'd like to be myself for myself for a change. You can go to hell and take your little crush with you, okay? Because I am sick of your little selfish jealous games!" Hermione flared, and ran off. Ron was taken aback, and like Draco had predicted, his feelings were hurt.
"I'm sorry about earlier." Harry said. He slowly approached Hermione as she folded one of the red blankets on the couch in their common room.
"It doesn't matter." Hermione said listlessly. It did. Hell, it hurt like hell that no one understood.
"Yeah it does. You're upset. So it matters." Hermione was reminded strongly of the times when she and Harry went out.
"What do you want?" Hermione turned around. Harry approached her and enveloped her in a hug. Hermione sighed into his chest and hugged him back. She was glad they were back to being friends. Harry pulled back slightly, and caught her eyes. His green eyes were dark, and the pupils were dark swirling pools. Suddenly he lowered her head and kissed her harshly, pressing her lips against her teeth, and fighting his way into her mouth with his tongue. "Harry!" Hermione exclaimed, pulling back. Harry was a lot stronger than she was, and he pulled her back flush against him, ravaging her mouth. Finally, Hermione wrenched herself back, stamped on Harry's foot as hard as she could, silently apologising for the hardness of stacked heels, and slammed an uppercut into his chin, which snapped his head back. The shock of both injuries loosened his grip, and Hermione wrenched herself away and fled.
She ran into the rain, not caring that she wasn't wearing a coat or even her jumper, and the pouring rain was plastering her hair and shirt to her skin, and the wet wool of her skirt was scratching her legs. She ran as fast and hard as she could, her breath coming in gasps, and the cold rain stinging her bruised lips like minuscule wasp stings. When she slowed down, panting and holding her side in an effort to ease her painful stitch, she found herself in the middle of the empty Quidditch pitch. It seemed huge against her tiny figure standing in the middle of the grass. "I should have known. I thought it sounded like before." Hermione spoke aloud, listening even as her voice was drowned out by the pouring rain and thunder booming ominously from the other side of the lake.
The lake. Hermione walked towards it, ignoring the fact that goosebumps had raised on her flesh and her teeth were clattering together like a tiny tinny train. As she walked up the muddy path she half-heartedly noticed the mud splashes up her legs and on her white socks and polished black shoes. She also noticed she didn't give a damn. She saw a rock that stuck up beside the lake, one many girls used for sunbathing, and scrambled up it, ignoring the grazes on her knees and the sharp wet gravel that dug into the palms of her hand. Eventually she stood upon it, and she felt freer that she had in months. She stood alone, the wind teasing at her rain- soaked hair and skirt. Lightning reflected against the stormy lake. Lightning hits the highest point. Hermione thought. For once, she didn't care. She didn't care if she got the shock of her life, because it wasn't enough payment for the freedom and truth she was experiencing here. Alone, in the rain above the lake and away from school and school-related babble, she felt herself pulsing through. She could actually be her - the her that didn't require gothy/slutty clothes to exist, the her that no one knew, not even her. Now, she could be so truly her, that she didn't know herself. She simply was. And it was exhilarating. Hermione felt a laugh bubble up inside her, and she just let it free. It echoed off the castle, off the lake, off the surrounding mountains.
"Miss Granger!" Shit! What the fuck is- Hermione spun, and saw Professor McGonagall running down the path. Her feet kept spinning, and she fell off the rock with a shriek. She stopped with a jerk and looked up to see Draco's pale face looking down at her. He gently put her down, and pulled her into a hug.
"You can go wherever the hell you want, Hermione. Just promise you'll never scare me like that again!" He whispered harshly into her hair.
"I was so free." Hermione replied into his ear.
"Don't scare me like that."
"Miss Granger! What in Merlin's name were you doing?" McGonagall stormed.
"I'm sorry Professor." Hermione said. McGonagall stopped and peered at Hermione's face in the dim light.
"Child, no matter what you seek, you mustn't risk your life in gaining it." Hermione nodded.
"I know professor."
"And you're going away the day after tomorrow, and I don't think you would really like a cold to be going with. Mr Malfoy, would you escort Miss Granger to the hospital wing?"
"Of course professor." Draco wrapped his arm around Hermione's waist and steered back towards the school.
In the hospital wing, Madame Pomfrey fussed over Hermione, clucking her tongue disapprovingly, and Hermione and Draco both completely ignored her.
"What happened love?" Draco asked.
"Harry pissed me off. I am tired of being . ugh. I don't know what I'm tired of being."
"I'm sorry that I made a big deal about you leaving."
"Its not like its permanent. And anyway. We can still write and everything. And I bet I could come back at half term."
"I know. and I over reacted. You're right. It is a huge opportunity."
"Have you been practising this speech?" Hermione asked shrewdly.
"You aren't the easiest person to apologise to, you know." Draco said. Hermione looked apologetic, then brightened. She leaned over and captured Draco's mouth against hers, holding his head with her hand. Then she pulled away.
"I forgive you." She said softly. Madame Pomfrey sniffed from behind Hermione and she turned.
"You need to drink this Miss Granger. And you should try not to give anything to Mr Malfoy."
"Yes Madame Pomfrey." Hermione said with a grin. Pomfrey rolled her eyes, and bustled away.
I hope u like it. I have apologized many times 4 that disgraceful little lemony scene last chappie, and if u want me to get my sick-minded friend Harriet to rewrite it tell me. I have a feeling she'd be much better at it than I would/am!
Harry and Hermione soon worked out an agreement - each ignored the other unless is was necessary they spoke together, like when almost every single teacher thought it would be a wonderful idea to pair them together. Ron had a hard time of it, since two of his best friends refused to talk to each other unless on a working basis.
Draco thought the three were quite amusing, unless Ron or Harry made an even slightly flirtatious move towards Hermione, because then he got possessive and jealous, even though it didn't actually mean anything. Hermione had to talk to him more than once about that.
Term progressed as usual - meaning that Hermione and Draco were top of all their classes, Harry and Ron fooled around. Harry still didn't talk to Hermione, who didn't care because she was having a wonderful time with Draco, who did truly love her. And to top it off, Ron harboured a secret envy of Harry for being Head Boy, and for Draco, for loving Hermione and having her love him back. For all his actions, Ron loved Hermione almost as much as Draco did.
At the end of one transfiguration lesson just after half term, Professor McGonagall called Hermione back.
"Miss Granger, we have been offered an opportunity to send you on an exchange program. How would you feel about that?"
"Really? That would be so cool!" Hermione temporarily forgot she was seventeen and not twelve. "I mean, okay. When is it?"
McGonagall smiled. "Between Christmas and Easter."
"An entire term?" Hermione exclaimed.
"Yes. You will go to Beauxbaxtons, and the Head Girl from Beauxbaxtons would come here, and take your place."
"So I'd be Head Girl there and she'd be Head Girl here?"
"Exactly. What do you think?"
"How long do I have to decide?"
"A couple of weeks yet. Though I must say Miss Granger, this is an excellent opportunity for you both. Miss Evesham has already agreed to come here, so we're just waiting on your decision."
"Mine? No pressure then?" Hermione asked sarcastically.
"None whatsoever." McGonagall replied with a small smile. Hermione stared at her. Stuffy Prof. McGonagall was just sarcastic. Holy shit. What the hell was the world coming to?
"I'll go." Hermione said quickly. McGonagall frowned.
"Are you sure? Don't you want to think about it?"
"No, I know I want to go. And if I wait, my friends will convince me it's a terrible idea then I wont go and I'll be terribly disappointed."
"I see." The teacher nodded.
"What about uniform and all that stuff?"
"Beauxbaxtons is paying for yours, and Hogwarts is paying for Miss Evesham's uniform."
"Oh! Alright, I guess. Books?"
"Same. They can be put in the library as spares afterwards. It's all taken care of, Miss Granger. You'll be told what you need otherwise."
"Oh okay."
"You need to get to your next lesson, Miss Granger."
"Thanks, Professor." Hermione smiled as she left the classroom.
Two weeks later, Draco caught up with her in the library. She was poring over a book on Ancient Runes.
"Hey love." He said from behind her. He bent down and pressed a kiss against her neck.
"Where have you been hiding? I haven't seen you in weeks. Literally." Hermione complained, stretching her arms out behind her and wrapping them around Draco's head.
"I've been very busy. Your birthday is tomorrow love. I couldn't let you get away with silly little presents." Draco said smugly. Hermione turned her head to look at him properly.
"Oh really? And this took two weeks?"
"Not really. But you have a habit of getting me to tell you secrets that I don't want to, so I didn't want to risk seeing you."
"So I'm a risk now am I? I have a surprise for you too, though I don't think you'll like it much."
"What?" Draco asked seriously, coming around to sit opposite her.
"I'm spending the spring term at Beauxbaxtons." Hermione said quickly.
"What?!?!" Draco yelled. Madame Pince came bustling over.
"What in Merlin's name is going on?" she demanded.
"Sorry Madame Pince." Draco said humbly.
"So you should be. Another outburst like that and you'll be banned from the library." She scolded. Draco nodded apologetically. Madame Pince huffed once more and bustled away.
"What the hell do you mean, you're spending Spring term at Beauxbaxtons?" Draco hissed.
"Exactly what I said. I told you you wouldn't like it."
"No kidding." Draco frowned. "Why?"
"The opportunity came up. And it's a good one. Please understand, Draco." Hermione pleaded.
"Oh I understand alright. Doesn't mean I like it." Hermione smiled.
"Thank you!" she exclaimed. She leaned over to kiss him, but he turned his face and she barely brushed his cheek. He stood abruptly.
"I have to go." He said, and stood. He strode out of the library, and Hermione watched dismayed, before she hung her head in her hand and groaned.
"What's this about you going to Beauxbaxtons?" Harry demanded as he entered their common room a couple of days later. Hermione was curled up in front of the fire reading.
"What do you care?" Hermione asked, looking up. Harry was still annoyingly good looking, and right now he was giving her a look she was sure many girls would have killed for.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"a) you didn't need to know. b) you don't care anyway. You hate me remember? And c) how the hell did you find out anyway?"
"Malfoy told me."
"What!" Hermione stood, spilling the book and red blanket that had been wrapped around her to the floor.
"Your boyfriend told me, and asked me to beat sense into you."
"I seriously resent that. Its none of his bloody business."
"It's mine though. Am I meant to just be Head Boy alone?"
"I was never Head Boy, Harry. And anyway. The Head Girl from Beaxbaxtons is coming here. She's called somebody Evesham, and I'm sure you'll get on fine."
"I don't want you to go." Harry said stubbornly.
"Harry, why do you care?" Hermione asked gently, coming up to him. She didn't get too close though.
"Look. I know I've been horrible to you all term, but I like having you here. I also like the fact you've not been as horrible to me as I have been to you."
"What are you getting at?" Hermione asked suspiciously.
"I want to apologise." Harry said quickly. Hermione took a step back, surprised "I should have said that before, but I didn't. And I'm sorry for that too."
"God, Harry. I mean -"
"You don't have to accept if you don't want to. I know I've been awful."
"Not accept.Shit Harry! I've been waiting for this all summer!" Hermione exclaimed, and hugged Harry tightly. "I'm really sorry about not telling you about Draco sooner. I should have, I know. And that was no way for you to find out. But I didn't know you were coming, and I didn't expect anything to happen until term, and I made a proper idiot of us both and I'm sorry." Hermione babbled. Harry grinned and kissed her on the forehead.
"Yeah, whatever. It's all good." He said.
"Thanks. And I AM going to Beauxbaxtons, no matter what you say. It's a brilliant opportunity, and I'm not going to miss it because I'm stuck with a Head Boy who cant manage without me and a particularly moody boyfriend who cant bear to let me out of his sight." Harry was silent for a moment.
"You've got a point there." He conceded finally.
"What, that you're incompetent?" Hermione asked.
"No that your boyfriend is moody and can't seem to function without you."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"If you like. Why do you want to go, anyway?"
"Why?! For fuck's sakes, Harry! It is one of the most amazing opportunities I am ever likely to have!" Hermione exclaimed, pulling back out of his arms.
"What about your NEWTs?" Harry asked.
"They're studying for them too, you know. I'll be just fine. It's only for one term, Harry. I'm not going away forever. And anyway, I've already given my answer - I cant change my mind now."
"Really?"
"Really really. Now, I have to go and have a shower, okay?"
"If you're asking."
"I'm not, I'm telling you Mr Head Boy." Harry laughed. Hermione grinned and went to have her shower.
"Why the fuck didn't you tell me you were going to Beauxbaxtons!" Ron caught her coming out of Potions.
"Who told you?" Hermione said tiredly. Between her boyfriend and her ex, they could out-gossip Lavender and Parvati.
"First Harry. Then by Malfoy, would you believe? Seems they can't convince you to stay."
"So what makes you think you can?" Hermione asked, walking away.
"The fact I'm one of your best friends." Ron said, catching up.
"Ron, Draco is the guy I love, Harry is one of my best friends. They couldn't manage it."
The guy she loves. Ron pulled his self together. "Okay you might have a point there."
"I know I have a point there." Hermione grinned, then stopped at the doorway to the Arithmancy classroom. "I'll see you later, Ron." She grinned, and went inside. Ron rolled his eyes.
"You're not going to Beauxbaxtons, Hermione. We wont let you." Ron said, cornering Hermione by the Transfiguration classroom, where Hermione had been having a meeting with Professor McGonagall about her leaving. Ron was flanked by Harry and Draco, although Draco looked like he wished he was anywhere else but here.
"Oh yeah? And what are you planning on doing? Tying me up?" Hermione snapped.
"If it works." Ron said.
"Oh please. I am so tired of this. Harry and Draco, I thought you understood, even if you were mad at me about it. And Ron, just get over it. I'm not leaving forever, you will see me again. It's just like the summer holidays. Hell, it isn't even as long as the summer. I'm going, staying for a term, coming back. It isn't a big deal. Really."
"But Hermione -"
"Weasley, just leave it. If you push her she'll end up hurting your feelings and going anyway." Draco said tiredly. "I have work to do. Good luck. You'll need it." Draco said with a frown, and he walked away.
"Fat lot of good he did. Mind you, he is a Malfoy." Ron sneered.
"You know what, Ron? Just fuck off. I don't care if you don't want me to go. I'm tired of being your fucking mother, sister, homework helper etc. For once in the last seven years, I'd like to be myself for myself for a change. You can go to hell and take your little crush with you, okay? Because I am sick of your little selfish jealous games!" Hermione flared, and ran off. Ron was taken aback, and like Draco had predicted, his feelings were hurt.
"I'm sorry about earlier." Harry said. He slowly approached Hermione as she folded one of the red blankets on the couch in their common room.
"It doesn't matter." Hermione said listlessly. It did. Hell, it hurt like hell that no one understood.
"Yeah it does. You're upset. So it matters." Hermione was reminded strongly of the times when she and Harry went out.
"What do you want?" Hermione turned around. Harry approached her and enveloped her in a hug. Hermione sighed into his chest and hugged him back. She was glad they were back to being friends. Harry pulled back slightly, and caught her eyes. His green eyes were dark, and the pupils were dark swirling pools. Suddenly he lowered her head and kissed her harshly, pressing her lips against her teeth, and fighting his way into her mouth with his tongue. "Harry!" Hermione exclaimed, pulling back. Harry was a lot stronger than she was, and he pulled her back flush against him, ravaging her mouth. Finally, Hermione wrenched herself back, stamped on Harry's foot as hard as she could, silently apologising for the hardness of stacked heels, and slammed an uppercut into his chin, which snapped his head back. The shock of both injuries loosened his grip, and Hermione wrenched herself away and fled.
She ran into the rain, not caring that she wasn't wearing a coat or even her jumper, and the pouring rain was plastering her hair and shirt to her skin, and the wet wool of her skirt was scratching her legs. She ran as fast and hard as she could, her breath coming in gasps, and the cold rain stinging her bruised lips like minuscule wasp stings. When she slowed down, panting and holding her side in an effort to ease her painful stitch, she found herself in the middle of the empty Quidditch pitch. It seemed huge against her tiny figure standing in the middle of the grass. "I should have known. I thought it sounded like before." Hermione spoke aloud, listening even as her voice was drowned out by the pouring rain and thunder booming ominously from the other side of the lake.
The lake. Hermione walked towards it, ignoring the fact that goosebumps had raised on her flesh and her teeth were clattering together like a tiny tinny train. As she walked up the muddy path she half-heartedly noticed the mud splashes up her legs and on her white socks and polished black shoes. She also noticed she didn't give a damn. She saw a rock that stuck up beside the lake, one many girls used for sunbathing, and scrambled up it, ignoring the grazes on her knees and the sharp wet gravel that dug into the palms of her hand. Eventually she stood upon it, and she felt freer that she had in months. She stood alone, the wind teasing at her rain- soaked hair and skirt. Lightning reflected against the stormy lake. Lightning hits the highest point. Hermione thought. For once, she didn't care. She didn't care if she got the shock of her life, because it wasn't enough payment for the freedom and truth she was experiencing here. Alone, in the rain above the lake and away from school and school-related babble, she felt herself pulsing through. She could actually be her - the her that didn't require gothy/slutty clothes to exist, the her that no one knew, not even her. Now, she could be so truly her, that she didn't know herself. She simply was. And it was exhilarating. Hermione felt a laugh bubble up inside her, and she just let it free. It echoed off the castle, off the lake, off the surrounding mountains.
"Miss Granger!" Shit! What the fuck is- Hermione spun, and saw Professor McGonagall running down the path. Her feet kept spinning, and she fell off the rock with a shriek. She stopped with a jerk and looked up to see Draco's pale face looking down at her. He gently put her down, and pulled her into a hug.
"You can go wherever the hell you want, Hermione. Just promise you'll never scare me like that again!" He whispered harshly into her hair.
"I was so free." Hermione replied into his ear.
"Don't scare me like that."
"Miss Granger! What in Merlin's name were you doing?" McGonagall stormed.
"I'm sorry Professor." Hermione said. McGonagall stopped and peered at Hermione's face in the dim light.
"Child, no matter what you seek, you mustn't risk your life in gaining it." Hermione nodded.
"I know professor."
"And you're going away the day after tomorrow, and I don't think you would really like a cold to be going with. Mr Malfoy, would you escort Miss Granger to the hospital wing?"
"Of course professor." Draco wrapped his arm around Hermione's waist and steered back towards the school.
In the hospital wing, Madame Pomfrey fussed over Hermione, clucking her tongue disapprovingly, and Hermione and Draco both completely ignored her.
"What happened love?" Draco asked.
"Harry pissed me off. I am tired of being . ugh. I don't know what I'm tired of being."
"I'm sorry that I made a big deal about you leaving."
"Its not like its permanent. And anyway. We can still write and everything. And I bet I could come back at half term."
"I know. and I over reacted. You're right. It is a huge opportunity."
"Have you been practising this speech?" Hermione asked shrewdly.
"You aren't the easiest person to apologise to, you know." Draco said. Hermione looked apologetic, then brightened. She leaned over and captured Draco's mouth against hers, holding his head with her hand. Then she pulled away.
"I forgive you." She said softly. Madame Pomfrey sniffed from behind Hermione and she turned.
"You need to drink this Miss Granger. And you should try not to give anything to Mr Malfoy."
"Yes Madame Pomfrey." Hermione said with a grin. Pomfrey rolled her eyes, and bustled away.
I hope u like it. I have apologized many times 4 that disgraceful little lemony scene last chappie, and if u want me to get my sick-minded friend Harriet to rewrite it tell me. I have a feeling she'd be much better at it than I would/am!