Rising Temptations

Disclaimer: Oh you know the deal. The plot's mine and that's it.

A/N: Oh my lord, I'm so incredibly mad. If you're wondering why this chapter is only a teaser, it's because my stupid computer decided to crash on me yesterday when I was proof-reading it. My dad tried to fix it, but ended up making it worse. In the end, he had to wipe it clean, meaning I lost my beloved chapter. I'm so busy with packing and last minute arrangement before I leave that I didn't have the time (or spirit) to completely re-write this. Please forgive me and enjoy what I have.

On another note, you guys are the best for reviewing. I swear, your reviews are what kept me sane during this whole computer fiasco. Specials thanks to each and every one of you are at the end of this. Enjoy!

Chapter 16 – The Deadly Encounter (Teaser):

Hermione woke up the next day feeling a million times better. During her few hours of deep sleep, her mind subconsciously came to a brilliant solution. The previous night she wondered over her heartbreak if she really loved Draco. The answer was simple: she didn't. It was that stupid curse back at Ron's house. Hermione sat up and stretched. How could a girl so smart forget a single detail like that? It made perfect sense. The curse made her feel all the pain and hurt she experienced last night. It made her jealous when Ginny told her the news. It made her cry herself to sleep thinking her heart will never heal. Knowing the reasoning of her feelings at last, Hermione was ready to forget all this and move on. In fact, she was happy for Ginny and Draco. Dressing quickly, she wondered if she was the first to wake. Knowing the rest of her Common Room mates, she probably was. 'At least I'll get the bathroom all for myself.' Hermione opened her door and paused for a split second, staring at the Head Boy's closed door across from her. Shaking her head and clearing her mind, she started walking to the stairs. Then she heard something. It was so quiet she didn't notice at first. The noise sounded like whispering, and it came from Draco's room. At first Hermione thought Draco was sleep-talking, but soon extinguished that thought when she heard a louder, deeper voice.

"Don't tell me to be quiet, boy. Listen to me."

Hermione gasped silently and froze, straining her ears. The quieter voice rose and became more distinct.

"Father, there are others living here. Do you want to wake them?"

"Draco, don't talk back to me. I'm here to settle a few matters at hand. Matters concerning you."

"Fine, say what you have to say, and then leave. Unless you want Dumbledore to find out, which I personally don't have a problem with."

Hermione was now sure that Draco was speaking to none other, than Lucius Malfoy. She quickly covered her mouth when she heard a quiet but harsh slap coming from the room.

"You need to learn how to speak to your superiors. Or are you just too busy screwing with every girl here. I came when I heard that not only were you involved with a mudblood, but now the daughter of that loser Weasley! Are you trying to shame the family name, Draco?"

"What I do is none of you business. They were merely for pleasure, father, nothing more I can assure you."

Hermione heard Lucius scoff. "If you wanted pleasure there are plenty of pure bloods at Hogwarts. This better end now; you wouldn't want the Dark Lord to find out. You do know that any day, it will happen."

"Thank you for reminding me once again, father." Draco replied sarcastically. "Haven't I told you I have no interest in replacing the Dark Lord? If you came to convince me to join once again, then you're wasting your time."

"Stop talking all this foolishness. You will join whether you want to or not. That is an order. I bet that red-headed Weasley has messed up your head. Not to mention the mudblood as well. If talking to you won't cut it, then I must resort to an alternative method."

To Hermione's horror, footsteps grew louder and louder towards Draco's door. She ran as fast as she could into her room and shut her door as quietly and quickly as possible. Just as she expected, Draco's door opened and brisk footsteps were heard walking out and down the stairs. A moment later, the portrait door opened and shut. Figuring it was safe, Hermione opened her door and saw Draco sitting on top of his bed, staring intently out the window. She figured she shouldn't tell him she heard the whole conversation. Hearing Hermione's footsteps, Draco turned. Hermione didn't know what to say so she looked away, remembering the previous night. Downstairs, thoughts raced through her mind. 'How can he just sit there knowing his father is freely roaming the hallways?' Then it hit her; Lucius wanted Draco to have nothing to do with Ginny, and since talking to him didn't do much, Lucius was going to take matters into his own hands. Which means Ginny was in trouble.

Ok, please don't kill me. I know you all hate cliffies, but what the heck. Any guesses what happens next? Anyways, as promised, thanks to all of you!
zoey-lou: Thank you so much! Unfortunately this is all I can update before I'm leaving, but I'm glad you like it. Hope you liked this snippet!

shadow violet212: Haha, thanks! Hope you like the rest. Wow it's so cool your name's Paris.

Kate: Your comments are greatly appreciated. I'm glad you like it so far. Keep on reading!

xxcottoncandyxx: Hey thanks for your review! I understand that people today are overcome by laziness, I know I am sometimes. As for Hermione, she can be quite stubborn sometimes. Plus, because of the curse, she's not sure if her feelings are true or not. I'll definitely update about Cambridge when I get back!

PuReBlOoDpRiNcEsS05: Whew! I hope I typed your name right, haha. Thanks for the comment, it certainly makes my day.

Steelo: Your comment was so sweet, thank you! I definitely don't want to hurt you, so I'll update as much as I can. Thanks for sticking to my story, it really means a lot!

Reb: Hey, I doubt anyone can be bad at writing reviews. As for suggestions, all ideas good or bad I will love. So if anything pops into your head, give me a shout. That was a lot of encouragement and I really appreciate it!

meghan: Thanks so much for reviewing! I wish it could be a happy ending, but then I won't have a story to write! No worries, true love will prevail no matter what happens right? Keep reading and find out!

Tara825c: Thank you! Life isn't strawberries and cream for her is it? Well don't worry too much. She's a smart enough girl to take care of herself. This snippet is for you!

mim: Thanks so much for your comment! I hope you'll keep reading and keep commenting. I'm always in need of encouragement and suggestions.

urgh: Um, that was pretty hurtful. English might not be my first language, but I've lived here long enough to speak and write it fluently. I noticed that you only read up to chapter 3. Just so you know, I wrote all the chapters up to 14 over two years ago. I must say my writing has improved by leaps and bounds since then. I mean, I was only 12 when I started this fic. I hope you continue reading though.

xoKaSsIeox: Hey, I'm glad you noticed it now! Better late than never, right? Hope you'll keep reading!

CherryBlossomAngel-225: Thanks so much! I'm glad you like it so much, keep on reading!

da: Lol, short but to the point! Thanks for the comment, it's really encouraging! Just what I need.

LOTRCute16: Heyhey, I gather you're a lord of the rings fan? I am too! Harry Potter rocks as well, of course! Anyways thanks so much! Much appreciated.

emma: Haha, don't panic yet. My story is far from finished. The game hasn't even started yet! I appreciate encouragement, keep reading!

Fainus: Wow, thanks a bunch for ALL your reviews. You're so awesome! I'm glad you follow my story so well. I do agree that sometimes I think of Draco as a really nice person because of all the fics I read. I try my best to keep everyone in character, because it's just so much more realistic that way, don't you think? Well, keep reading and reviewing

gav: Hey thanks so much! When I started this fic I definitely wanted it to be original, not just a typical Hermione and Draco fic. Hope you continue reading and commenting!

Whew, I feel so much happier now! You see what effect you guys have on me? I think I have enough fuel to tackle my "running out of room" suitcase again. I can't believe I'm leaving so soon! I'll definitely miss you guys and my fic. Even though I'm gone, I would still deeply appreciate any suggestions or ideas that pop into my head.

On a side note, one reviewer criticized my poor writing skills, so I would like to make a certain point. When I first published this fic, I was only 12. I wrote around 14 chapters during that summer before getting caught up with school. I'm sorry if my writing wasn't perfect, but it was the best I could do. Now I'm turning 15 in August, and I hope that my writing has improved during the past few years. I'll definitely pay more attention to grammar and all those little details from now on. Feel free to comment on it as long as it's constructive and not hurtful.

Don't forget about me and have a fabulous summer!

dragon tamer