Chapter 16
Draco woke late the next morning, memories of the previous evening's encounters spreading slowly over his sleep-clogged mind. He dressed quickly, but still taking time to make his appearance impeccable. A Malfoy never looked disheveled. Then, he went in search of Hermione.
He found her in the library; where else did he expect to find her? She was sitting at a table this time, looking through a large book.
"Hello, Hermione," said Draco sitting beside her. Her cheeks colored.
"Hello, Draco," she said.
"What are you reading?"
"I don't know," said Hermione. "It's hard to think this early in the morning."
Draco smirked. "Is it the morning or is it hard to think with me sitting next to you."
Hermione blushed deeper, but smiled. "Both."
Draco kissed her cheek. "Better?"
"No," said Hermione as she turned to him.
He leaned in closer to her, touching her lips with his ever so lightly. "Better now?"
"You've just comfozzled me more," said Hermione. Her hand sat on his forearm.
"Well, we'll have to fix that," said Draco. Finally leaning closer to her and pressing her lips hungrily with his. He felt her tongue tentatively touch his lips and he opened them for her. Their kiss became more passionate and less searching, hands caressing bodies, tongues caressing mouths. They quickly broke apart when they heard a voice behind them.
"If you are quite finished, the Headmaster would like a meeting with all three of us," said Professor Snape.
Draco quirked a corner of his mouth at the professor. "Actually, we're not quite done here, we'll meet you there."
Hermione's eyes widened and Snape snorted. "We're right behind you, Professor Snape," said Hermione as she got up and followed the Professor out of the library and up to Dumbledore's office with Draco on her heels.
"Ah, I see you're all here. Very good," said Dumbledore when they were all assembled in his office. "I trust that you can all guess why you're here. Mr. Malfoy, has the prophecy regarding yourself been explained to you?"
"Yes, sir," said Draco. Despite his dislike of the old man, a Malfoy always showed proper respect of his or her elders. 'Something father never did,' Draco thought. He filed the thought in the back of his mind.
"Even better. It will make our business today much easier," Dumbledore took a deep breath. "I would like to recommend that you all commence training together immediately. Parts of the prophecy have already come true. Draco's father did betray him and Hermione did heal his wounds. The life of all of us rest with you three, now."
"Excuse me, Professor, but what do you mean 'training together?'" asked Hermione.
"You need to learn how to work together; you must learn how to do battle. I know that you and Mr. Malfoy have some knowledge of how to conduct yourselves in a battle situation because of your diverse past experiences, but you need to learn how to fight *together*. That is of the utmost importance. You need to learn to get along. For that reason," Dumbledore seemed to steel himself for the reaction to what he was about to say, "I am giving you separate quarters. You will all reside in the same common room with separate bed chambers, away from the distractions of your houses."
"Albus, you can't be serious!" exclaimed Snape. "I have better things to do with my time than baby-sit two love-sick children!"
"We are not children, Professor," said Hermione, stiffening. "And I assure you we do not need a baby-sitter."
"I am not entirely comfortable with the idea of sharing my quarters with Professor Snape and Hermione. Won't that cause suspicion and confusion among the other students?"
"I agree that it will appear strange, but it is necessary. You will tell people that you and Hermione are under an intense Potions curriculum to prepare for a future career in that area. I know that you are not happy about it, but it is going to happen."
Draco was silent and stoic. Hermione seemed to have resigned herself to the assignment. Snape was, however, still livid.
"Albus, please! You can't mean this," he said.
"I mean this with all my being, Severus. Your battle training will commence in the Room of Requirement shortly after lunch. You will have until that time to settle into your new quarters." Dumbledore gave them the location and password to their rooms, then shooed them out of his office and down to their own common room.
"Merlin help us all," he muttered when they'd gone.
* * *
Ginny sat staring at Harry, her mouth open. Harry felt his face turn red, but his eyes didn't leave hers. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it), the entire Weasley clan, as well as Lupin, Tonks, and Mad-Eye Moody traipsed into the kitchen.
"Well, everyone, who's up for hot cocoa?" asked Mrs. Weasley.
"Really, Molly," said Lupin. "I've already had three cups today. Don't you have any Fire Whiskey on hand?
Tonks gave Lupin a look. She whispered into his ear. He blushed and whispered back. She nodded.
"Molly," said Lupin, "hold the cocoa for a minute, will you? I have an announcement."
"We have an announcement," said Tonks, correcting her fiancé.
"Yes, we have an announcement," Remus looked into her eyes, then jumped up on a bench, so as to rise above the crowd. The kitchen was rather large, but all the Weasleys were stretching its capacity. "Excuse me everyone!" called Lupin over the din. The crowd quieted.
"Er, well, I don't really know how to say this," said Remus.
"Remus, just say it," said Tonks. "No need to beat around the bush."
"Well," said Remus, "we hadn't meant to tell anyone this, but we thought since most of us are here, and more of us are coming, we may as well announce it now. Tonks and I are engaged."
Silence sat like a blanket over the room for a minute. Then, it seemed like all Hades ripped through the kitchen. The Weasley twins began cheering, people began clapping, and calling congratulations. In short, it was pandemonium. Mrs. Weasley was crying and saying something like "We'll have to redecorate one of the rooms in the house as a nursery." Tonks and Lupin both paled and shared a glance at each other when they heard her.
Harry couldn't take it. He'd just done one of the most emotionally draining things of his life, harder than even fighting Voldemort, and now there was even more emotional energy in the room. He had to get away and clear his head. Soon, he was in his room, lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
'How could I have been so stupid?' he thought. "She doesn't love me. How could she?"
"How will you know if you don't let her tell you?" asked a voice from the door. Harry didn't even realize he'd spoken the last thought aloud until the reply came. He looked to the door and saw a voluptuous red-head silhouetted there.
"Ginny! I—I didn't hear you come up," he stuttered.
"You weren't supposed to," she said. "But honestly, how will you now whether or not I love you if you won't let me tell you?" She walked over to him, her hips swaying seductively with every step, and sat on the bed.
"I—I just assumed, because--"
"You know what happens when you assume things?" she asked.
Harry looked puzzled. "No. What do you mean?"
"It makes an ass out of you and me," said Ginny smiling. Harry stared at her a moment and then laughed.
"Who taught you that?" he asked her.
"What makes you think I didn't think of it myself?" she looked offended.
"Um, er, of course you could have thought of it yourself. I just thought, I mean, oh bugger. I've blown it again, haven't I?" Harry looked down at his feet. At her feet.
"No, Harry, you haven't blown it. You just made a mistake. Mistakes can be atoned for. Well, most mistakes, anyway," Ginny tilted his chin up to look at her.
"Oh," said Harry. "How do I atone for this one?"
Ginny smiled. "Kiss me," she said.
So he did.
* * *
Three figures faced off in the new common room. It was decorated in rich shades of brown, so no one was offended, but the color was still nice enough for all parties concerned.
"Well," said Hermione. "Here we are."
"Yes," said Snape. "Here we are. I will lay down some ground rules that I expect you two to obey. First, no snogging in the common room. Second, no snogging in the bedroom. If you want to snog, go somewhere else and do it. Go the bloody library, I don't care, just don't do it here. Third, no lovey-dovey rubbish in these rooms. Fourth, stay out of my private quarters. Fifth, leave me alone as much as possible. Sixth, be on time, all the time. Seventh, stay out of my way. Eighth, I do not have friends, nor do I wish to have any, so do not expect companionship from me."
"Well, Professor," said Draco, "now that you've laid down your rules, I will lay down ours. First, Hermione and I will snog wherever the bloody hell we want to, whether it's here, my bedroom, her bedroom, or the middle of the bloody lake. Second, we do not need your companionship and will not seek it out. Third, we will leave you alone, if you leave us alone. Fourth --"
"Bloody hell, both of you be quiet!" shouted Hermione. "If this is going to work, we need to have a working relationship, at least. We all need to respect each other. Professor Snape, I can assure you that Draco and I will respect your privacy and expect you to respect ours. We will not make you uncomfortable here; this is supposed to be a safe place for all of us. Therefore, we will expect you to not do anything to make us uncomfortable."
Both men stood facing Hermione in shock.
"Is it like this in the Slytherin common room?" she asked.
"Only when more than one person is in there," said Draco.
Hermione sighed. This was going to be harder than she thought. "Now, since we are all going to be living here, and since this is going to be a safe place, I think we should drop formalities in here. Just in here, Professor, don't give me that look."
Draco nodded. "That makes sense. How are we supposed to form bonds if we call each other Mr. and Miss?"
Snape snorted. "I am not comfortable giving up my title."
"It's for the good of the wizarding population," said Hermione.
"To hell with the wizarding population," said Snape.
"Dumbledore would want it," said Draco.
Snape scowled. "All right, you may address me as Severus only when we pass through those doors. You, Draco, may also address me as Lord Snape, but that could just aggravate the problem of formalities."
"Why am I not allowed to address you as Lord Snape?" asked Hermione.
"High Clan politics," said Draco. "I'll explain later."
"You most certainly will not, Draco," said Snape.
"Yes, I will, Severus," said Draco, mockingly. "My father is dead to me, dictating that there are now two Lords of Malfoy. I can explain what I will to Hermione."
Severus sneered. "You are making a grave mistake. It will only aggravate your father."
"My father has no way of knowing."
"Your father has every way of knowing. Don't be stupid Draco."
"Don't you dare tell me what's stupid," said Draco quietly. It was the most menacing thing Hermione had ever heard.
"Well, look at that, it's lunch time," said Hermione brightly. "Best go get our meal, then."
The two clan lords were still staring at each other when Hermione said this. She led them out of the room and into the Great Hall. Lunch was a somber meal and Hermione was puzzled. She resigned herself to being puzzled for the rest of her life; she wasn't about to ask Draco what was going on. Not when Professor Snape, no, Severus, was so touchy about everything.
"We should probably get to training," said Draco. "We wouldn't want to keep Snape waiting."
"No, I suppose not," said Hermione.
Snape was waiting for them when they got to the Room of Requirement. "You're late," he said.
"Sorry, Professor," said Hermione, not giving Draco an opportunity to say anything. She still didn't know if they were getting along.
"Shall we begin?" Draco suggested.
"Excellent idea, Mr. Malfoy," said Snape. "Step forward, please. Your first instructions will be in defensive curses. Now, when you see my curse coming, try to block it with your own curse. Ready?"
Draco nodded and Snape threw the curse. Draco tried to block it, but failed miserably.
"No, not like that," said Hermione when Draco was back on his feet. "Like this," said Hermione. "Throw the curse, Professor," she told him.
Snape shrugged and threw the curse again.
"Protego!" said Hermione. The curse bounced back against Snape, knocking him to the ground. "Like that. You try."
Draco scowled, but said nothing. A Malfoy did not voice his disapproval with his partner.
Snape got to his feet and threw the curse again. Draco blocked it this time, but barely.
"See? You'll get the hang of it, you're a fast learner," said Hermione.
Draco nodded. Snape just glared at them.
The next several hours were spent practicing hexes and protection charms and curses. By the time Draco had the basics down (Hermione already knew most of what Snape was trying to teach), it was time for dinner.
"I'm skipping," said Draco. "I need a rest."
"Me, too," said Hermione.
"If you are both going back to the common room, I will not join you," said Snape.
"Suit yourself," said Draco, stopping Hermione from asking him to come back with them.
When they were out of earshot, she turned to him. "Why did you do that? We need to get to know each other."
"Because, Hermione," said Draco, "I wanted to do this." He pressed her up against the nearest wall, pinning her there with his body. Eagerly, he captured her lips with his and kissed her hungrily. After a minute or so, they each broke away, needing the air desperately.
"Okay, I understand now," said Hermione, still trying to catch her breath.
They went back to the common room and sat together on the couch, talking. Sometimes they just sat together in silence. But they were always silent together. Draco thought that it was much better than the lonely silence of Malfoy Manor.
"Draco," said Hermione. "Try to get along with him, please."
"Who?"
"Severus. He needs us and we need him. And I don't like it when you two fight."
"Well, if you don't like it, then I won't do it."
"Thank you," said Hermione; she kissed him.
Just then, Snape himself walked into the room. He snorted. "Imagine the reaction Potter and Weasley will have when they realize you are a couple. That alone will be worth staying here to see."
"Oh dear," said Hermione. "He's right. I'm going to go write them a letter, good night Draco, Severus," she said and went through the door that led to her chamber.
"Well," said Draco, "it seems that she has left us here to work out our differences."
"It seems she has," said Severus.
Draco stood up. "I apologize, Lord Snape, for my rude behavior earlier this day. I should have been willing to listen to advice from a more experienced Clan Lord." Draco bowed.
Severus bowed back. "You apology is accepted, Lord Malfoy. I, too, apologize for trying to tell you how to conduct your business."
"It was not my business to conduct."
Severus bowed again. "I, Lord Severus Snape extend the hand of friendship and alliance from the Snape clan to Lord Draconis Malfoy, acting Head of Malfoy clan."
Draco bowed low. "The clan of Malfoy humbly accepts your friendship an alliance. May your house and line live long and peacefully."
"May yours be fruitful as well."
Both men looked each other in the eye. Not as teacher and pupil anymore, but as High Clan Lords and allies.
A/N: Well, here's chapter 16! Hope you liked it. Now that I know what's going to happen eventually, I think I can safely say that a major event is coming up in the next few chapters. 20 House points if you can guess what it is! Review please!
A/N 2: Sorry for the incredibly bad version of this chapter that was posted earlier. I thought I'd proof-read it, but apparently I hadn't. Sorry! I'll try not to let it happen again!
Draco woke late the next morning, memories of the previous evening's encounters spreading slowly over his sleep-clogged mind. He dressed quickly, but still taking time to make his appearance impeccable. A Malfoy never looked disheveled. Then, he went in search of Hermione.
He found her in the library; where else did he expect to find her? She was sitting at a table this time, looking through a large book.
"Hello, Hermione," said Draco sitting beside her. Her cheeks colored.
"Hello, Draco," she said.
"What are you reading?"
"I don't know," said Hermione. "It's hard to think this early in the morning."
Draco smirked. "Is it the morning or is it hard to think with me sitting next to you."
Hermione blushed deeper, but smiled. "Both."
Draco kissed her cheek. "Better?"
"No," said Hermione as she turned to him.
He leaned in closer to her, touching her lips with his ever so lightly. "Better now?"
"You've just comfozzled me more," said Hermione. Her hand sat on his forearm.
"Well, we'll have to fix that," said Draco. Finally leaning closer to her and pressing her lips hungrily with his. He felt her tongue tentatively touch his lips and he opened them for her. Their kiss became more passionate and less searching, hands caressing bodies, tongues caressing mouths. They quickly broke apart when they heard a voice behind them.
"If you are quite finished, the Headmaster would like a meeting with all three of us," said Professor Snape.
Draco quirked a corner of his mouth at the professor. "Actually, we're not quite done here, we'll meet you there."
Hermione's eyes widened and Snape snorted. "We're right behind you, Professor Snape," said Hermione as she got up and followed the Professor out of the library and up to Dumbledore's office with Draco on her heels.
"Ah, I see you're all here. Very good," said Dumbledore when they were all assembled in his office. "I trust that you can all guess why you're here. Mr. Malfoy, has the prophecy regarding yourself been explained to you?"
"Yes, sir," said Draco. Despite his dislike of the old man, a Malfoy always showed proper respect of his or her elders. 'Something father never did,' Draco thought. He filed the thought in the back of his mind.
"Even better. It will make our business today much easier," Dumbledore took a deep breath. "I would like to recommend that you all commence training together immediately. Parts of the prophecy have already come true. Draco's father did betray him and Hermione did heal his wounds. The life of all of us rest with you three, now."
"Excuse me, Professor, but what do you mean 'training together?'" asked Hermione.
"You need to learn how to work together; you must learn how to do battle. I know that you and Mr. Malfoy have some knowledge of how to conduct yourselves in a battle situation because of your diverse past experiences, but you need to learn how to fight *together*. That is of the utmost importance. You need to learn to get along. For that reason," Dumbledore seemed to steel himself for the reaction to what he was about to say, "I am giving you separate quarters. You will all reside in the same common room with separate bed chambers, away from the distractions of your houses."
"Albus, you can't be serious!" exclaimed Snape. "I have better things to do with my time than baby-sit two love-sick children!"
"We are not children, Professor," said Hermione, stiffening. "And I assure you we do not need a baby-sitter."
"I am not entirely comfortable with the idea of sharing my quarters with Professor Snape and Hermione. Won't that cause suspicion and confusion among the other students?"
"I agree that it will appear strange, but it is necessary. You will tell people that you and Hermione are under an intense Potions curriculum to prepare for a future career in that area. I know that you are not happy about it, but it is going to happen."
Draco was silent and stoic. Hermione seemed to have resigned herself to the assignment. Snape was, however, still livid.
"Albus, please! You can't mean this," he said.
"I mean this with all my being, Severus. Your battle training will commence in the Room of Requirement shortly after lunch. You will have until that time to settle into your new quarters." Dumbledore gave them the location and password to their rooms, then shooed them out of his office and down to their own common room.
"Merlin help us all," he muttered when they'd gone.
* * *
Ginny sat staring at Harry, her mouth open. Harry felt his face turn red, but his eyes didn't leave hers. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it), the entire Weasley clan, as well as Lupin, Tonks, and Mad-Eye Moody traipsed into the kitchen.
"Well, everyone, who's up for hot cocoa?" asked Mrs. Weasley.
"Really, Molly," said Lupin. "I've already had three cups today. Don't you have any Fire Whiskey on hand?
Tonks gave Lupin a look. She whispered into his ear. He blushed and whispered back. She nodded.
"Molly," said Lupin, "hold the cocoa for a minute, will you? I have an announcement."
"We have an announcement," said Tonks, correcting her fiancé.
"Yes, we have an announcement," Remus looked into her eyes, then jumped up on a bench, so as to rise above the crowd. The kitchen was rather large, but all the Weasleys were stretching its capacity. "Excuse me everyone!" called Lupin over the din. The crowd quieted.
"Er, well, I don't really know how to say this," said Remus.
"Remus, just say it," said Tonks. "No need to beat around the bush."
"Well," said Remus, "we hadn't meant to tell anyone this, but we thought since most of us are here, and more of us are coming, we may as well announce it now. Tonks and I are engaged."
Silence sat like a blanket over the room for a minute. Then, it seemed like all Hades ripped through the kitchen. The Weasley twins began cheering, people began clapping, and calling congratulations. In short, it was pandemonium. Mrs. Weasley was crying and saying something like "We'll have to redecorate one of the rooms in the house as a nursery." Tonks and Lupin both paled and shared a glance at each other when they heard her.
Harry couldn't take it. He'd just done one of the most emotionally draining things of his life, harder than even fighting Voldemort, and now there was even more emotional energy in the room. He had to get away and clear his head. Soon, he was in his room, lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
'How could I have been so stupid?' he thought. "She doesn't love me. How could she?"
"How will you know if you don't let her tell you?" asked a voice from the door. Harry didn't even realize he'd spoken the last thought aloud until the reply came. He looked to the door and saw a voluptuous red-head silhouetted there.
"Ginny! I—I didn't hear you come up," he stuttered.
"You weren't supposed to," she said. "But honestly, how will you now whether or not I love you if you won't let me tell you?" She walked over to him, her hips swaying seductively with every step, and sat on the bed.
"I—I just assumed, because--"
"You know what happens when you assume things?" she asked.
Harry looked puzzled. "No. What do you mean?"
"It makes an ass out of you and me," said Ginny smiling. Harry stared at her a moment and then laughed.
"Who taught you that?" he asked her.
"What makes you think I didn't think of it myself?" she looked offended.
"Um, er, of course you could have thought of it yourself. I just thought, I mean, oh bugger. I've blown it again, haven't I?" Harry looked down at his feet. At her feet.
"No, Harry, you haven't blown it. You just made a mistake. Mistakes can be atoned for. Well, most mistakes, anyway," Ginny tilted his chin up to look at her.
"Oh," said Harry. "How do I atone for this one?"
Ginny smiled. "Kiss me," she said.
So he did.
* * *
Three figures faced off in the new common room. It was decorated in rich shades of brown, so no one was offended, but the color was still nice enough for all parties concerned.
"Well," said Hermione. "Here we are."
"Yes," said Snape. "Here we are. I will lay down some ground rules that I expect you two to obey. First, no snogging in the common room. Second, no snogging in the bedroom. If you want to snog, go somewhere else and do it. Go the bloody library, I don't care, just don't do it here. Third, no lovey-dovey rubbish in these rooms. Fourth, stay out of my private quarters. Fifth, leave me alone as much as possible. Sixth, be on time, all the time. Seventh, stay out of my way. Eighth, I do not have friends, nor do I wish to have any, so do not expect companionship from me."
"Well, Professor," said Draco, "now that you've laid down your rules, I will lay down ours. First, Hermione and I will snog wherever the bloody hell we want to, whether it's here, my bedroom, her bedroom, or the middle of the bloody lake. Second, we do not need your companionship and will not seek it out. Third, we will leave you alone, if you leave us alone. Fourth --"
"Bloody hell, both of you be quiet!" shouted Hermione. "If this is going to work, we need to have a working relationship, at least. We all need to respect each other. Professor Snape, I can assure you that Draco and I will respect your privacy and expect you to respect ours. We will not make you uncomfortable here; this is supposed to be a safe place for all of us. Therefore, we will expect you to not do anything to make us uncomfortable."
Both men stood facing Hermione in shock.
"Is it like this in the Slytherin common room?" she asked.
"Only when more than one person is in there," said Draco.
Hermione sighed. This was going to be harder than she thought. "Now, since we are all going to be living here, and since this is going to be a safe place, I think we should drop formalities in here. Just in here, Professor, don't give me that look."
Draco nodded. "That makes sense. How are we supposed to form bonds if we call each other Mr. and Miss?"
Snape snorted. "I am not comfortable giving up my title."
"It's for the good of the wizarding population," said Hermione.
"To hell with the wizarding population," said Snape.
"Dumbledore would want it," said Draco.
Snape scowled. "All right, you may address me as Severus only when we pass through those doors. You, Draco, may also address me as Lord Snape, but that could just aggravate the problem of formalities."
"Why am I not allowed to address you as Lord Snape?" asked Hermione.
"High Clan politics," said Draco. "I'll explain later."
"You most certainly will not, Draco," said Snape.
"Yes, I will, Severus," said Draco, mockingly. "My father is dead to me, dictating that there are now two Lords of Malfoy. I can explain what I will to Hermione."
Severus sneered. "You are making a grave mistake. It will only aggravate your father."
"My father has no way of knowing."
"Your father has every way of knowing. Don't be stupid Draco."
"Don't you dare tell me what's stupid," said Draco quietly. It was the most menacing thing Hermione had ever heard.
"Well, look at that, it's lunch time," said Hermione brightly. "Best go get our meal, then."
The two clan lords were still staring at each other when Hermione said this. She led them out of the room and into the Great Hall. Lunch was a somber meal and Hermione was puzzled. She resigned herself to being puzzled for the rest of her life; she wasn't about to ask Draco what was going on. Not when Professor Snape, no, Severus, was so touchy about everything.
"We should probably get to training," said Draco. "We wouldn't want to keep Snape waiting."
"No, I suppose not," said Hermione.
Snape was waiting for them when they got to the Room of Requirement. "You're late," he said.
"Sorry, Professor," said Hermione, not giving Draco an opportunity to say anything. She still didn't know if they were getting along.
"Shall we begin?" Draco suggested.
"Excellent idea, Mr. Malfoy," said Snape. "Step forward, please. Your first instructions will be in defensive curses. Now, when you see my curse coming, try to block it with your own curse. Ready?"
Draco nodded and Snape threw the curse. Draco tried to block it, but failed miserably.
"No, not like that," said Hermione when Draco was back on his feet. "Like this," said Hermione. "Throw the curse, Professor," she told him.
Snape shrugged and threw the curse again.
"Protego!" said Hermione. The curse bounced back against Snape, knocking him to the ground. "Like that. You try."
Draco scowled, but said nothing. A Malfoy did not voice his disapproval with his partner.
Snape got to his feet and threw the curse again. Draco blocked it this time, but barely.
"See? You'll get the hang of it, you're a fast learner," said Hermione.
Draco nodded. Snape just glared at them.
The next several hours were spent practicing hexes and protection charms and curses. By the time Draco had the basics down (Hermione already knew most of what Snape was trying to teach), it was time for dinner.
"I'm skipping," said Draco. "I need a rest."
"Me, too," said Hermione.
"If you are both going back to the common room, I will not join you," said Snape.
"Suit yourself," said Draco, stopping Hermione from asking him to come back with them.
When they were out of earshot, she turned to him. "Why did you do that? We need to get to know each other."
"Because, Hermione," said Draco, "I wanted to do this." He pressed her up against the nearest wall, pinning her there with his body. Eagerly, he captured her lips with his and kissed her hungrily. After a minute or so, they each broke away, needing the air desperately.
"Okay, I understand now," said Hermione, still trying to catch her breath.
They went back to the common room and sat together on the couch, talking. Sometimes they just sat together in silence. But they were always silent together. Draco thought that it was much better than the lonely silence of Malfoy Manor.
"Draco," said Hermione. "Try to get along with him, please."
"Who?"
"Severus. He needs us and we need him. And I don't like it when you two fight."
"Well, if you don't like it, then I won't do it."
"Thank you," said Hermione; she kissed him.
Just then, Snape himself walked into the room. He snorted. "Imagine the reaction Potter and Weasley will have when they realize you are a couple. That alone will be worth staying here to see."
"Oh dear," said Hermione. "He's right. I'm going to go write them a letter, good night Draco, Severus," she said and went through the door that led to her chamber.
"Well," said Draco, "it seems that she has left us here to work out our differences."
"It seems she has," said Severus.
Draco stood up. "I apologize, Lord Snape, for my rude behavior earlier this day. I should have been willing to listen to advice from a more experienced Clan Lord." Draco bowed.
Severus bowed back. "You apology is accepted, Lord Malfoy. I, too, apologize for trying to tell you how to conduct your business."
"It was not my business to conduct."
Severus bowed again. "I, Lord Severus Snape extend the hand of friendship and alliance from the Snape clan to Lord Draconis Malfoy, acting Head of Malfoy clan."
Draco bowed low. "The clan of Malfoy humbly accepts your friendship an alliance. May your house and line live long and peacefully."
"May yours be fruitful as well."
Both men looked each other in the eye. Not as teacher and pupil anymore, but as High Clan Lords and allies.
A/N: Well, here's chapter 16! Hope you liked it. Now that I know what's going to happen eventually, I think I can safely say that a major event is coming up in the next few chapters. 20 House points if you can guess what it is! Review please!
A/N 2: Sorry for the incredibly bad version of this chapter that was posted earlier. I thought I'd proof-read it, but apparently I hadn't. Sorry! I'll try not to let it happen again!
