AN: I did not write chapters 1 through 5 they were writen by LucyFerina

Chapter 5

Of Kisses and Bruises

Hermione entered the common room hoping that Harry and Ron didn't decide to wait up for her 'I don't know if I can face them' and then she pulled up her sleeves and she saw the fingerprints of 'the Monster' polluting her skin. She was shocked when another hand took hold of her arm and the person shouted, "What's this Hermione? Who hurt you? Tell me and I'm going to kill him! Was is it Snape?"

Hermione looked up in Harry's eyes and gulping "No, Harry it wasn't Professor Snape. Don't worry it's nothing. I was walking without looking and the stair started to move, I was falling and Professor MacGonagall caught me before I fell".

Harry looked visibly more relaxed, "Hermione you should be careful, you should pay attention where you put your feet" Hermione smiled and without thinking she lifted her hand and caressed Harry's cheek "Thanks for worrying about me Harry, you are a fantastic best friend. I will be careful from now on. I'm very tired I wish you good night and I see you tomorrow" But before turning Harry took her in his arm and after a moment of hesitation he kissed her softly on her lips.

Hermione was so tired and still under shock for Malfoy's stunt that she didn't push him away. "Hermione I just want you to know that I like you very much and that I want you to be with me. I know that you weren't expecting this but I hope that you can reciprocate my feelings. I want you as my girlfriend" Hermione remained silent for a long time, there in his arm. It all felt so right, he was kind and he was there for her. Then she remembered Ginny and Severus.

"Harry, I love you a lot and I wish that I could be with you. I always thought that there was something special between us but in this moment of my like I can't be your girlfriend. There is someone else hunting my thoughts. I would really love to be your girlfriend but in this moment of my life I need you as a friend. Please forgive me Harry" He looked at her, no sign of hurt or sadness but a set look "Who is he?"

Hermione contemplated the options, tell him that's Severus and see Severus killed by Harry. Tell Harry it's someone else but who?

"Harry, I like uhm I mean well Harry I don't think you really want to know, besides it's nothing serious it's not like I'm going out or anything with this guy. I mean he will never really feel the same" Harry looked at her and repeated the question "Who is he, Hermione?

She decided to lie "It's Draco Malfoy" She was as shocked as Harry when the name came out of her mouth 'where did that come from?' Well he really was annoying her so maybe she could play on the fact that Malfoy was harassing her on her favour and let Harry think that their relationship was not of hate but of 'love'. Ugh in love with 'the Monster'? Never.

Harry watched Hermione carefully and then he spoke softly "Hermione, I really believe you got insane. Fine I will give you time to get over Malfoy and believe me Hermione you WILL get over him. Then I will ask you again to be with me and I hope that the answer will be positive" He kissed her again lightly and then he left for his dormitory.

That night the two Gryffindor didn't sleep well. Harry worried that Hermione may really like Malfoy although after careful thinking he believed that she told him the wrong name. Who could be worse than Malfoy? He would have to spy on her and see if she was watching someone else. On the other hand, Hermione was scared about 'the Monster', worried about Harry finding out that she liked 'Severus' and finally, she had to think about a topic for her apprenticeship with 'him'.

At breakfast both Harry and Hermione ate silently, with Ron asking what was wrong and not receiving any answer. Harry was watching Hermione carefully, she was watching Malfoy and to great surprise of Harry, the Slytherin git was looking at her. Harry almost got a heart attack when he noticed that Malfoy winked at Hermione, HIS Hermione. Harry watched Hermione who just stuck out her tongue to him and then started to fix her plate.

'I have to try not to get affected by that Monster, Merlin did I just stuck out my tongue to him? What a childish behaviour! Giving him the satisfaction of knowing that he affects me'. Hermione was so angry with herself that she didn't even notice Severus looking at her with a frown and a surprise look because he had seen Draco's wink as well and now suspected that something wasn't right between the two.

Severus thought that he should check on her because Draco was up to no good, he didn't know why he felt he had to protect her but he was sure that he didn't want anyone hurt because of Draco. Beside Granger was going to spend quite a lot of time with him and with his skills as a spy he was sure he would soon find out what was going on.

Hermione finished her breakfast very quickly and with the excuse of getting a book from the library before the lesson she left alone. Draco saw 'his pet' exiting the Hall and followed her knowing that she was going to the library. Severus took leave too to see what was going on and Harry too noticing Malfoy leaving left with an excuse.

Hermione was reaching the library when she felt a hand on her mouth and she was taken inside a broom closet. "Hello Pet, did you think about me last night?" Hermione could feel his warm breath behind her ear and goosebumps through all her spine.

"I didn't have nightmare Malfoy, so I guess I didn't dream of you, now let me go before a start shouting." She heard him chuckling "Pet, you really don't understand that you are mine do you?" and when she turned to slap him she found herself kissed by her worst enemy. She didn't want to be kissed and she kept her mouth shut but he bite her lower lips and when she tried to scream he just deepened the kiss exploring her soft mouth.

'Oh Merlin! The monster is kissing me! How can I get out of here!' after what for her seemed an eternity he stopped the kiss and smirked at her. "My Pet, you are mine, do not forget and do not reply in a bad manner to me otherwise you will be punished and don't worry that's going to be a pleasure to me" with that said he exited the closet leaving behind a shocked and hurt Hermione.

Severus and Harry had both lost sight of them but when they saw Malfoy leaving the closet both almost rushed to see what has happened to Granger/Hermione. Both stopped though when they saw Hermione exiting the closet with a bruise on her lips and a look of utter loathing and anger. They both heard her saying "I'm going to kill you Monster, even if it will be the last thing that I do."

AN: thanks for reading. Next chapter: You want to play, let's play but I assure you won't enjoy the game