Day 6
5AM
Hermione lay awake in her bed replaying the events of hours past in her mind. She had done so for the past hour and no matter how she looked at it.
None of it looked good in her opinion.
-Flashback-
After Draco left her sprawled on the ground, Hermione tried to get up, but she was extremely sore.
Who knew that so much pleasure could cause such pain?
On the third attempt, Hermione was able to rise from the ground. Dusting herself off, she looked down to survey the damage. As a result of Draco cleaning up after their interlude, her uniform was neatly in place; her once torn buttons firmly placed onto her blouse once more. Her hair was put back in its coiffure, as she had worn it up that day.
'I better go to the loo to have a closer look' she thought.
Hermione, walking to the loo to have a better look, found moving to be quite uncomfortable. Her whole body ached. She could not yet see, but her neck, chest and thighs to an outsider, would have been an alarming sight to behold, black, blue and purple from her recent interlude. Soon enough, the reflection in the bathroom mirror confirmed her worst fears. Her eyes brimmed with tears, an expression of surprise and confusion marred her features.
'Oh have mercy', she thought frantically. She couldn't go back to Sebastian looking like this!
So without having time to think of the implications of it all, Hermione quickly cast a concealment charm on her bruises and checked her face to make sure there was no sign of tears. Her lips were a bit swollen from the way Draco had kissed her, but after careful placement of lip gloss, it gave her a full, pouty look. Only she knew otherwise, that it was anything but.
Upon reuniting with Sebastian, she made the flimsy excuse that she needed to tend to something for the headmaster in order to make a quick escape. She seemed perfectly calm outwardly, but inwardly she wanted to collapse. She needed to go—and think.
With the assurance that they would see the other on the morrow, Hermione made her way to the only place she knew—where she could exhale.
Gryffindor tower.
Ignoring her aching body, she ran as fast as her aching legs could carry her until she reached the portrait of the fat lady. She knew Harry and Ron had gone to visit Hagrid without her today, so she knew that she would be alone.
She, meaning Ginny Weasley.
Hermione stormed into the common room, where she didn't have to go far. Ginny was sitting crossed legged before the fire, staring into space as if in deep thought. Hearing someone enter, she turned to see who it was.
Ginny leapt up and broke into a huge smile. "HERMIONE! What a wonderful surprise! I haven't seen in you in what feels like ages!" She moved to capture her brunette comrade in a hug.
Suddenly, Hermione did the one thing that she couldn't bring herself to do earlier.
She cried. What started as a whimper, turned into torrents and torrents of tears. She heaved and heaved, and as much as she tried to get herself under control, she was unable to.
Needing no explanation, Ginny just stood there, holding her friend tightly, tears falling down her own cheeks.
For she herself had cried a similar cry many, many times. She knew it intimately.
The cry of heartbreak.
So Ginny did the best thing she could do for Hermione, say nothing and just be there for her friend. An eerie feeling filled her chest, Ginny knew that somehow, without any confirmation that a certain Slytherin was at the source of this. The redhead sighed, as there was no cure for such things—a broken heart. She swore viciously, "Bastard" and rubbed Hermione's back as she took her up to her room to grieve in private.
After a few more minutes of crying, the torrents and heaves had subsided to naught but sniffles. One would think that a cathartic release such as this would have made Hermione feel better, but it didn't.
As she wordlessly left Ginny's rooms to head for her own, anger and bitterness filled her breast. Each fueled by the scenes that kept replaying in her mind.
-fin-
6AM
With tears threatening to overtake her once more, Hermione took a shaky breath. It felt like everything she knew to be right and good had failed her.
She still couldn't believe what he had done. What she had allowed him to do.
It bordered on abuse, the way he had manhandled her, as if he wanted to punish her as one would an insolent child.
But Hermione couldn't fathom why, what had she done?
He was so gentle with her before… careful and patient with her.
But yesterday, he had hurt her- treated her shamelessly, without reason.
She felt like a whore—someone to be used and discarded. Nowhere did it say she had to take this.
So she arose from her bed and purposefully strode through the bathroom and stormed into Draco's bedroom. She didn't have to do much to awaken him, because strangely, he was just as awake as she.
"Granger, what the-"
Hermione hauled off and with all her might backhanded Draco clear across the face. Her once calm hazel eyes showing anger and venom, she stood over Draco who, for all intents and purposes, was now very pissed. Hermione spoke first.
"Son of a bitch! I could hex your pureblooded ass into oblivion!" She didn't know where the strength came from to bitch slap him. For all she knew, Draco could retaliate. She threw caution to the wind.
Draco narrowed his eyes at the brown haired witch before him while massaging his swollen cheek and jaw. 'Damn, this is going to look like shit in a few hours.'
He stood up from his bed. "GRANGER, WHAT THE FUCK?" But he knew better, he knew why she was there….
Hermione tossed her nightgown over her head revealing her nakedness. There were no concealment charms on her this time, so proof of their rendezvous was there for all to see. She could have cast one of the many healing spells she knew, but no.
She wanted him to see everything as it was, in the light of day.
The aftermath so to speak, since he left so quickly like the coward he was.
She pointed to her bruises as she angrily spat. "THIS... IS WHAT FOR! HOW COULD YOU!"
Draco flinched at the sight of Hermione's body. He knew what he was doing when he did what he did, but to see her as she was, he was immediately flooded with guilt.
He began quietly. "Look, I'm… I'm-."
He never had to do this before, so his mouth found difficulty forming the words. The pit in his stomach that had been there increased. He felt helpless... and he hated it. He was tired of feeling foreign emotions, so he clung to the only one he could identify with.
Anger.
"Fuck it. I'm NOT going to say something that I don't mean" a very angry and irritated Draco stated in a deceptively low voice. 'It was all her damn fault anyway'he thoughtas he continued to stand there with a stony expression-his haughty smirk in place.
Hermione bristled. "I don't WANT OR NEED your fucking bloody apology you fucking sorry excuse for a man!"
She walked up to him, fully aware of her nakedness until she stood toe to toe with Draco. She spat in his face before she uttered her final words.
"YOU… are not even a MAN. You are NOTHING TO ME! You can take that and this deal and shove it up your pureblooded ass!" She turned to leave but was prevented from doing so…
Draco grabbed her wrist and yanked her back to him. He gripped her shoulders, rendering her immobile. Fear took hold of Hermione, as Draco's face took on a menacing look. Splotchy and red, he looked ready to erupt. He was terribly angry.
'This is the last straw' thought Draco as Hermione's spittle ran down his face. He forcefully shook Hermione as he yelled.
"DAMN YOU GRANGER! I DIDN'T ASK FOR THIS. I TOLD YOU… I TOLD YOU THAT THIS WOULDN'T WORK! BUT NO! YOU WOULDN'T LISTEN… AND NOW I'M GOING CRAZY….."
He stopped shaking her, taking the time to catch his breath. Hermione stared at him, mouth agape.
'Crazy? What the hell kind of nonsense was Malfoy on about now?'
Draco bit out bitterly as he continued to catch his breath. "You closed in on me until I couldn't breathe Hermione. Against my will, you robbed me of the only thing I have…control. Control over my life, my emotions. I—CAN'T –FUCKING—BREATHE!"
With the feeling that he had said too much, Draco turned away from Hermione and walked in the direction of the common room. A leaden feeling settled over his chest as his eyes threatened to prickle.
He needed—he had to get out of there.
Hermione ran after him into the common room and extended her right hand to grab the back of shirt. He wasn't just going to unload on her and leave like that!
"Malfoy!" Draco continued to move despite Hermione's tugging on his shirt. She pleaded once again. "DRACO! STOP!"
At the sound of his given name Draco stopped. Hermione ran around him so that she could see his face as she spoke. She noticed that he looked tired, beaten, defeated.
Draco spoke first, his voice a hoarse whisper, eyes imploring. "Let it go Granger."
Hermione shook her head. "But-"
Draco interrupted. This could not be. It couldn't. Her lack of response from earlier added to the mounting evidence. There was too much to overcome.
"LET… it go. It's over." That said, Draco walked around Hermione and left the common room.
Listening to his fading footsteps, Hermione sunk to the floor and allowed the tears to slide down her cheeks. Alone in the midst of the common room the world suddenly seemed colder, bereft of life. Regaining her posture, she returned to her rooms to prepare herself for the day ahead.
She would get past this. She would move on. Someone was already there, waiting in the wings. Someone who could give her what she wanted—she needed.
She would.
Strangely, the day passed quickly for Draco and Hermione as if they were in some sort of dream sequence. Neither spoke or acknowledged the other as they were attempting to pretend the other no longer existed. They placed on their respective masks for the world to see, but those close to them could sense that something was missing. Despite such beliefs, they had no basis in fact, so they remained silent.
But they were watching… looking... for anything.
Even the professors noticed a change, in Hermione anyway. As she didn't raise her hand as often, and seemed somewhat distracted. Professor Snape, as he was Slytherin's head of house, knew Draco well, and took note of the tension between his two prize pupils. With the wisdom that comes with age and life circumstance, he rolled his eyes and shook his head.
They would have to figure it out for themselves.
6:50 pm
Hermione looked at her reflection through the full length mirror with a critical eye as she prepared to leave to meet Sebastian for dinner. Dressed to kill in a black sequined cocktail dress, the plunging neckline and backless style brought attention to the skin of her breasts and back—now magically healed from previous bruises. The dress molded and adapted to her curves, shooting to end above her knee. Small black beads which hung from the hem twinkled invitingly. Strappy slingback black shoes completed the outfit. Her hair was done in a half up/half down fashion, her bun held in place by a pair of onyx chopsticks. No tendrils caressed her face, which was in full makeup, complete with plum lipstick. Onyx jewelry adorned her pulse points.
She looked like sin itself. A fallen angel, a temptress on the prowl.
With bated breath she made her way out of the room. As she was leaving, Draco was coming in. They both stopped in recognition of each other. Draco spoke first, offering a sort of truce.
"Nice."
Hermione replied tonelessly "Of course it is."
Undeterred, Draco whispered "Granger, don't g-"
Hermione cut him off, replying snarkily. "Malfoy, you wanted to 'let it go', remember? So I'm following your advice. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a prior engagement." She swept past him to walk in the direction of the room of requirement. She was running late.
For a date
With destiny.
As Hermione approached, she saw Sebastian waiting for her in the distance. Dressed in a black tuxedo, he looked extremely gallant and handsome. His angelic face was framed by his stray locks of dirty blonde hair. As she came to face him, his eyes gleamed in merriment and appreciation of what was before him as he regally bowed.
"My lady." He flashed his most devastating smile. Hermione relaxed instantly, and returned his smile with ease.
She replied with mock hauteur, but her obvious amusement giving her away. "Sir Chase."
He rose from the bow to take her hand in his, tucking it into the crook of his arm. "You look beautiful as always. Shall we go inside?" She nodded, allowing him to lead her inside.
Upon entering, Hermione gasped in wonder as the room of requirement had turned into a beautiful moonlit park by a pond, stars twinkling as they pierced the night sky. Not too far off, lit torches encircled a small round table for two which was already set with food and wine. An older gentleman could be seen playing the soprano saxophone, filling the air with sounds of jazz.
The scenery was simplistic, but very romantic. Falling into the mood, Hermione melted under the heat of Sebastian's violet gaze as they ate, drank and conversed. He was so easy to talk to. There was no guise about him, nothing complex to figure out. He was available.
To love and be loved.
To feel and give her what she needed.
Hermione thought all these things as Sebastian swept her into his arms as they danced on an open patch of grass. They laughed and whispered to each other as lovers would, but neither of them spoke of love—as it was still early in the relationship.
There was an intense attraction between them however, which came to fruition as Hermione pulled Sebastian's face towards hers to capture his lips in a soft kiss.
As their lips made contact, Sebastian groaned and pulled Hermione tight against his body. His tongue skimmed her lips, begging for entrance. She obliged him by eagerly opening her mouth, rewarding him with a moan as she ran her fingers through his hair.
Heat grew between them as the scenery changed from nature to the indoors. They found themselves snogging in the midst of an elaborately furnished Victorian style bedroom complete with four-poster king sized bed. Hermione sighed as Sebastian laid her against the soft sheets, bringing his mouth back to hers. She loved the way he kissed her. As if he wanted her.
No, needed her.
She wanted someone, to need her.
Sebastian went to undo the ties that held her dress in place behind her neck and allowed to fall to expose her full breasts. Lust reflected in his eyes, he bent his head to nuzzle her neck, kissing down until he reached the object of his attention. His tongue swirled around her aureole before he latched onto an erect nipple. Hermione gasped with the familiar sensation, cradling Sebastian's head to her chest. She felt content. His seduction was quiet. He didn't overwhelm her.
Nothing like what she had with Draco.
It was then, in the throes of passion, that it hit her. Like cold water dousing her ardor.
She didn't want comfortable, or quiet.
She wanted to be overwhelmed, overcome.
With the violence that was lust, passion, possibly love.
Someone that she could talk, fight and make love with. To repeat the cycle all over again.
It may not be Draco, but it definitely wasn't the man she was with right now.
She called his name. "Sebastian…"
Still suckling her breasts, Sebastian stopped to look up at Hermione and looking into her eyes, immediately sat up. Something was amiss.
Tears of sorrow shone in her eyes. It was all so gloriously fucked up, this whole situation, here was the perfect man, and she was throwing him away. She met his inquiring gaze.
"Sebastian, I'm sorry, but as much as I would like to, I can't go there with you. It wouldn't be fair to any of us. I'm truly sorry."
Turning away from her Sebastian cradled his head in hands for a minute. He had taken a chance on her, knowing that there was possibility that there was more than meets-the-eye to the relationship she had between herself and the head boy. As their relationship was in its infancy, he did not feel the pain of loss. He was at peace with the decision to not continue, but, he wanted one thing from her.
He turned his head to meet her gaze once more, smiling a sad smile. "It's ok Hermione, it really is, and I wish you all the luck in the world. I hope that someday, when you think of me, you will think of me fondly as a friend." Always the gentleman, he knew when to concede gracefully to defeat.
She smiled back at him fondly, not saying anything as she lifted herself from the bed to fix her dress and hair. Once she did so, she turned to him and gave him a hug, squeezing him tightly.
It was a goodbye and a thank you of sorts, for what was done could not be undone.
Leaving Sebastian behind, Hermione traveled the long way to the head dorms. Entering the common room, she found Draco lying on the couch, asleep.
She stood over him, staring for a long time before finally retrieving a blanket from the opposite side of room. Hermione placed the covers over Draco's sleeping form and caressed his forehead lightly, being careful not to wake him.
That done, she retreated to the confines of her room, and not too much later, fell asleep.
Outside on the couch, a pair of eyes looked up at the ceiling before returning to the closed position, burrowing under the warmth of the covers once more.
For Lorett: Who inspires me each and every day to produce the FULL MONTY! My beta, my friend, my rock. I love ya sista! 30/70 all the way:o)
subliminal plug :READ HER STORY... IT HAD TO BE YOU. It's AWESOME. Tell her I sent ya!
A/N: And that my dears... was THE FULL MONTY! For those who have seen the movie... thats where EVERYTHING HANGS OUT:o)
I'm sure some of you must be very upset with me at this point, but I would have to say I wrote this chappie out of necessity, as some things needed to happen for the end to be what it is. This was very difficult for me to write for obvious reasons, as I LOVE DRACO. I hope you felt the emotions as I felt them, and enjoyed reading nonetheless. I look forward to receiving your comments.
1. VAMPYRA- The 100th reviewer! I wanted to surprise you with that honor. I had enjoyed our email chats and I wanted to let you know that I appreciate you and your support of CS. Besos y Abrazo de mi corazon.
2. Spitfirecracker- I am very explicit in my writing, so its always going to make you feel like you are in the thick of it. If you like these scenes, you should check my other story, Resurrection. They are OFF the CHAIN!
3.KougasGurl1188- Draco didn't fuck her because he simply wanted revenge.That's what he got. As you can see here. It backfired and helped no one.
4.VenomeQueen83- Hopefully, you still think I am blessed by the inspiration fairies.
5.DCMMFAN- I sent you an email directly regarding your review, but I hope this chapter helps you to understand the weirdness you felt.
6.Izzie85- Hopefully, I have not let you down. :o)
7. Me- The whole scene with Pansy was simply about who else but Pansy. She is a jealous, selfish chit, but she has alot of insight when it comes to Draco because she has been with him since the beginning. Slytherin's are cunning.. and creative. Pansy felt like she needed to experience it for herself to see what the big deal was. Only thing, she realized that it wasn't Hermione's physicality that made her attractive...so it left her at square one.
8. (Sin)Gwenevere Morgaine Black- I went to school in New York City and South Carolina, public and private, and catholic schools. I've seen ALOT. Oh yeah, oral sex is like currency in schools now. The kids think it a sort of game. Very odd... disturbing. Anyway, hope you enjoy this chappie, as you do love tension.
9.TomFeltonsDancer (feels a pang of jealousy)- Hey chica! Well... I won't say anything in regards to Draco being shallow. I will let you decide for yourself.:o)
10. Sporty12gd4u- Now THAT's what I like to hear:o) Hope you still feel the same.
11.HermioneLilyGranfer- Hey girl! (hug)You've been awful short on words lately. Hope you have a mouthful ready for me this time:o)
12.Attolia- Last chappie was an adaptation from real life mixed with some fantasy. I will let you figure out what was what. (grin). My mind lives in the 'gutter'... thats how I come up with the gutter stuff. :o)
13.MsLit- Look back in the A/N section of Ch 6 for your comments. I hope you continue to read on and judge the PLOT based on its merits. :o)
14. (April) MalfoysQueen- Glad to enjoyed the last chappie and hope you enjoy this one as well.Also, this should answer your question with regards to Hermione's feelings ( I hope).
15. StikeeBubbles- Yup.. thats me! SMUT WITH PLOT! Has a nice ring to it actually.
16.Samantha Cameron- Good things come to those who wait. :o)
17. Xo-MISSY-Ox: THREE TIMES! OMG I'm so flattered:o) Thanks so much for your compliments.
18. Redand Gold4leafClovers- Harry's comment was nothing but expressing love for a friend, nothing more. In my mind, he can be quite succinct when he so chooses. That was one of those times. Recall GoF dance scene.Thanks so much for your review and I hope that you continue to fall even deeper in love with CS. ;o)
JoCuteGirl(the heat is on:o) ), Abbi(I firmly believe in using up ALL of Draco too.), Perthy, FlyingWitDaSparrow (your short reviews crack me up), YourGunmyHead(he didn't die..but he's done), XymiAngelGhost, StrangeandHappy, PMF, Ani (thx so much), and last but not least, YamiShizuKira.
For those not reviewing: I SEE YOU. 700 hits.. and only 27 reviews? Oh how you WOUND me! J/K, but really, I would love to hear from you. Even if its just "Hi.". I love it when people make their presence known.
Cheers as I wish you all love, peace, joy and happiness for the new year and EVERY year!
-NB