Ü chapter 4 Help Ü
They crept into a pitch-black darkness. Hermione lead the way inside the room. She walked carefully. Accidentally, Malfoy stepped on the hem of her robes. She turned around to say something to him but as she turned around, she tripped on something lying on the ground and crashed hard on the stone floor. Before she completely fell, she grabbed Malfoy's robes, which also caused him to fall, landing on top of her. She let out an earsplitting scream. Draco pushed himself up, but his robes were strangled under Hermione's, so he rested his weight on his arms.
Draco muttered "Lumos" and the whole room lit up. They looked around them. It was utterly beautiful. The fireplace was old, but elegant. Above it was a huge portrait of two Hogwarts students, a boy and a girl with the "HG" and "HB" badges pinned on their robes. The entire common room was indeed spacious. Huge, black, comfy sofas surrounded the glass table in the middle. Behind the couch facing the fireplace was a staircase leading to a huge opening where they could see the moon through it.
Draco stared at Hermione. Her amber eyes were filled with emotions. It was truly mesmerizing. He leaned closer to her face—close enough to breathe their own breaths. Their lips were a centimeter apart. He leaned closer and closer, ready to brush his lips against his against hers until—
"OUCH!" Hermione shouted. She let her hands out of Draco's grasp and massaged her head, which grew a 2-inch hill. A few tears dropped on her cheek because of the pain.
"What's the matter?" concerned Draco. He felt nervous—nervous of what might happen to her.
"My—head," she sobbed.
"Oh god, wait a sec," said Draco. He slowly raised Hermione by the hip and fixed his robes. When he was finally free, he gently lifted her up and rested her down the couch.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"Do you think I'm alright?" she said between sobs.
"I am so sorry. Come here, let me fix that."
"No, I think you've done enough damage."
"Oh, just shut up, Granger."
She could no longer argue with him. His hands lay upon her head and he muttered a spell, which caused it to shrink. The pain was still there but it was lesser.
"What did you do?" she asked in a soft tone.
"Shh.. the pain's still there but it will subside later on," he replied. He pretended to continue the healing process but was in fact playing with her curls.
"Thanks," she whispered.
He didn't reply but he was really glad that he was able to prevent themselves from having a serious wand-waving session. There was a moment of silence.
"Granger, what did you do to open the mirror?" he asked quickly to break the unbearable silence.
"I dunno. I just recited the inscriptions."
"Et Idala Ni Vargasi Cot. What does it mean?"
"I've got no idea," she answered as she sat up and turned around to face him. "But I think Dumbledore has something up his sleeves."
All the time, he stared at Hermione's face. He never saw it to be so explicit. So expressive. So... Perfect.
"This room's gorgeous," she said, while her eyes wondered around the room. She realized that Draco's eyes never left her face. She met her misty blues. And he met her amber ones.
"You're so beautiful," Draco whispered.
She blushed so deep; it was impossible to deny it.
"I—um—I need to get some rest now," she said in a low but sweet tone.
"Right. Um—me, too," he replied. "I'm—uh—sorry about the—uh—the—bump."
"No problem. Thanks."
"G'night."
"Goodnight."
Hermione went up the staircase leading to a huge balcony adorned with flower vines on the lattice. She stepped forward, examining the view. The entire crystal-lake could be seen, as well as the tall mountains, outlined by the moonlight. It was a perfect scenery. She inhaled deeply, taking in the aroma of the unflawed environment around her.
"My home away from home," she murmured.
She looked at the door on her right, hidden by the shadows of the low overhead. It spelled out: Hermione Granger, Head Girl. At her left was a door marked: Draco Malfoy, Head Boy. She sighed.
"Dragon Flames," she said as the door of her room opened.
She stepped into a scarlet-gold room. A big 4-poster bed with silky white sheets was glued to the center part of the wall. At its left were 2 red furry armchairs that had gold stitches on its hems. On the right was a rosewood study table with 3 candelabras floating atop it. Near it was a gigantic window with a wide cushioned sill.
"Spectacular," she complimented.
Realizing she needed to take a long bath to relax her head, she entered the door across the windowsill, beside her mini-living room. A turquoise pool- like bathtub settled in the middle of the room. Around it was the sink, the toilet, and the shower room. She looked at the ceiling and saw the night sky. Across her door was another one. She curiously opened it and saw a room like hers; only it was a combination of green and silver.
'This is Malfoy's room,' she thought. 'But how can it be? His is across—'
Suddenly, the door in front of her opened and in came the Ferretboy.
"What the—" he said. He was distracted by Hermione's get-up (black bikinis under a white silhouette night gown). He walked forward until they were just about 2 feet apart each other. "I mean, what are you doing here?"
"I—uh—this is my bathroom. But it seems that—uh—our rooms are connected through this."
"We're sharing a bathroom?" he leered at her.
"I think so," she answered. "Don't look at me like that."
"Why not?"
"It makes me feel uncomfortable."
He took his gaze away from her and he sat on the couch. Hermione pursued her plans on taking a bath so she took off her clothes and climbed in the warm water. She stared up the ceiling, or rather the sky and closed her eyes.
'What's wrong with me?' she asked herself.
A few days have past after the unexpected events. They haven't talked to each other since that night and if ever they had had to accomplish something together, they tried their best to avoid a plain conversation.
Draco sat between Pansy and Milicent Bulstrode during Muggle Studies. Pansy kept on dropping his quill so that when he picked it up from the floor, he could have a chance to see her, for her opinion, sexy stems. After 8 times of dropping his quill, he was already very angry.
"WOULD YOU JUST QUIT IT, PANSY?! I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOUR TROLL-LIKE FEET!" he shouted, causing everyone to stare at them.
"Mr. Malfoy? Is there any problem?" asked Florings.
"No, Professor."
"Okay, as I was saying. Electricity is a source of.."
The class ended as soon as the bell rang. Draco gathered his things and walked quickly toward the door to avoid Pansy.
"Mr. Malfoy," called Florings. "Please come."
"Is there any problem, Professor?" he asked.
"No, no," she replied. "I just wanted to ask if there's anything troubling you?"
"Nothing! I mean—none, Professor. Why'd you ask?"
"I just sense something," she whispered to his ear. "About you and a certain girl."
"A girl, Professor?"
"Why, Ms. Granger, of course."
"Me and—Herm—I mean—Me and Granger? That's ridiculous," he was so tensed he didn't realize he was stuttering.
"You know what's ridiculous, Draco?" asked Florings. "Your pride overpowering your feelings."
"I don't feel any—"
"I may not be a psychic, but I'm not naïve to notice your actions."
"What do you mean?"
"Every time I look at you, you stare at Hermione with weak eyes. I know you like her. You're just afraid to admit it to yourself."
"I—uh—I'm just scared to be pushed away. That's all," he said, while he looked at the floor.
"How are you so sure she doesn't like you back?" Florings asked.
He couldn't answer her question. He didn't have any single proof of Hermione's hatred towards him. Since the first day, they didn't have any communication, whatsoever.
"I thought so," she said. "Not to interfere or whatever, but if you want a hand, I'm willing to help."
Draco thought of it for a moment. If he agreed with his Muggle Studies Professor, there was a chance for them to be together. But if she fails, he's got nothing to lose.
"Deal."
"If I was the one who was loving you, Baby,
The only tears you cry will be tears of joy,
And if I was by your side,
You'll never know one lonely night,
And if it was my arms you were running to, I'd give—"
Hermione put off her cd player. She didn't exactly understand her feelings. She knows she likes Draco, but then, it would be impossible to be with him. She wanted to hide her emotions and she did a pretty good job. Every night, she'd stay up so late thinking about this matter. At the time her sleepiness swallowed her, it was 5 o'clock in the morning.
After a long time of contemplation, she got off her bed, wore comfy clothes and went to the Gryffindor common room. She needed some words of wisdom and she knew where to get them.
"Pepper Tongue," she muttered.
She went in and noticed Harry and Ron playing Wizard's Chess. There were a few 4th years on the table, probably doing some homework.
"Mornin', 'Mione," greeted Ron.
"Morning, guys. Where's everyone?"
"Playing Quidditch," answered Harry. "Why'd you wake up so late?"
"Homework," she lied.
"Checkmate," said Ron to the board. "Want to join us, 'Mione?"
"No thanks. I just have to find Ginny and the girls," she replied. "Did you see them?"
"They're in the dorm."
She muttered a "thanks" and climbed up the stairs. When she reached the door to her friends' room, she knocked.
"Who's there?" Lavander called out.
"It's just me," she said.
The door opened, showing 4 girls on their underwear.
"Mione!" exclaimed Lavander as she hugged her. The rest of the girls, who were actually walking across the room like supermodels, pushed her in and closed the door.
"Hey, Lav," Hermione giggled. "I didn't know we had an open show today."
"It was unexpected," she said.
"Come, Hermione, join us!" said Gail (Walkman, another friend of theirs), who pulled her away from Lavander. She stripped Hermione off her robes, leaving her on an orange strapless bra and matching panties.
"Hmm.. strapless," said Parvati. "Daring."
Before she could utter a word, they sat her down in front of the dresser and pulled her hair tie so that her hair fell loose on her shoulders. They applied a little blush on and lip gloss on her face.
"You people are so vain!" Hermione teased as she stood up to join the lingerie showdown.
The door burst open and Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan walked in, arguing about something that they didn't notice the half-naked girls.
"Lav," Dean said as he turned his head to Lavander but was stunned by the picture. He turned to Seamus, whose eyebrows ascended to his forehead, his jaw opening and closing.
"Dean!" shouted Lavander. "What are you doing here?!"
"I—uh—I'm so sorry, a 4th year girl—a—a--accompanied me to—uh—you," he stuttered as his girlfriend approached him. She was wearing a pair of fuchsia bikinis. "I uh—just—uh—wanted—to—uh—talk to—uh—you."
She took Dean's hand and pushed him out the door. Seamus, who was also shoved off by the other four, stood beside Dean.
"What—How—Where—Why are you wearing those?!" asked Dean.
"Or rather, why aren't you wearing your clothes?" said Seamus.
"Excuse me, but that was a girly-gig," said Lavander. Dean took of his coat and wrapped it on her body. "You weren't supposed to see it."
"So that explains the unlocked door," Dean said.
"Don't you know how to knock?"
"Ugh—just—don't surprise me like that!"
"And me," said Seamus.
"You weren't supposed to see it!"
Dean tucked Lavander's long dark hair behind her ears and kissed her forehead.
"You always get away with it. Hmph!" she protested teasingly.
"How come you haven't wore those before?" complained Dean, referring to her bikinis.
She stuck her tongue out and took Dean's robes off her shoulders.
"You're stinky. Take a bath," she mocked, handling him his robes.
"What do you expect?" he replied.
Dean and Seamus walked down the staircase and into their dorm. Lavander went inside the room and noticed all the girls lying on the bed, facing Hermione, who was the only one sitting.
"MALFOY?!" shrieked Ginny.
Intrigued, Lavander scampered toward the bed. "What did I miss?"
"She feels something for Malfoy!" shouted Gail.
"Shhhh..." scolded Parvati.
"Malfoy?! You hooked up! I knew it!" cheered Lavander.
"No. I—think—I like him," murmured Hermione.
"Well, I know he adores you, too, Girl!" said Lavander.
"What if he doesn't?!" cried Hermione.
"Well he's a dumbass," said Lavander factually.
"Hermione, you're perfect. Any boy in the school would love you," said Parvati.
"Thanks," she sighed. "I'm just afraid."
"Afraid of what?" asked Ginny.
"That he might hurt my feelings."
Everybody was silent. They couldn't deny the fact that Malfoy was an ultimate playboy. If the rumors were really true, he might have promised all the girls in the school his loyalty, trust, and love, slept with them, and dumped them out of the goodness of his heart.
"You know what we need?" questioned Lavander.
"What?"
"A plan.
Note: Ginny's really not into the Hermione-Draco affair... but since Hermione's her friend, she supports her all the way.ü
They crept into a pitch-black darkness. Hermione lead the way inside the room. She walked carefully. Accidentally, Malfoy stepped on the hem of her robes. She turned around to say something to him but as she turned around, she tripped on something lying on the ground and crashed hard on the stone floor. Before she completely fell, she grabbed Malfoy's robes, which also caused him to fall, landing on top of her. She let out an earsplitting scream. Draco pushed himself up, but his robes were strangled under Hermione's, so he rested his weight on his arms.
Draco muttered "Lumos" and the whole room lit up. They looked around them. It was utterly beautiful. The fireplace was old, but elegant. Above it was a huge portrait of two Hogwarts students, a boy and a girl with the "HG" and "HB" badges pinned on their robes. The entire common room was indeed spacious. Huge, black, comfy sofas surrounded the glass table in the middle. Behind the couch facing the fireplace was a staircase leading to a huge opening where they could see the moon through it.
Draco stared at Hermione. Her amber eyes were filled with emotions. It was truly mesmerizing. He leaned closer to her face—close enough to breathe their own breaths. Their lips were a centimeter apart. He leaned closer and closer, ready to brush his lips against his against hers until—
"OUCH!" Hermione shouted. She let her hands out of Draco's grasp and massaged her head, which grew a 2-inch hill. A few tears dropped on her cheek because of the pain.
"What's the matter?" concerned Draco. He felt nervous—nervous of what might happen to her.
"My—head," she sobbed.
"Oh god, wait a sec," said Draco. He slowly raised Hermione by the hip and fixed his robes. When he was finally free, he gently lifted her up and rested her down the couch.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"Do you think I'm alright?" she said between sobs.
"I am so sorry. Come here, let me fix that."
"No, I think you've done enough damage."
"Oh, just shut up, Granger."
She could no longer argue with him. His hands lay upon her head and he muttered a spell, which caused it to shrink. The pain was still there but it was lesser.
"What did you do?" she asked in a soft tone.
"Shh.. the pain's still there but it will subside later on," he replied. He pretended to continue the healing process but was in fact playing with her curls.
"Thanks," she whispered.
He didn't reply but he was really glad that he was able to prevent themselves from having a serious wand-waving session. There was a moment of silence.
"Granger, what did you do to open the mirror?" he asked quickly to break the unbearable silence.
"I dunno. I just recited the inscriptions."
"Et Idala Ni Vargasi Cot. What does it mean?"
"I've got no idea," she answered as she sat up and turned around to face him. "But I think Dumbledore has something up his sleeves."
All the time, he stared at Hermione's face. He never saw it to be so explicit. So expressive. So... Perfect.
"This room's gorgeous," she said, while her eyes wondered around the room. She realized that Draco's eyes never left her face. She met her misty blues. And he met her amber ones.
"You're so beautiful," Draco whispered.
She blushed so deep; it was impossible to deny it.
"I—um—I need to get some rest now," she said in a low but sweet tone.
"Right. Um—me, too," he replied. "I'm—uh—sorry about the—uh—the—bump."
"No problem. Thanks."
"G'night."
"Goodnight."
Hermione went up the staircase leading to a huge balcony adorned with flower vines on the lattice. She stepped forward, examining the view. The entire crystal-lake could be seen, as well as the tall mountains, outlined by the moonlight. It was a perfect scenery. She inhaled deeply, taking in the aroma of the unflawed environment around her.
"My home away from home," she murmured.
She looked at the door on her right, hidden by the shadows of the low overhead. It spelled out: Hermione Granger, Head Girl. At her left was a door marked: Draco Malfoy, Head Boy. She sighed.
"Dragon Flames," she said as the door of her room opened.
She stepped into a scarlet-gold room. A big 4-poster bed with silky white sheets was glued to the center part of the wall. At its left were 2 red furry armchairs that had gold stitches on its hems. On the right was a rosewood study table with 3 candelabras floating atop it. Near it was a gigantic window with a wide cushioned sill.
"Spectacular," she complimented.
Realizing she needed to take a long bath to relax her head, she entered the door across the windowsill, beside her mini-living room. A turquoise pool- like bathtub settled in the middle of the room. Around it was the sink, the toilet, and the shower room. She looked at the ceiling and saw the night sky. Across her door was another one. She curiously opened it and saw a room like hers; only it was a combination of green and silver.
'This is Malfoy's room,' she thought. 'But how can it be? His is across—'
Suddenly, the door in front of her opened and in came the Ferretboy.
"What the—" he said. He was distracted by Hermione's get-up (black bikinis under a white silhouette night gown). He walked forward until they were just about 2 feet apart each other. "I mean, what are you doing here?"
"I—uh—this is my bathroom. But it seems that—uh—our rooms are connected through this."
"We're sharing a bathroom?" he leered at her.
"I think so," she answered. "Don't look at me like that."
"Why not?"
"It makes me feel uncomfortable."
He took his gaze away from her and he sat on the couch. Hermione pursued her plans on taking a bath so she took off her clothes and climbed in the warm water. She stared up the ceiling, or rather the sky and closed her eyes.
'What's wrong with me?' she asked herself.
A few days have past after the unexpected events. They haven't talked to each other since that night and if ever they had had to accomplish something together, they tried their best to avoid a plain conversation.
Draco sat between Pansy and Milicent Bulstrode during Muggle Studies. Pansy kept on dropping his quill so that when he picked it up from the floor, he could have a chance to see her, for her opinion, sexy stems. After 8 times of dropping his quill, he was already very angry.
"WOULD YOU JUST QUIT IT, PANSY?! I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOUR TROLL-LIKE FEET!" he shouted, causing everyone to stare at them.
"Mr. Malfoy? Is there any problem?" asked Florings.
"No, Professor."
"Okay, as I was saying. Electricity is a source of.."
The class ended as soon as the bell rang. Draco gathered his things and walked quickly toward the door to avoid Pansy.
"Mr. Malfoy," called Florings. "Please come."
"Is there any problem, Professor?" he asked.
"No, no," she replied. "I just wanted to ask if there's anything troubling you?"
"Nothing! I mean—none, Professor. Why'd you ask?"
"I just sense something," she whispered to his ear. "About you and a certain girl."
"A girl, Professor?"
"Why, Ms. Granger, of course."
"Me and—Herm—I mean—Me and Granger? That's ridiculous," he was so tensed he didn't realize he was stuttering.
"You know what's ridiculous, Draco?" asked Florings. "Your pride overpowering your feelings."
"I don't feel any—"
"I may not be a psychic, but I'm not naïve to notice your actions."
"What do you mean?"
"Every time I look at you, you stare at Hermione with weak eyes. I know you like her. You're just afraid to admit it to yourself."
"I—uh—I'm just scared to be pushed away. That's all," he said, while he looked at the floor.
"How are you so sure she doesn't like you back?" Florings asked.
He couldn't answer her question. He didn't have any single proof of Hermione's hatred towards him. Since the first day, they didn't have any communication, whatsoever.
"I thought so," she said. "Not to interfere or whatever, but if you want a hand, I'm willing to help."
Draco thought of it for a moment. If he agreed with his Muggle Studies Professor, there was a chance for them to be together. But if she fails, he's got nothing to lose.
"Deal."
"If I was the one who was loving you, Baby,
The only tears you cry will be tears of joy,
And if I was by your side,
You'll never know one lonely night,
And if it was my arms you were running to, I'd give—"
Hermione put off her cd player. She didn't exactly understand her feelings. She knows she likes Draco, but then, it would be impossible to be with him. She wanted to hide her emotions and she did a pretty good job. Every night, she'd stay up so late thinking about this matter. At the time her sleepiness swallowed her, it was 5 o'clock in the morning.
After a long time of contemplation, she got off her bed, wore comfy clothes and went to the Gryffindor common room. She needed some words of wisdom and she knew where to get them.
"Pepper Tongue," she muttered.
She went in and noticed Harry and Ron playing Wizard's Chess. There were a few 4th years on the table, probably doing some homework.
"Mornin', 'Mione," greeted Ron.
"Morning, guys. Where's everyone?"
"Playing Quidditch," answered Harry. "Why'd you wake up so late?"
"Homework," she lied.
"Checkmate," said Ron to the board. "Want to join us, 'Mione?"
"No thanks. I just have to find Ginny and the girls," she replied. "Did you see them?"
"They're in the dorm."
She muttered a "thanks" and climbed up the stairs. When she reached the door to her friends' room, she knocked.
"Who's there?" Lavander called out.
"It's just me," she said.
The door opened, showing 4 girls on their underwear.
"Mione!" exclaimed Lavander as she hugged her. The rest of the girls, who were actually walking across the room like supermodels, pushed her in and closed the door.
"Hey, Lav," Hermione giggled. "I didn't know we had an open show today."
"It was unexpected," she said.
"Come, Hermione, join us!" said Gail (Walkman, another friend of theirs), who pulled her away from Lavander. She stripped Hermione off her robes, leaving her on an orange strapless bra and matching panties.
"Hmm.. strapless," said Parvati. "Daring."
Before she could utter a word, they sat her down in front of the dresser and pulled her hair tie so that her hair fell loose on her shoulders. They applied a little blush on and lip gloss on her face.
"You people are so vain!" Hermione teased as she stood up to join the lingerie showdown.
The door burst open and Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan walked in, arguing about something that they didn't notice the half-naked girls.
"Lav," Dean said as he turned his head to Lavander but was stunned by the picture. He turned to Seamus, whose eyebrows ascended to his forehead, his jaw opening and closing.
"Dean!" shouted Lavander. "What are you doing here?!"
"I—uh—I'm so sorry, a 4th year girl—a—a--accompanied me to—uh—you," he stuttered as his girlfriend approached him. She was wearing a pair of fuchsia bikinis. "I uh—just—uh—wanted—to—uh—talk to—uh—you."
She took Dean's hand and pushed him out the door. Seamus, who was also shoved off by the other four, stood beside Dean.
"What—How—Where—Why are you wearing those?!" asked Dean.
"Or rather, why aren't you wearing your clothes?" said Seamus.
"Excuse me, but that was a girly-gig," said Lavander. Dean took of his coat and wrapped it on her body. "You weren't supposed to see it."
"So that explains the unlocked door," Dean said.
"Don't you know how to knock?"
"Ugh—just—don't surprise me like that!"
"And me," said Seamus.
"You weren't supposed to see it!"
Dean tucked Lavander's long dark hair behind her ears and kissed her forehead.
"You always get away with it. Hmph!" she protested teasingly.
"How come you haven't wore those before?" complained Dean, referring to her bikinis.
She stuck her tongue out and took Dean's robes off her shoulders.
"You're stinky. Take a bath," she mocked, handling him his robes.
"What do you expect?" he replied.
Dean and Seamus walked down the staircase and into their dorm. Lavander went inside the room and noticed all the girls lying on the bed, facing Hermione, who was the only one sitting.
"MALFOY?!" shrieked Ginny.
Intrigued, Lavander scampered toward the bed. "What did I miss?"
"She feels something for Malfoy!" shouted Gail.
"Shhhh..." scolded Parvati.
"Malfoy?! You hooked up! I knew it!" cheered Lavander.
"No. I—think—I like him," murmured Hermione.
"Well, I know he adores you, too, Girl!" said Lavander.
"What if he doesn't?!" cried Hermione.
"Well he's a dumbass," said Lavander factually.
"Hermione, you're perfect. Any boy in the school would love you," said Parvati.
"Thanks," she sighed. "I'm just afraid."
"Afraid of what?" asked Ginny.
"That he might hurt my feelings."
Everybody was silent. They couldn't deny the fact that Malfoy was an ultimate playboy. If the rumors were really true, he might have promised all the girls in the school his loyalty, trust, and love, slept with them, and dumped them out of the goodness of his heart.
"You know what we need?" questioned Lavander.
"What?"
"A plan.
Note: Ginny's really not into the Hermione-Draco affair... but since Hermione's her friend, she supports her all the way.ü