Chapter 9: Going Back and Forth
Disclaimer: Sorry. Not mine…wish it were, though…could be very, very rich. *Walks off debating this idea*
A/N: You people are the best! *Sobs*
MistressDeDraco- Aww, really? I didn't really figure it would be that cute…Hmm…As for punishing her, you never know… ;-) Hurrah, someone liked the bonds! Erm, Kyle is a very nice person…so nice, I may have to use him a bit more…
Ring-ette chick- Thanks much! Your reviews always make me feel special *beams* Well, everyone's do…but still…
::enVy::- Thanks. It took a while to update, but oh well.
Blanche- I thought you would be one to love the bonds, lol.
HarryPotterWanter- Eh, I lost patience with the bonds…to eager to get on with the plot. And, if you look back, you'll see that he felt the tug when he first woke up. Meaning he was still pissed off about the comment on Narcissa. No, I doubt they'll reappear…Erm, telling Dumbledore spoils everything, and anyway, she did herself so, poo on Hermione. I dunno yet, I may throw in Harry as more than a friend if I get bored…And yes, Kyle's incredibly nice.
Monica- Don't worry, she gives in soon…and, thanks!
TriGemini- Spankies (God I'm tired of the word Thanks…from now on it's spank you, instead of thank you, cuz I'm a freak, and am bored!)
Sora- Spanks. I try really hard on the spelling and grammar, cuz it honestly annoys me when people are bad at it (not that I won't read the story…it just annoys me). Hehe, dirty fluff…interesting. You're very nice. Good boost for my ego, lol. I don't think the review # is that bad…if I ever feel bad about (I don't, but if…) I just see it as: I've been submitting 2 chappies at a time. So, it's like, divide the chaps by 2, and I have 30 something reviews…sorta. I dunno, ARGH! lol
Alyssa- Really? *cries* Lol, just kidding…you're too kind! Argh, you're a great reviewer! (You all are…)
I love you guys, lol. You make me feel so lurvely!!! *Hands out mini Harry Potter characters to do with as you please, but keeps a Sean for herself while smirking* Queer, I know…
I's so proud! I finally figured out what those obnoxious 'J's are in my story. Everytime I make a smiley face, it turns into those little nice ones, and ff.net hates me, so turns 'em into Js. HUZZAH! I thought I was dumb! Lol.
Professor Dumbledore leaned back in his enormous chair, smiling broadly.
Hermione simply stared at him, with a torn expression on her face. Like she was battling horror, disgust, and terror. She was completely stricken.
"Goodbye, sir," she whispered shakily, with a pale face.
"I'll see you later, Miss Granger. Oh, and don't forget: You two still have detention!" he waved, cheerily.
Dumbledore chuckled as she descended down the stairs. "Interesting indeed," he murmured, before looking at the transparent blue curtain by his window. "Lovely evening. You may come out, Mister Malfoy. I believe you've heard what you wanted," Dumbledore said; louder than his last sentence.
Draco Malfoy dropped his Invisibility Cloak, staring open-mouthed at the Headmaster. "How did you—"
"The correct question is, how could I not know? Jelly Bean?"
The young wizard shook his head, smiling oddly. "That's ok, Professor," he mumbled, and headed for the steps.
"Good luck, Mister Malfoy," Dumbledore called.
"For what?" Draco asked, bewildered.
Professor Dumbledore just shook his head; a bemused expression set on his old, aged face. Finally, focusing on the young man, he said, "I think you know what I mean."
With that cryptic message, Draco headed down the steps once and for all.
The old wily headmaster sat, chuckling. If only these students knew what lie ahead of them.
~*~
Hermione let herself fall onto the maroon seat in their common rooms.
Biting her lip, she wondered what Professor Dumbledore had meant. Certainly, she wasn't afraid of what Malfoy suggested about her?
Of course not, don't be silly, Hermione, she thought to herself.
But still…what if that was why she left so quickly? To get away from him, and what he undoubtedly thought about her. No! There was no way she was afraid of what Draco had said. Hermione was most definitely not afraid of the truth.
"Hello, Granger," Draco said, in his usual lazy drawl. "Thinking about me?"
She blushed furiously. "No!" she snapped, forcefully.
Moving his finger between her and him, Draco asked, "Are you afraid of this?"
Hermione lifted her head in defiance, at the challenge in his voice. "There is no us," she insisted.
"There isn't?" he asked, lifting an eyebrow.
"No. Never was, never will be."
"Why's that? Scared to try new things?"
Scrunching up her nose, Hermione retorted, "No, of course not. But the idea of us is completely ridiculous."
"Is it really? Dumbledore didn't seem to think so."
She gasped, glaring at him. "You followed me?"
"So what if I did?" Draco demanded, his silver eyes flashing.
Hermione looked into them, feeling sucked into their great, mysterious depth. Suddenly, she wanted nothing more than to get to know Draco Malfoy better; find out what made him tick.
"Fine."
He arched an eyebrow. "'Fine' what?"
More quietly this time, Hermione glanced down before murmuring, "Fine, let's try it. I'll prove it to you. There is no us."
Draco smirked, self-satisfied. "We'll see."
~*~
Ron Weasley looked at the empty seat in front of him, worriedly. "Where do you reckon Hermione is?" he asked, picking up a dinner roll.
Harry shrugged. "She was at the lake earlier. But she ran off to talk to Dumbledore, I think."
"Oh," Ron mumbled, looking down at the food. "She's missing lunch."
"Yeah, I know. I don't think she minds much. She seemed much more concerned that Malfoy and her had forgotten to plan the Halloween Ball," Harry explained.
"Stupid git probably had 'better' things to do. Like shagging half the female population," Ron spat, bitterly. "Acts like he's the best thing on Earth."
"Well, that's Malfoy for you. He's nothing but a slimy arse," replied a female voice, slipping into a seat.
"'Mione!" Ron exclaimed, grinning.
She mirrored his grin, and greeted them.
After a few moments, she mumbled, "Thanks for this morning, Harry."
Ron smirked, looking back and forth between. "Harry, I never knew. Besides which, I thought you fancied someone else!"
Harry blushed, looking down at his plate. "It wasn't anything big, Ron. Stop it."
"Oh, hardly!" Hermione pressed, a huge grin on her face.
Ron knew Harry was in for it, because she had the mischievous gleam in her eyes, that was rarely ever present. When it was, it meant big time embarrassment.
"Honestly, I never knew a person could be so sturdy," she sighed, dramatically. "You were so nice. Really. Letting me lay against your chest…I'm sure you enjoyed that!"
Ron laughed, looking at the beet red Harry Potter, clearly embarrassed. "Hey, what about me?" he teased.
Hermione smiled genuinely at Ron, and sighed once more. "Alright, if I must!"
With that, she crawled under the table, and sat next to him. She leaned against his chest, smiling contentedly. "We should do this more often," she joked, looking between the two boys.
Ron patted her head, awkwardly. "I haven't a problem with that, so long as you move, so my arm isn't so weird."
She moved, sticking out her tongue.
~*~
Draco glared at the three students. More specifically, Hermione and Weasel. She was settled against his chest, smiling broadly.
They joked loudly, and she poked his arm playfully.
What was she trying to do? Make him jealous?
Apparently, it was working, since he clenched his fists and jaw. Hermione looked up at him, suddenly.
Her eyes were sparkling, and clearly had a look saying 'Ha.'
Draco narrowed his eyes, grabbing Pansy, the nearest girl.
She giggled with excitement, all anger towards his previous callous behavior gone.
He leaned forward, kissing her squarely on the lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck, letting the kiss become deeper.
Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Hermione stop and stare, anger crossing her features.
In response, she licked Ron's ear, leaving him bewildered.
Draco moved down to Pansy's neck, sucking lightly.
It continued like this, both fighting to get the other more jealous, until Dumbledore cleared his throat loudly.
Hermione froze, perched on top of Ron's lap, nibbling his ear. Draco smirked at the face of pure joy Ron was making, and pushed Pansy off his lap.
~*~
"What was that about, Malfoy?" Hermione demanded, her hands on her hips.
It was after dinner, the next chance she got to see him after the lunch incident.
Draco shrugged in response. "What'd it look like to you? I was having fun with Pansy. I could ask the same of you, you know."
"I was hanging out with my two best friends. Perhaps the idea is foreign to you? I'm sure it wouldn't be too proper to be able to lean against Crabbe or Goyle like that?"
Hermione allowed a small smile at his shiver of disgust of the mental picture. "And that, is the advantage of having friends of the opposite sex, Mister Malfoy."
"'Mister Malfoy'…Ha! You sound like that kooky, old headmaster of ours," Draco scoffed.
"Dumbledore isn't crazy!" she protested, glaring. "Stop avoiding the subject."
"Well, to respond to your last statement, and—I do believe—you wanted to be friends a while back. So, don't you think I would qualify as a member of the opposite sex?" Draco asked, perking an eyebrow.
"What are you getting at, Malfoy?" Hermione asked, narrowing her eyes.
It was a stupid question—she knew exactly what he was suggesting, but she was buying time. Debating on if it was smart.
Dumbledore, had after all, suggested to test out the relationship…just not in those exact words. After a few years talking to him, one got used to what was trying to say, instead of listening to what he was literally saying.
"Well, I think it would only be fair to for me to get the same privilege, right?" he asked, smiling innocently.
Hermione sighed, staring into his icy eyes, which had seemingly thawed.
"Whatever," she finally murmured, watching him sit and lean back against the couch.
Hesitantly, she crawled on top, resting her head against his chest.
Hermione inhaled, feeling her head rise and fall gently as he breathed. It was almost comforting, lying atop his beating heart.
Draco began to play with her hair, aimlessly. He brushed back the hair in front of her shoulders.
"Draco?"
"Hmm?"
"We really need to start the ball planning," she whispered, letting her eyes drift shut.
"No we don't," Draco murmured, still stoking her hair.
"Why?"
"I did it two weeks ago. Don't shoot up, I'm comfortable."
Hermione smiled wryly. "I'm that predictable?"
"Oh, yeah," he whispered, his breath tickling her ear.
She sighed again, in content this time.
Maybe Dumbledore was right. Which meant Draco was right.
~*~
"Granger?" Draco whispered, poking her.
He watched, amused, her chest rise and fall evenly, and slowly.
"You better not be asleep," he warned, glancing at the clock. It was 10:40, two hours after they reached this comfortable position.
He himself, had fell asleep at the peaceful serenity of it all. Breathing, he found, was very soothing.
Draco poked her more forcefully, causing Hermione to stir groggily.
"Mmm?" she mumbled faintly.
"Granger, it's past 10:30!"
"So what?" she demanded, stretching her arms. "I'm comfortable. I haven't a problem."
"Yeah, well I do. My foot's asleep."
"You're a wizard, Malfoy. Cast a spell," she murmured, resting her arms again.
"Ugh, fine," Draco whispered, irritably. "Next time, you're on bottom."
She tensed up, bending her head up to see him. "That's crude, Draco."
"Get your mind out of the gutter," Draco retorted.
"Fair enough," Hermione yawned. She immediately fell back asleep, her arm draped over Draco's leg.
He felt his skin tingle at the contact, and caressed her cheek, knowing the tenderness he was expressing was a result of being half-awake.
"Inclina Induviae," Draco whispered, changing them both into their respective pajamas.
He looked down at her satin red shorts, and matching button-up top, with three buttons undone.
She didn't even notice the view she was giving him, as she slept.
"Accio blanket," he murmured, catching the zooming blanket.
He covered Hermione and him, but his bare legs still felt cold, from the feel of hers.
Damn boxers, he thought bitterly.
~*~
Draco woke up again. A horrible habit of his, to wake up in the middle of the night.
This time, he was twice as amused, when he noticed Hermione on top of him. She had rolled over, and her face was resting lightly on his chin. Her arms were wrapped around his abdomen, like he was an over-sized teddy bear. One of her legs was dangling over his.
Draco suddenly had the twisted urge to move his hips up against hers, just to see the reaction.
"Hermione?" he whispered, softly.
She stirred faintly above him, opening her eyes painstakingly slow. "What do you want, Malfoy?" she asked, a hint of irritation in her voice.
"Do you realize the position you're in?" he asked, amused.
"I'm perfectly aware of it," Hermione snapped.
"Just checking. I never knew you liked to be the dominant one. I'll remember that," Draco promised.
Her eyes snapped open, and she glared at him. But, Hermione gave herself away with the twinkle in her chocolate eyes. "What makes you think you can talk like that? And anyway, I prefer the guy on top. Call me old-fashioned."
"So if I flipped you over…?"
Hermione just laughed. "Shut up, so I can sleep!"
Draco fell silent, running his hands lightly down her arms. Bored with that, he pulled up her top, and drew lazy circles on her back.
~*~
Hermione shivered at Draco's feathery touch.
Very desperately, she wanted to tell him to sod off, but the pleasure was so overwhelming. Besides which, being half-asleep, she doubted she had the energy to fight his playful mood.
So she decided to let it carry on, because she knew this wouldn't last tomorrow morning.
~*~
Hermione was right. The next morning, Draco had somehow managed to get out from under her, and she awoke alone, food sitting on a tray on the table next to her.
"Draco?" she called, sitting up.
She rubbed her eyes, and finally stretched, arching her back far back enough that her palms touched the sofa.
"Nice, Granger. But, not as good as the view you let me have last night when I changed us into our pajamas with that spell. Unbuttoning does you well," drawled a voice from the corner.
She felt her cheeks heat, and knew instantly that red was creeping onto her cheeks. "Oh, stuff it, Malfoy. You're one to talk. Someone was aroused after last night," Hermione snapped.
"It's that chest of yours, I'll admit it."
"Sure. Try your sick fantasies of getting me in bed!"
"It's not a fantasy, mudblood. It's the future," Draco whispered, moving so that the last word was breathed into her ear.
Hermione clutched her arm, which had goosebumps popping up. "In Draco Land, maybe. But not in reality," she spat, buttoning her satin top.
"Oh, don't bother. I actually like the fact that you don't wear a bra to bed. Very nice. The question remains…do you wear knickers?" Draco hissed, inserting his fingers into her shorts.
"Get off!" she hissed, ripping away from his touch.
"Well, if you just told me…" Draco remarked, his eyes sparkling with an innocence she knew he never had.
"Fine!"
With that, Hermione pulled down her shorts a notch, then pulled them back up. "Now go rot in hell!"
"I didn't see."
"That's your fault, not mine."
Draco sulked for a bit, before he perked back up, and ran wordlessly out the door/portrait.
Hermione stared open-mouthed at him, before going slowly into her room, and changing into some muggle clothes, since she didn't have classes today.
She glanced at the mirror, checking her gloss, baby pink tank, and jean cutoff shorts. (A/N: I'm so tired of the robes, so forgive me.)
Hermione suddenly remembered that she and Draco had dishes again, and she groaned.
About two hours with Draco Malfoy, washing dishes in a clogged sink, with cold water. Two hours to be degraded.
For the life of her, she couldn't figure why Dumbledore gave them the sick, twisted job of doing the dishes. It was hated by muggle children everywhere, herself included. It was every child's nightmare to have a clogged sink, and bail it while the dishwasher ran.
The only thing she even remotely like about it was it gave the elves a break…the entire point of her S.P.E.W. campaign in their fourth year.
I wonder if Draco will be nice again… Hermione thought, sighing. I wonder when exactly he wants to start the little 'experiment' to prove me right, when I said there is no us.
She sat on the corner of her bed, lost in thought. She was so deeply immersed in her inner conversation; she didn't see Harry creep into her room, his arm around his back.
"Hermione?" he whispered, tapping her with his free hand.
She jumped, turning around slowly. "Harry?" she squealed, feeling like it had been years.
She hugged him, eager to forget her confusion with Draco's actions. Flirting with her best friend seemed like a suitable task.
"Here, from Ron and me," Harry mumbled, revealing a pink rose grasped in the hand that had been earlier hidden.
Tears welled up in her eyes. Hermione found herself wondering how she could have thought for even a moment, that she could like Draco. He would never do this…never.
"It's 'Ron and I'," she corrected finally, wiping away the tears. She hugged Harry tightly, almost squeezing the air out of the poor boy.
"This is just the pick-me-up I needed," Hermione laughed, finally releasing her best friend.
"Why?" Harry asked, his voice filled with concern.
"Oh, it's nothing important," she murmured, dismissing the idea with a wave of her hand.
"Well, if you're sure…" he said, dubiously. "Anyway, Ron's sorry he couldn't make it, but he had early detention with Snape for that mouthing off he did in class," Harry chuckled.
"Here, sit," Hermione said, patting her bed.
"Did you sleep in it last night?" he asked, looking at the immaculate bed.
"Oh…d-don't be ridiculous," Hermione stuttered, flushing. "I just…I just got up early. You know me. If it's not the crack of dawn, it's too late."
Harry smiled, brushing back a stray lock of hair. "I swear to Gods, if this hair doesn't cooperate…" he began, his emerald eyes shining like their namesakes.
She drew in a breath, feeling a rush of love for her friend. "I miss you guys…I wish I weren't Head Girl," she mused, scrunching up her nose.
"Yeah, I wouldn't fancy living with Malfoy either," Harry laughed.
Hermione punched him lightly, mirroring his wide grin.
"Would you fancy letting me lean against you again?"
"Yup."
"Great," Hermione murmured, leaning into his sculpted chest.
~*~
Draco watched with a sneer.
My, my, that Granger is quite the flirt. In just a day and a half, she went from Harry, to Weasel, to him, back to Harry.
Of course, Draco had the comfort of knowing she spent the night on top of him. Something he was sure to brag about.
He sighed, easing the door shut. Hermione had better get a move on; they had 'dish duty' in an hour and Muggle Studies half an hour after that.
"Mudblood!" he called, cupping his hands over his mouth.
He heard an irritated sigh, and Harry grumble in anger. No doubt, towards him. Finally, he heard her get up and open the door.
"What do you want Malfoy?" Hermione demanded, her eyes fiery with anger. "It had better be good, I was talking to Harry," she spat, in a manner clearly indicating he was far more worth her time than Draco would ever be.
"You have an hour until we have dishes. Then, we have class. Just letting you know," Draco drawled lazily.
"That's it? Malfoy, I am perfectly aware of the time! I don't need you to act as my human clock. Now, if you don't mind—"
Catching her arm as she turned to leave, Draco asked softly, "What if I do mind?"
Flustered, Hermione yanked her arm away, her brown eyes wide with confusion. "I wouldn't care either way. I'd like to get back to my friend," she said pointedly.
Draco rolled his eyes, and loosened his grasp enough for her to slip through.
What the hell was her deal, emphasizing 'friend' like that? And her goddamn impatience! When would Granger realize Draco was the best thing in the world; and that she should consider herself lucky he even gave her the time of day?
Grumpily, he flopped onto his green couch with silver decorations. He stared at the roaring fire, despite the fact that the room was nowhere near cold. His molten eyes slipped out of focus as he focused onto his flames licking at the edge of the fireplace.
Mesmerized, he stared into it, feeling at peace. That was the thing about fires. They were absolutely fascinating, as if they held a secret no one else was allowed to know.
The orange glow flickered across his pale face, reflecting in his icy gray eyes.
It wasn't until he felt a tap on his shoulder that he jumped, becoming rapidly aware of the world surrounding him. Draco looked around; realizing Golden Boy had left already.
"Are you ready to go?" Hermione whispered, sitting beside him.
"Whatever," Draco sighed, standing abruptly.
"Did I interrupt something?" she asked, concerned.
"No, just forget it," he mumbled, brushing off the question.
"Oh."
They walked in silence to the kitchen, pausing only to tickle the pear.
This time, the elves occupying the kitchen scurried away at the sight of Draco, bowing and tripping over themselves.
"We sorry, sir," one squeaked, after tripping over his shoe.
"It's not a problem," Hermione said, gently, touching its shoulder.
The pair settled next to their respective sinks, continuing in silence.
Draco grabbed the hose on his sink, eyeing it maliciously.
~*~
Hermione let out a puff of air, brushing back a stray strand of hair with her shoulder.
"You about done yet, Malfoy?" she asked over the sound of running water.
"No, not quite," he called.
She chewed on her lower lip, trying to figure out the best way to get cleaned up before class.
Suddenly, she felt a spraying on her back.
"Oh my Gods! Draco Malfoy!" she shrieked, putting up her arms to block the attack. "Stop that this instant!"
"Make me," Draco taunted, his eyes dancing.
"You asked for it," she warned, grabbing her hose.
Anticipating her move, he shouted, "Accio!" catching the hose in his free hand. He turned that on too, spraying her with double power.
"Oh, Gods, stop!" she howled again, wrapping her arms around her. "It's cold!"
Draco smirked, and lowered the hoses. "So you're cold again, huh? It seems you're always cold when I'm not near," he whispered, sending shivers down her spine at his suggestive tone.
"Oh, yeah. Why don't you come warm me up," she retorted, only half-serious.
"Can do," he murmured, wrapping his arms around her soaking wet body. "Excited to see me?" he joked, at her hard nipples.
"Oh, shut it, Malfoy."
She shivered, wiping her arms down. "I hate you," Hermione murmured, leaning further against his chest.
"Yeah, you have a weird way of showing it."
"I'm very unpredictable."
Draco fell silent, having no retort to this remark. He glanced at the dishes, which were almost done.
"Feel like calling in a favor?" he asked gently, as she rested her head atop his shoulder.
"Sure."
They walked outside, looking for the elves.
"Dobby?" Hermione called, looking for her friend. When he appeared, she asked, "Could you finish the dishes for us? We have class."
Dobby shook his head quickly. "Yes, Miss Hermione. I would be most happy to!" he squeaked.
Draco regarded his former elf with a curt nod, granting a small smile. "Thanks, Dobby."
The elf stared wide-eyed up at his former master.
Hermione smiled, looking at Draco with immense gratitude.
A/N: Today is my bestest friend's birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUDE!!!!!! WISH YOU WELL!! I LOVE YOU!!! (j/k)
Ahem, anyway…*clears throat* Erm, I hoped you liked it.
I know what I said about having submitted 2 chappies by now, but…chapter 10 just isn't cooperating with me…doesn't want to finish itself. So…
Anyways, I'll be away until Sunday (It's Wednesday now, in case you don't know…), so I won't be updating or writing. Even worse, it'll be back to school for me on Monday. Which means they'll swamp me. So hopefully, I'll be back up and running in a week or so. Sorry.
To keep yourself busy, read my stories again, check out my bio, or read even better stories! Lol. The Fires of Beltane is a great one! REALLY long too, so it'll occupy you. Or, others…just...check my Fav. Stories section in my bio thing, really good ones are there.
Well, ta-ta for now!
[Submitted: April 16, 2003]