Only Fools Rush In
*Disclaimer – I *do not* own anything except my original characters, my story and plot lines and my scenarios, even though they've probably been used, mauled and distorted before. PLEASE DON'T SUE ME!!! And, also, please don't sue me for any of the copyrighted things in here (like music and songs) unless they're my own or if I added or changed a line, that line is MINE!. [Scratches head sheepishly.] Okay! Enjoy!* {I mean, really, c'mon, I were JKR, would I be posting these on this site?}
Chapter 7 – Barenaked: Sweet Surrender
Hermione's POV
Once I woke up and remembered the night before, I carefully untangled myself from Draco's arms and left him sleeping in his bed. I ran through the bathroom to my room, locking it with six different locking charms and about eight more silencing spells.
I threw myself on the bed and sobbed. My entire world was breaking into as many pieces as I had broken that Ming vase into last night. All because I wanted to show everyone who I really was. Maybe it was just a totally stupid idea.
"What was I thinking?" I sobbed out loud. "Just because I was being selfish!"
I needed music to calm me down. I grabbed my wand and pointed it at my stereo system on top of the large dresser, not thinking of any song in particular. Jennifer Love Hewitt's song 'Barenaked' came on.
"This is too happy," I muttered, pointing my wand at the stupid enchanted electronic, trying to get it to change. It wouldn't.
Do you ever have that dream
Where you're walking naked down the street
And everyone just stares
Do you ever feel so deep
That you speak your mind
To put others straight to sleep
You wonder if anybody cares
Sometimes I think I'm the only one
Whose day turned out unlike it had begun"Now I know why that stupid thing won't change. It's so true…"
I crawled into my bed and listened as the song played. What had triggered me to act how I did? I usually was levelheaded, cool tempered…
(Yeah, ten months of the year.)
What?
(Ten months of the year, while you're here. You act all… Perfect. Don't lie.)
You're right, I though as I sighed. Every agonizing year that I had been here I was a fraud. When I was at home, well, that was a different story. I was totally opposite, worse than myself now. Then it hit me.
I threw off my covers and headed straight for my desk. I inserted the tip of my wand into the locked drawer and it sprang out, making me jump. I pulled out a king sized pack of DuMaurier cigarettes and a gold plated lighter.
"Sweet surrender," I muttered, shaking. I transfigured an ink pot into an ashtray and tapped the cellophane-wrapped package, upside down, against my trembling wrist to pack in the tobacco. I unwrapped it, disposing of the clear-wrap, and pushed the contents up from its outer captive. With trembling hands, I gently tore off the perforated foil and thirteen brand new, untouched cigarettes gleamed, practically asking me to smoke them one-by-one, in quick succession.
I will, I silently promised all twenty-five cigarettes, taking out the odd one and numbly placing it between my lips as I replaced it properly and threw the rest of the pack on my bedspread, picking up my golden lighter. I turned it over in my hands, re-acquainting myself with it as I sucked the cigarette in my mouth.
I took a deep breath through my nose and I flipped open the bright yellow lid. A flame shot up and I placed my hand around it out of habit, although there was no breeze in the room. I leaned forward, hair curtaining my face, as I lit the cancer stick. I puffed my first puff in two months. It was heaven. I threw my hair back and fell back on my bed, grateful to Missa for sending a whole carton of ciggies by owl as a back to school present.
As I puffed out, the familiar, comforting smell of burning tobacco reached my nose and a small cloud surrounded me before dissipating. I sadly grinned and continued with my revelations as well as with my smoke.
"Gods, why did I play this game with myself?"
(Because.)
"Because isn't a fucking answer!" I yelled at myself.
(Then you tell me why you play this game of cat-and-mouse with yourself.) The devilette crossed her arms in a triumphant manner. I blew smoke over my shoulder to where she was situated then ashed the cigarette in the ashtray, neé ink pot.
I have a way overactive imagination, I told myself.
I crawled up and sat against the headboard, pulling my pack, my lighter and ashtray with me.
"Why didn't I just shrug off Ron last night?" I asked my cigarette. "Why did I let him get to me?"
It never answered. It just let my questions mingle with the smoke it emitted. I sighed and looked down at my hand once more. I placed my silent companion back in my mouth and traced the thumbnail sized scar in the centre of my palm. I felt the tears well up again, but I never realized when they fell, only becoming conscious when they started making a puddle in my hand.
"Gods, Harry," I whispered shakily through the tears. "What have I done to you?"
I remembered the day perfectly. It was mid-July, just after fifth year, exactly one week until his birthday and we were at the Dursley home. I had managed to pass myself off as a Muggle friend Harry had met at the train station at the beginning of and end of the year. They were too dim to realize that I was one of the people who confronted them just two weeks before.
We sat in his room talking about anything and everything. He talked about growing up and then finding out about his true heritage. I talked about the same thing. He told me things I never thought would ever happen to him, Dudley using him as his human punching bag, the misfortune of his 'home' life.
'This isn't my home, 'Mione,' he had told me. 'Hogwarts is. Wherever you are, that's where my home will be.'
I told him about all the things in my life, my parents never really being around because of the dental business, growing up surrounded my a world of my own because I was an only child.
'Mum and Dad told me that the older I got, the more responsible I had to be,' I divulged to him. 'I knew it just meant that they'd be around less. I had to grow up.'
We told each other secrets that not even Ron knew. Something Harry and I kept secret from the world was that we were constantly depressed when we were alone. I felt comfort in the fact that I wasn't alone.
On the last day of my visit, I had an idea. I remembered that my cousin Missa had done this before.
I pulled Harry into his room after a dreadful lunch (consisting of a three course meal and a discussion on politics) and took out a small switchblade I had purchased the night before. I carved a quick design into his right palm and into my left, telling him that this would be quick. As I finished the simple outline on my hand, I explained to him the muggle ritual of blood brothers and sisters.
'Muggles have these suspicions that if you want to bond and stay connected with someone, you have to share blood. They'll prick themselves or make them bleed and then press the wounds together for two minutes, letting the blood mingle. I know it sounds stupid, Harry, but I always want you to know I'm always there for you, no matter what. I'm always going to be around for you. I'm never going to leave unless you want me to.'
After I had finished my explanation, I looked at him, wanting to know if he wanted to go through with it. His eyes confirmed it. We pressed our palms together and left our hands like that while we talked into the evening…
And I feel bare naked
And I just can't take it
I'm getting jaded
No I just can't fake it anymore
Cause I'm bare naked
And I know life's what you make it
Wish I could float away
To some other day
I felt ashamed of myself as I stubbed out the butt of my cig and reached over for a second. I heard Missa voice in my head all of a sudden.
'Bethy-Ann, whenever I get depressed, I chain smoke. Gets my system calmed. Each problem goes away with every smoke I have. So remember: one smoke per problem, unless it's major.'
Great words of advice, Missa. I lit the second and then though again. Why me?
"Why did Draco choose me?" I said around the cigarette, exhaling smoke as I spoke. "I mean, he doesn't even know me! I want to know, but I just can't… Gah. This is complicated. Let's rephrase this. Why me?! I know he told me, but that's just not enough! I mean, I want everything! I know it sounds selfish, but doesn't everyone want everything?"
I inhaled deeply and then I pulled the burning stick out of my mouth, exhaling again in a huff.
"J.L.H.," I said, talking out loud to the singer when the song ran though the third time in a row, chorus blaring. "You're quite right. I just can't fake it anymore. But how can I be the real me when I don't even know who that is?"
I thought about Draco. No matter where I was in my younger years, he always managed to find me and torment me more. Every time I was crying in the library, he'd be there in a snap, ready to say something about my friends, my heritage, my life in comparison to his. I hated him for it. Every year I told myself that I hated him with a passion, which I did in the beginning. But now… I don't know what my feelings were now. Did they amount to love? I knew that now it would be hard to believe in love and trust.
I suddenly knew what the song was about, on my own personal level. Everyday I end up stripping myself down until yesterday. Yesterday I was stripped bare naked. Yesterday was the breaking point.
It all hit me with a cold metaphorical slap and a sudden pop in my fireplace. I put my mental bearing on hold as I scrambled to the edge of my bed, cigarette in my mouth, wand in one hand and lighter in the other.
"'Mione? You okay?"
"Jesus, Ginny! You scared the hell out of me!" I scolded as the cigarette feel out of my mouth to rest on the floor. I cursed as I bent to pick it up.
"Hermione! You're smoking? What's wrong with you?"
"Gods, Ginny, calamaté, hija. This is only my second. I just needed to relax a bit."
"Well, you could've at least told someone where you were! I mean, Draco used your entrance to the common room, yelling and demanding for you. Seems like he doesn't like waking up alone."
"Yeah, well I have to sort out a few things before I even think of leaving my room," I replied as I imagined and believed that Draco would go nuts. I sucked on the cigarette until I could taste the disgusting bitterness of the filter.
"Yeah," I said after an uncomfortable silence between the two of us. I leaned over, stubbed the butt in my ashtray, and pulled out another one, scrambling over to the fireplace to light it by Ginny's head. She wrinkled her nose at the smell.
"You know, you've been in your room for an hour and a half; everyone's already freaked out. We're all looking for you."
"Well, just tell everyone I'm fine," I mumbled around the cancer stick, turning away as the tears spilled out of my eyes once again.
"'Mione, you're not fine," she supplied gently. "Do you want me to come get you?"
Something in me just wrenched at my gut. Instead of tears of depression, tears bid of anger began to drop.
"Clear off!" I yelled savagely, turning to her. She gave a small scream and with a *pop* she was gone. I flopped on the bed again, reaching under my back for my lighter on which I fell.
"Damnit," I swore softly. My life usually wasn't… Like this! It never used to be this complicated!
Well, you used to keep your lives separate, I thought, chastising myself for bringing my worlds to mingle. Now they just ended crashing.
"Heh. Crash and burn," I said without remorse, remembering the Savage Garden song. "Hell…"
I sighed and puffed around the cig. I grabbed some Floo powder that rested on the mantle and threw it in the inviting flames. They turned emerald green accordingly and I got on my knees and shouted 'Virginia Weasley' before sticking my head in.
I suddenly popped into the Gryffindor common room fire with a cigarette in my mouth.
"Hello?" I called. As my eyes roamed over the room which I could see, I saw Gin sitting in Harry's lap, talking quietly.
"Ginny! Down in the fireplace!"
I saw her jump at her name then look to the fireplace. She stared at me unbelievingly. She opened her mouth to speak but I cut her off.
"Look, Gin, I'm sorry," I said softly, spitting out the half finished burning stick in my mouth. "Fucking thing. Anyways, I just want to say that… I'm sorry. I'm just a little bent right now. I just need some time to think. Alone."
I didn't wait for an answer, but backed out once I had said all I felt was needed. Little did I know, everyone was paying sweet surrender to their own feelings as well.
Harry's POV
"I've had it."
I was stunned at her words as Ginny flopped back into my lap.
"I've had it with everything! Why can't I just be the one with the major problems so people can pay attention to me? I mean, Ron is just as big a prat as he ever was, if not more! 'Mione's going through some sort of ruddy teen-life crisis! What does she have to bitch and moan about? She's got Draco! And everyone worships her! Gods!"
I didn't know what to say. Being none-the-wiser, I asked.
"Am I supposed to say something, Gin? 'Cos I don't think I can. Well, not anything smart, anyways."
I was surprised at her reaction. She turned to me, hazel eyes smouldering. I thought she was angry but when she pulled me to her, I found I was wrong.
When she kissed me, I felt what she was feeling, in a way. Her kisses were usually gentle, soft, coaxing. This one held all her anger and pent-up frustrations. The way she was crushing my lips under hers told me. Before breaking for air, she nipped my lip gently, almost like before, which, again, surprised me.
"Harry," she breathed, flush creeping into her face. She looked so innocent. "Harry, you being here for me is enough. Thank you."
Instead of talking, I just pulled her into my embrace, relaxing us both into a half-sitting/laying position against the couch arm.
Draco's POV
After Weasley and Potter had told me where Mia was, I ran back to the Head Tower, realizing that I could've Floo-ed to her room when I was already halfway there. I swore at my own stupidity.
As I approached my portrait, it dissolved, no password or anything. I didn't stop, I didn't think, I didn't comprehend. The only thing on my mind right then was Mia. My Mia. The only one who had access to my soul, the only who had my love. My everything.
I ran up her staircase, little girl in a garden gone, replaced with a large, redwood door with gold touches. The knocker, a golden lion head, was perched in the centre, tongue out, creating a handle. I knocked. When there was no sound or response I assaulted the door with my fists. Still, nothing. I started kicking the door, like a child in the middle of a tantrum, while screaming for her to let me in.
Then an idea struck me. I backed up, expecting to hit oak Balustrade railing but was greeted with empty space. I backed up even more, eyes closed, until I hit a wall, anticipating some sort of horrid drop to the twenty-five feet below. Looking around, my eyes settled upon my door, two small children playing in the picture frame. I swallowed a gasp as I realized: a bridge between our two staircases…
I paced forward slowly, temporarily forgetting the predicament at hand. Then it jolted me back into reality: Mia.
Once I was halfway amid the balcony between our sides, I ran halfheartedly at the door, knowing that if I'd gone full speed that I would've at least dislocated my shoulder. At least.
I hit the inert redwood slab with a dull thud. As I picked myself up off the floor and rubbed my shoulder gingerly, I heard a creak. I opened my left eye to a slit and saw a fraction of Mia's head and hair poking out through half a foot of open entrance.
"Draco" she stated quietly, bringing something to her mouth, inhaling and taking it out again. A cloud of smoke erupted around her beautiful features.
"Pretty sure that's my name, Mia," I replied with a half-grin, eyes closed, rubbing more vigorously on the new-forming bruise.
"Come in," she said, turning away. Then adding as an after thought, "If you must."
I sighed again and stood, wrinkling my nose at the bitter yet calming smell of… What was it, anyways?
As I pushed the door open more, I glimpsed at the surroundings. It was all clouded in a pale gray smoke with that same bittersweet smell. Almost like the pipes Father and Uncle Serverus used to smoke when I was younger…
"Uh, Mia, I think you ought to put out that incense stick. Your room's…" I stopped myself from overstating the obvious.
She turned to look at me from her bed then closed her eyes as she laughed a harsh, throaty sound. It scared me. When she stopped, we regarded each other like we had done so many years before. That scared me, too. I was the first to break, trying to comprehend what I had just seen in her eyes.
It was almost indescribable. I could see the hurt, the pain, the stress of growing up in a world as topsy-turvy as one's mind can be. I could see the loathing, the hate and anger, the utter contempt that she suddenly held for the world. Then, just before I looked away, I saw a sad glimmer of hope, love, faith. I berated myself for turning away at that moment.
"What's up?" she asked casually, bringing the same stick to her mouth and repeating the process that I had seen her do outside her door. Lift, inhale, linger, take out, exhale, wait, repeat. I just looked at her, anger suddenly getting the better of me.
"What's up?! What's up?! Is that all you can say?" I seethed, my voice rising a decibel per word.
"No," she replied, that same casual tone that seemed to be mocking me. "No. But it's all I want to say. Smoke?"
She lifted up a rectangular carton, revealed contents sticking out, encased in foil. I took one and examined it in my hand. Then I remembered.
Fucking bloody hell! She smokes!
"You know, these kill."
"Yeah. Muggles."
"Hmm." I let her win. I stuck the cigarette in my mouth as I had remembered countless cousins do it and pulled my wand from my robe pocket, igniting the tip with a glare at the thin piece of wood. I inhaled the first, of soon to be many, puffs, the comforting smell of weekend life at the country cottage without my father and mother.
"Sweet surrender, innit?" She asked, a smirk playing on her lips.
"Well, I do see how you smoke these vile things," I replied, taking another drag.
"Hypocrite. When'd you start?"
"Just now."
"What?"
"Well, whenever my cousins invited me to the big country cottage when I was younger, they'd smoke these all the time. Though not as bitter, I guess. But essentially the same. They taught me the finer points of cigars and cigarettes and then told me they'd kill me if they caught me smoking. They even encouraged me when I got older."
"Hmm. Oddly, I can believe that." She nodded her head as she stubbed out the orange-ish part onto an ashtray. She pulled out another one and stood up, walking towards me. "Stay still."
I did as told, waiting for some of the old Mia to return, a slap in the face, a scolding but it never came, just like the fall from earlier. I opened my eyes to see her pressed up against me, unlit cigarette end against my burning one. Hers was rapidly becoming the bright, hellish glow dotted with black that mine was. When the two looked similar, she pulled back, inhaling deeply.
"So, I never would've thought that purebloods did this type of thing. Pipes and cigars, maybe, but dirty little cigarettes?" She quirked her eyebrows.
"Yeah, well, let's just say it's not conducive. It was part of my cousins' teenage rebellion. My father abhorred it, threatened to murder them all and enjoy it if he ever caught them teaching me."
She shuddered.
"Heard you were looking for me," she stated after a long, awkward silence in which we processed the tobacco through our lungs.
"Yeah. It's a little disheartening when you wake up alone, you know what I mean?"
I threw my cigarette butt into the ashtray with precision aim, the same time she dropped hers in there. She picked up the pack and dropped it again.
"Half a pack… I think I'm ready to face the world."
"Heh."
"Heh? Is that all you can say?"
"No. But it's all I want to say."
I pealed with laughter as she headed into the bathroom, the crack of skin on skin still lingering in the air and on my face.
Hermione's POV
As I let the heat of the water wash over me, I sighed.
"Hermione, who shit in your cereal this morning?" I asked myself, using my best friend from elementary school's favourite quote for whenever I was pissed off. I giggled at the thought of Jefferson. He was the only one who knew who I really was. He knew everything about me. I decided that I had to write to him soon.
As I turned off the cascade shower head, I shivered. I had had the heat up at it's highest and, my skin now a blistering red, now everything felt cold. I grasped the towel around my body as I tried fighting off the cold. I stepped out of the stall looking for my clothes.
"Shit-whiskers!" I swore, remember that I had forgotten to grab some clothes. I sighed as I headed for my door.
Draco's POV
I almost dropped the picture frame as she stepped through the doorway, steam surrounding her like a goddess. I glanced at her quickly before turning away quickly. She was clad in nothing but an extremely short red-with-gold-fringe towel. It was wrapped just above her breasts, generous amounts of cleavage almost daring me to touch their counterparts. It ended right at the top of her thighs, almost leaving nothing for the imagination. Not that anyone south of the border minds, I thought as I grew hard in my trousers.
"Quit being a prude," she stated, going around her room. Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw her turn to the dresser, standing in front of an open drawer. "It's not like you've never seen me naked before anyways."
I caught a flash of bright pink and turned my head curiously. She was wriggling on a pair of bright pink thong-knickers. Bloody hell. She dropped the towel, grabbing a matching skimpy halter style bra. As she fumbled with the neck knot, she turned, her back facing me. The sight of a lone pink sting along he backside was making my little friend want to come out and take a peek.
"A little help, please?" she requested with askance, eyes flicking over her shoulder.
"Sure," I strangled out, walking towards her. Once I had each string in my hand, I got a better idea. I slipped my hands under the loose triangular fabric of the front to massage her breasts. I heard her yelp then lean back against me, moaning.
"Oh, damnit, Draco," she drawled out lazily as I pinched the hardened nipples in each hand, sucking on the soft skin of her neck with my mouth. "I… just… took… a… shower… Ohh."
"Suit yourself," I said, shrugging and pulling away. Even after what had happened earlier, I was willing to… Forgive a little. I was suddenly assaulted with lips on mine, tongue slipping in between.
She had turned around and grabbed my collar and was furiously ravaging my lips, not that I minded much. She ground her hips into mine and I groaned into her mouth. She stepped back, pulling me along by my still grasped collar. She kept this up until I felt her knees buckle. I made to pick her up but she refused, uttering the words between nimble lips and tongues. In a sudden movement I was under her, my shirt gone, trousers half undone and my erection coming out to play. She swallowed my moan as her hand grazed along my length. I unwound my hands from her hips and untied the knot of her halter style bra that was left. Away was the offending bright pink fabric. As my tongue lavished her breasts with equal fervor between them, I felt myself being sheathed in her, her warmth surrounding me.
"Holy bloody blue hell," I breathed, my mouth detaching itself from her now swollen breast.
"I think that's called earth, darling," she replied in a breath as she started pumping herself torturously slow on top of me. I made to grab at her hips but she swatted my hands away like flies at her cherry pie. I grinned against the valley of her breasts at my analogy.
Once I started bucking my hips to meet her, starting to feel the waves of release, she finally let me grasp her about the waist and I pumped her mercilessly until she was screaming my name on her lips and hers was being gasped from mine. The sweet surrender.
As the waves of ecstasy finally ebbed, I held her as she panted for air against my chest.
"I'm sorry, Draco. For earlier."
"Oh, I think you've already said that, darling. I think so… Now let me show you that I forgive…"
Harry's POV
Do you ever go downstairs
To start your day but your car's not there
Yeah you know the joke's on you
You ever try your luck
With a pickup line but you just sucked
You tell yourself it wasn't you
And I know it's hard to hold it inside
It's days like these I run and hideI was starting to get worried. No, wait, that was un understatement. I was getting all-out freaked. I hadn't seen Hermione since her appearance in the fireplace and it was already one in the afternoon.
"Gin, you think Hermione's okay?"
"I hope so, Harry," she replied, seating herself beside me. We sat at the opposite end of the table as Ron, purposely avoiding him and his temper. "I really do hope so."
As I loaded her plate then mine with potato salad and chicken pie, we talked about anything and everything; our childhoods, out friends, family, our lives in general. I knew both of us were still thinking about Hermione. I caught her glancing at the doors once in a while and every time someone entered or left. I found myself doing the same. Finally, half way through our puddings (mint chocolate chip ice-cream) the doors opened for the umpteenth time and Ginny and my eyes shot up to greet it like over expectant hosts. It was only Sueyeng and Dean, walking out hand-in-hand. My eyes travelled to Ginny who was still sitting, staring avidly at the door. A tantalizing drop of pale green ice-cream had escaped her mouth and was clinging for dear life on her lip. Before she could lick it away, I leant down and kissed her, swiping my tongue across her lips, tasting a bit of the cold concoction.
"Hmmm… What was that for?" she asked, licking her own lips after I pulled away.
"You had ice-cream on your lip," I replied simply, shrugging my shoulders and blushing a little. She giggled and leaned into me. I gazed down at her and thought, I must be really lucky to deserve her.
Hermione's POV
"I don't want to go in and have to sit without you, Draco," I complained once again as we neared the Great Hall.
"Then sit with me, Mia! It's that easy!" He grinned at me with his easy logic.
"Draco!"
"Okay, okay. I don't know… I sure as bloody hell am not sitting with Gryffindors, though. I may love you, but that's just going too far."
I pouted. "Can you resist? It's the very cute pout that you just can't resist, Draco!"
"Hmph. I hate you, you know that? You look just too damned irresistible with your bottom lip stuck out like that, ready for me to have my way with it…"
"Draco!"
"Heh, just kidding, darling. But I'll ask Dumbledore if we can have our own little table, then. You know, just for the two of us." He winked and I didn't believe a word he said.
When we reached the doors, I stood on tiptoe and gave him a quick swipe with my lips. At that exact moment the doors flew open. Déjà vu.
"And this keeps happening to us why?" Draco asked, a wry smile playing on his lips as he practically read my mind.
"Get out of my head," I teased and turned to look who had caused the sense of repetition. Sueyeng and Dean.
"Sueyeng! Dean!"
"'Mione!" Sueyeng replied as Dean nodded at us. She ran to give me a quick hug. "Are you okay? Heard about this morning. Oh, hello Draco."
"Uh, hullo, Manchester."
"Sorry, but my proper name isn't 'Manchester'." She smile sweetly, contrasting the malice in her voice. "It's Sueyeng. S-U-E-Y-E-N-G. I'd prefer to be called by that, thank you very much."
"Oh. Er, right. Sorry then, Sueyeng."
"Suzie, you're so mean!" I exclaimed as Draco shifted uncomfortably.
"Well how would he like it if someone constantly addressed him by his last name, like that's all he'd been reduced to? Geeze, 'Mione, hope you can straighten him out! Seems like all guys have kinks in them, not the good kind!"
After parting, I walked in with Draco, gave him another kiss and headed off to find Parvati, Asia or Lavender. I wasn't really keen on seeing Ginny. I was purposely avoiding her just in case something would go wrong, like her telling me off in front of the majority of the school. It was one of my bad habits, to avoid something until the last second; a bad habit of my old life. But, since that last second decided to become now, I saw Ginny and Harry sitting at the far end. They both waved me over so I plastered a brave grin on my face and walked over, pushing down my feeling of dread.
"Hey, guys!" I quipped cheerfully, slipping into the seat across from them, my back to the doors and to the Slytherin table just so I could make a quick get-away if need be.
"Hey, 'Mione. You okay now?" Harry asked as Ginny nodded her head at me, not talking due to a mouthful of chicken pie.
"Yeah, I'm fine now. Found a great tension reliever," I replied, looking pointedly at Ginny, giving her a small wink. She started laughing but ended up choking, tears streaming down her face.
"Whew," she sighed when she was freely breathing and wiping away her tears. "Never, and I mean never do that to me again!"
"Sorry, Gin, couldn't help it."
"Yeah, right."
We talked for a few more minutes and I noticed that they made no reference to anything that had happened that morning. Harry was looking at me strangely.
"Hermione, you sure you're alright?"
"Yeah, I am, Harry. Why?"
"Dig in." He waved his hand over all the edibles placed in front of us. It was then I realized I hadn't even started eating.
"Oh, er, right!" I blushed and began to pull the macaroni salad my way when a large hand stopped me. A large, long-fingered familiar hand…
"Yes, Draco?"
"Look." He stepped out of my way and I craned my neck, looking around the large hall. After giving the room a good once-over, I gave him a quizzical look. Everything looked normal.
"Draco, what is it? I'm not in the mood for guessing games right now."
"Darling, you're not looking hard enough," he whispered huskily. One of his fingers placed itself under my chin and guided my gaze into a far, secluded corner of the hall. A medium-sized rectangular table was there, two places set for, obviously, two diners.
"Amazing," I whispered back. The table itself seemed to glow, seemed to stand out among everything in the Great Hall.
"Yeah, it is, isn't it? And guess what. It's ours."
"You've got to be kidding me, Draco. How'd you get Dumbledore to do this?"
"Think about it. I've heard you quoting Hogwarts: A History so many times, so you should be able to figure it out."
I skimmed my memory, mentally turning each page in that lengthy tome when it hit me.
"'Upon request, the Head Girl and Head Boy my have their own table in the Great Hall. Depending on where the table is set, it will show their status. Example: if placed in front of the hall, before the faculty, their relationship is based mostly upon business and nothing more. If placed at the back, yet still prominent, the two have a delightful mixed relationship. If the table is placed within an alcove, it is usually said that the two are lovers. Rarely has the table itself seen fit to place itself in the latter position, owing to the fact that the Head Persons usually came from different houses.'" I quoted the paragraph from memory, amazed.
"Care to join me then, Mia?" He offered his hand which I took like a lady, giving my other two friends a quick goodbye.
As we approached the table, he let go of my hand and hurried forward, pulling out my chair and waiting at its side. I giggled at his chivalry.
I sat and he helped my push my chair in and he sat across from me and we loaded our plates.
"So you've read Hogwarts: A History?" I questioned after swallowing a mouthful of potato salad.
"Well, yeah. Got bored once and saw it lying around. It's actually not as boring as it looks. But enough about books. Look what I have." He gestured to the unnoticed silver ice bath. Inside were two large wine bottles.
"Draco! Really?"
"Well, yes. You are seventeen, right?"
"Uh-huh."
"That means we're both legal."
"Right."
"Red or white?" he asked as he reached over to the silver bucket. I blushed. I wasn't much of an elegant drinker. I mostly went for Mickey bottles or cans…
"I'm not much of a wine person, Draco," I admitted slowly. He just grinned and nodded, picking up what seemed to be the red wine.
"Here, try this. Pinot Noir, vintage 1800s." He poured the deep crimson liquid in the tall fluted wine glass that appeared at each of our places. I picked my glass up and lifted it close to my face. It smell fruity and fragrant, somewhat strong, and the light alcohol smell perked my senses. I hesitantly took a sip. I like it. It was different than what I usually drank and I made me feel important.
"Like it, Mia?"
"Very much," I replied, sipping again and placing the glass on the tablecloth. "What's with you being such the gentleman all of a sudden?"
"What? Can't a man treat his lady to the luxurious life once in awhile?"
"Not without reason, Draco," I giggled out.
"Fine. I just want to say thank you for everything. You being here, you being in my life and, of course, the amazing sex."
"Oh, great. Thanks a lot, darling."
"Feel grateful." He picked up his glass and held it near me. "Cheers."
"Cheers," I responded and clinked my glass with his.
Ron's POV
When I feel bare naked
And I just can't take it
I'm getting jaded
No I just can't fake it anymore
Cause I'm bare naked
And I know life's what you make it
Wish I could float away
To some other day"God, just another reason for them to act all sappy in public," I muttered as I shoved a chunk of lamb into my mouth.
"Lord, Ron, get over it! You've got to live your life and don't forget the fact that you had your chance."
"Shut up, Parvati."
"No, I will not. Plus, they look sort of cute."
I glared at the couple in the corner again. They were toasting to something.
"That should be me there with her," I growled.
"Should be? If it should be you, Ron, then why is Draco Malfoy there and you here?" Asia Manchester asked haughtily. "Really, sometimes you boys can be so full of yourselves. That's why I prefer to keep my relationship with Randolph."
"Randolph?" I asked, suddenly curious. I tore my eyes away from the sight of Hermione and Malfoy and looked at Asia expectantly.
"Randolph. He's my boyfriend, goes to Beaubaxtons. Really nice Filipino guy, too."
"If he goes to Beaubaxtons, he'd be our age, wouldn't he?"
"No. He's a professor there."
My jaw dropped. Well, my chances were now narrowed to Lavender, Parvati, Padma and Hanna Abbot. Not exactly the most desirable choices.
"Lord, Ron, you're gullible. Of course he's a student there, but he's not our age. He's actually 19, doing the apprenticeship with their Potions Master, Madame De La Croix."
"Isn't he a little old for you, Asia? I mean, we're only seventeen. He's two years older and it's a long distance relationship."
"And what's that supposed to mean?"
"Aren't you afraid that he'll cheat on you? And aren't you even tempted? I mean…" I stopped when she stiffened and I knew I had just placed my large foot in my overly large mouth.
"I'm sorry, did I imply that I was easy or unfaithful? I'm pretty sure I didn't, Ron Weasley!"
"Sorry," I mumbled and I shoved another mouthful of macaroni salad. Why am I such a total bloody fuck-up with women???
Draco's POV
"Finished?" I asked as she pushed her golden plate away.
"Ugh. I don't think I can eat anymore, Draco," she sighed. "That was wonderful."
"Well, you haven't had dessert yet, darling."
"I don't think I can fit it in, caro."
"Hmm, then I think I'll just have to have it all but myself… Although it is somewhat lonely to lick chocolate paint off…"
I smirked as she perked up, her eyes wide. I noticed that her mind worked in mysterious ways, as I hadn't managed to finish my sentence. I meant to say strawberries and alone.
"Really now?" she asked, licking her lips, leaving a glistening trail in their wake.
"Really, dearest," I replied, grinning madly.
"Then let's go," she responded earnestly, getting up.
"You know, I don't really feel like getting up, though, Mia. Let's just have it here."
Her eyes went wide again. Oh, how I love teasing her.
"Draco.. I don't really think that…"
"Don't worry. No one will mind."
Her eyes started popping out of their sockets as I said this. I pulled my wand out of my robe and swished it over the table, lunch things disappearing and a basket of strawberries, a fondue pot and six three-inch bottles full of liquid flavoured chocolate with paint brushes appeared. Her jaw dropped.
"You meant strawberries!" she exclaimed.
"Yes, of course. What did you think I meant?" I flashed her and innocent, quizzical glance.
"But you said…"
"Darling, you never let me finish my sentence." I winked and then winced as a loud, resounding crack of skin on skin echoed through the hall. Everyone turned to look at us. I just started laughing.
Hermione's POV
I looked at him like he was insane. He was laughing at the fact that I had slapped him on the face in front of the whole school. Then it dawned on me and I started laughing, too. I now definitely knew everyone thought us insane as they watched us.
"Lord," I gasped. "Lord, you really had me there, Draco."
"I know. You should've seen the look on your face, Mia. It was priceless!" he replied, mouthing for air as he rubbed his reddening cheek.
"Here, you want ice fore that? I'm really sorry." I unfolded a spare napkin and placed three ice cubes from the silver wine bucket into it. Wrapping it up, I stood and rushed over to the opposite side of the table and knelt by his chair, pressing it gently against the clearly defined handprint.
"Merlin, you can strike a good one, though." He pressed his hand over mine and grinned.
"Yeah, well, you know how to give words a double meaning."
"I'll take that as a compliment." With his free hand he reached for a strawberry and held it a few centimeters over my mouth. "Care for one?"
Instead of replying, I just leaned up and bit the juicy red fruit, leaving the leaves in between Draco index finger and thumb.
"I'll take that as a yes then," he said, discarding the inedibles on to his plate.
"Feel any better?" I asked as I pulled the moistening napkin away to gauge the redness on his face.
"Not really, but you've been slapping my upside the head since third year. I'm used to it."
"Cheeky bastard."
"You love it."
"Unfortunately. I attract the worst type of men."
"And what's that supposed to mean?"
"You tell me."
"Cheeky wench."
"You love it." I grinned as he gave me the evil eye.
"Don't steal my line."
"I'll take it if I want."
"Fine. Be that way."
"Thank you. I will."
I made to get up but he grasped my wrists and pulled me to him, giving me a wholehearted kiss.
"Whew!"
"Are you complaining?"
"Gods, why would I?" I asked incredulously.
"Good. C'mon. Let's go back to the common room."
"But dessert…"
"Common room, darling," he whispered, the words coming off his tongue like silk. I giggled.
"Sure." I stood and he followed suit after waving his wand and clearing the table.
Draco's POV
"Wait, I want to say goodbye to Harry and Ginny," she said, pulling me behind her towards the Gryffindor table. I groaned.
"Harry, Ginny!"
"Hey Hermione!" they called in response. They looked at me, waiting for some scathing remark or something. I swallowed my pride and forced myself to not clench my teeth. The grin could come later.
"Harry. Ginny." Each name was punctuated with a slight nod. Potter's jaw dropped as I remembered Sueyeng's haughty advice to me earlier. The Weasley, er, Ginny, just looked triumphant.
"Hullo, Draco," she greeted with a smile.
"Er, hey, er, Draco…"
"Anyways, we're leaving so we'll see you two later?" I looked at Mia. I wondered if she was blind to have not seen the scene unfold before her.
"Sure, 'Mione. Dinner or something. Did you bring any of your Muggle movies with you?"
"Yeah, I did. Why?"
"Lemme
borrow 'A Walk To Remember', please? I'm really dying to finish it!"
"Maybe, babe. How about we watch
it tonight, after dinner?"
"Ohhh! Perfect! I'll bring the popcorn and the makeup!" She grinned.
"Oh, good Lord… They're planning a chick flick night again," Harry muttered. "How many times in my life will I have to put up with it?"
"Chick flick night?" I asked. "What's that?"
"It's when they get a really sappy muggle movie, movies are like theatre plays that muggles preserve so you can watch it whenever you want to. Anyways, they usually get some really sappy or really horrid muggle movie that men don't understand whatsoever and they eat popcorn and read mags and do makeup, nails, whatever it is girls do. I really try to make myself scarce whenever the girls have their little thing going on."
"Popcorn?"
"Merlin! You don't know what popcorn is? Mate, you have much to learn." He was chortling with laughter.
"C'mon, Draco! Let's go! Those strawberries aren't going to eat themselves!"
"Coming, darling. Later, er, Harry, Ginny."
"See ya."
I took two long strides to catch up with Mia.
"So, what're you doing tonight with Ginny?" I asked as she wrapped herself in my arms.
"Oh, nothing much. Just gunna re-watch 'A Walk To Remember', eat popcorn. But right now, I'm in the mood for music videos and chocolate covered strawberries."
"Darling, I hate to sound ignorant, but what in Merlin's name is popcorn?"
She looked up at me and I could tell by her expression, even though upside-down, that she thought I was insane. I just looked plain puzzled.
"Popcorn? You have no clue what popcorn is?"
"Well, as much as I love hearing your voice, Mia, would I be asking if I already knew what the infernal thing was?"
"It's very New York to answer a question with another question, you know."
"If I knew what that meant, I'd respond accordingly. Now, what in bloody blue blazes is popcorn?" I uttered the word with contempt. It was causing my so much damned trouble and all it was to me was a stupid little word!
"Well, what it is, really, is corn kernels off the cob itself and you dry them until they become hard and inedible. Then, what muggles do is they heat them up until they make a loud popping noise and they become these white puffs, I guess. They're really good eaten with melted butter."
"Really, if you say so."
"Maybe you should come with me and the girls tonight. I'll get Ginny to invite Harry, Suzie can bring Dean, maybe Asia can Floo up Randolph if to check if he's not busy tonight. Yay! This is going to be so fun!"
"No way. If Potter's not going, I'm not. He told me what goes on during these, these nights! It definitely does not sound fun to me!"
We reached the large wall image and instead of someone from either side greeting us, the referee, in long, shimmering robes of gold, paused all actions and casually walked over to us.
"Password, please."
"The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings," I recited as plainly as possible. I wanted to knock Mia's socks off and it looked like I just had.
The portrait dissolved and I walked in, gently pushing Mia in as she stared at me, mouth agape.
"Draco? Shakespeare?" She stared.
"You do know that it's impolite to stare at people, darling. And yes, I have studied Sir Shakespeare's works thoroughly. That was a quote from Julius Cesar. Impressed, are you?"
"Somewhat," she replied, her normal high and mighty attitude returning. I grinned and bowed, muttering a short 'Your highness' as she sat on the couch.
"Well, you know what I feel like doing?"
"Hmm, I wonder…"
"Not that you oaf," she admonished, swatting my arm. "I swear, that's all you think about!"
"Only when I'm reminded of you," I whispered in her ear, pulling her close. "Now, what is it you feel like doing in this lovely afternoon?"
"Watch music videos."
I was taken aback. "Excuse me?"
"I told you already. I feel like watching music videos. Preferably some American Idol stuff."
"If I knew what in Merlin's name you were talking about…"
"You'd respond accordingly, I know, I know. Just shut up and stay with me."
"Now, that's one thing I'd do willingly."
She waved her wand around and a large, thin screen appeared and music came flooding through the room as a large man came on the screen, surrounded by a group of people outdoors. Then words came floating out, Mia singing along with them.
"Everybody's looking for that something, one thing that makes it all complete. You'll find it in the strangest places, places you never knew it could be…"
"You know, you really are good at that," I commented.
"Well, I do like to sing this song. It's really beautiful. And true."
I just sat, listening to the words and watching her instead of the flat screen a few feet away.
She looks beautiful, I thought. And she's all mine.
"What are you thinking about, Draco?" Her words are thread and her voice silky smooth. I decide to be honest, for once, in my big lie of a life.
"You," I reply as quietly as possible. "You're my everything, Hermione. You… In your eyes I can see everything I want to see, you and me, nothing surrounding us, no one in our way. I know I may sound like some stupid adolescent trying to impress you, but believe me when I say that I really do love you. I've never felt like this, I've never felt this, until now. Until you."
She just looked at me and I suddenly felt extremely uncomfortable and self-conscious.
"Hermione, Mia, please… Say something. Tell me off, yell, anything. Just don't leave me feeling like a total jackass."
Her arms made their way around my neck and her finger intertwined themselves at my nape. She blinked slowly and pulled me forwards, kissing me with pent up passion and energy.
"Draco, always know that I love you, no matter what," she whispers against my lips, opening her eyes. Molten gold meet liquid mercury.
"I don't deserve you, cara mia…"
"And you think I deserve you? I've done so many things in my life, caro… So many things…"
"No, darling, you deserve everything and more," I said, quieting her. "You deserve the sky, the world, and I'm none of that."
"You're all of that. All of that and more."
We sat throughout the rest of the song and another one came on, more gentle. What sounded like the chorus came on and she started singing softly, our foreheads pressed together.
"Some people wait a lifetime/For a moment like this/Some people search forever/For that one special kiss/Oh, I can't believe it's happening to me/Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this…"
"I think I have waited a lifetime for you… I think I have searched forever for you, Hermione Bethany-Anne…"
THUD THUD THUD!
It was someone at our portrait door. Lord, you have the greatest timing in the whole world, I thought sarcastically.
"Oh, good Lord. Why do they have to come bothering us now?" she muttered, getting up. "They just totally ruined the moment."
I watched her (and her derriere) make way to the wall, waving her hand in front of it, making it go transparent from the inside. Standing outside our door was the Weasley. Lord, does he have great timing, I thought sarcastically.
THUD THUD THUD!
"HERMIONE! LET ME IN!"
"Lordy," she breathed then wailed, "Why now???"
"Just let the damned asshole in to stop his bitching and moaning, darling," I replied, heaving myself from the couch and going by her side, instinctively wrapping an arm around her waist.
"You want to hear bitching and moaning? Just wait til I get my hands on that little…"
I pressed my hand against the transparent wall and it dissolved. Weasley stopped his shouting and stared at us, mouth agape at the fact that I had my arm around her.
"What do you want, Weasley?" I shot, bringing him out of his astonishment.
"To talk to Hermione," he said hurriedly.
"Well, you're here, I'm here. So talk." She crossed her arms against her chest and leaned closer into my half-embrace.
"Alone, 'Mione," he said, almost pleading. "Please?"
"No. Whatever you have to say can be said in front of Draco, probably since it involves him anyways."
I looked at her and quirked an eyebrow. Cold, I thought. Cold and harsh.
It's all a state of mind
But I don't mind trying to find a way
To keep my head above the mess I make
What the world creates
Sometimes it feels so good to let it all fall
As the world fall
I may fall
We all may fall
And then the world comes tumbling
Down down down down down"Alright then," he said uncertainly. He glanced at me then the floor then at me again after his settled on Hermione. He gulped. "'Mione, please, I just don't want to see you get hurt… Please… Just come back to me, don't stay with this prick! Can't you see he's just using you? It's bound to end up in shambles… Hermione, please…"
She looked at me pointedly. "Do you want to handle this or should I?"
I grinned. "It's up to you, darling."
"Ronald Weasley, I think you've heard it from my mouth enough to figure it out that, not only have I change, you have, too! You've suddenly become despicable, idiotic and childish! Now, if I may add 'please', LEAVE ME ALONE!"
It looked like Weasley had been told that he was pregnant (though I probably wouldn't put it past him). Before I could say something, Mia snapped her fingers and the picture waved into place.
"Damnit, he's got me all worked up, and not in the good way!
"C'mere. I'll give you a massage," I offered, tugging her hand as I attempted to walk to the couch.
"I'd love that," she breathed gratefully. "Thank you, Draco."
I knelt down, my back against the armrest, and sat Mia in between my legs. She relaxed and stretched her legs out on the large expanse of couch and leaned her lower back into my thighs. Gently rubbing her shoulders and caressing her upper back, she rolled her neck and sighed.
"Feel like talking?" I offered. She sighed.
"Not really, darling… There's nothing to talk about. It's over between me and him. There's nothing to say."
"Hmm, that sounds like my attitude towards him. Are you sure you haven't been picking up my bad habits?"
She just laughed and sat up, facing me.
"And then the world comes tumbling/Down, down, down, down, down…" she said cryptically. "C'mon. Let's do something. I'm bored."
"Sure," I agreed, ready for some sort of adventure myself. "How about you come fly with me again, Mia?"
"Well…" I could see the conflict in her eyes although I had no clue what it was about. I knew that she wasn't exactly one for flying, but she seemed to have a good time yesterday.
"We'll do anything you want, Mia."
"Well, I really do feel like shopping… But I don't think we can go to Hogsmeade." She pouted.
"Or maybe," I said, scooping her up in my arms so her feet were off the ground, and a mischievous grin on my face, "maybe there is."
Hermione's POV
I giggled when he swept me off my feet, that adorable (oh, lord, I'm getting sappy…), mysterious grin snaking its way about his face.
"How?" I asked, trying to contain my giggles as he turned a full 360 degrees quite quickly.
"We tell them it's for the dance and the scavenger hunt. Of course, we'll buy things for those, too, but it's an opportune time, darling!"
It sounded so tempting… Oh, what the hell. You only live once!
"Ohh! Let's!"
"Okay, go get dressed properly and we'll go see Dumbledore."
"Isn't this good enough, Draco?" I asked, looking down at my tight black jeans and matching black baby tee.
"I want you looking like my girl, not some gothic muggle tart," he replied, grinning as he set my back on my feet. He walked me up the stairs as I chattered on about items I needed, wanted, already had and things for the dance and scavenger hunt.
"Okay, meet me out here, okay?" He said, nodding his head to the bridge-like balcony connecting our staircases. I stared at it.
"Where did this come from?"
"Well, judging from how things have been going lately, I'd say it has to do with our relationship. Remember what our table did today? It says if it places itself in an alcove…"
"Right…" I replied, remembering lunchtime. Odd, we'll ask Dumbledore later, I thought, giving my password to Charisse, whose picture was back in place. I guess she must've gotten scared with all the noise I was making this morning, so she morphed her picture into the door. Whatever.
I ran into the wardrobe room, robes immediately presenting themselves before me. I chose a pair that was of sleek shiny black material. They looked good with my MaryJanes that I had on. I pulled a matching black cloak off the coat rack and made my way out of the room, grabbing some stark silver jewelry. Then I remembered the pieces that I had to had fixed. I layered them in tissue and placed them carefully in my purse before swiping my wand against my face, perfect black eyeliner and deep burgundy lipgloss.
I walked out of my room and saw Draco outfitted in casual silver robes, black Dockers peeking out from the hem. Draped on his arm was (what looked to be) a silk silver robe with thin fur lining.
"Ready?" he asked, taking my hand and walking me downstairs.
I knocked on the door in which the headmaster had disturbed us the previous day and I heard a vague 'Come in' come from inside.
Draco opened the door and I stepped through after thanking him, coming into the light of the Headmaster's office.
"Miss Granger! How pleasant to see you this fine day," he greeted, motioning me to sit in one of the three chairs placed in front of him. Professor McGonagall was seated in one of them, and I think the two were anticipating our visit.
Draco stepped through and shut the door, greeting our headmaster warmly and vice versa. After we were all seated, Dumbledore beamed at us.
"Well, I may ask, I need you two to do me a favour."
"Of course, Professor," I quickly replied, hoping that this wouldn't take long. I really wanted to go to Hogsmeade without having to go through the secret entrance Harry told us about.
"Well, I was wondering if you two would like and advanced trip to Hogsmeade. You see, I need to pick up a Time Turner I sent into Dervish and Banges last week. They owled me earlier and told me that I had to pick it up within three days and I'd like to but I'm quite caught up at the moment."
My eyes lit up. This is perfect, I thought.
"We'd love to, Professor," Draco said easily. "And we were also just going to ask you if we could go into Hogsmeade this afternoon to start shopping for the scavenger hunt since we commence it tomorrow night."
"Excellent idea, Mister Malfoy!"
"So we can go?" I asked eagerly, waiting impatiently like a child.
"Yes," Dumbledore replied. He reached into a drawer in his desk and pulled out a sack. I could hear clinking of coins and I knew right away he was going us money. "There's about two hundred-odd Galleons in here. Enough to pay for the timepiece and some minor shopping at Hogsmeade. Would that be enough?"
I nodded fervently and the twinkle in his eye seemed to brighten.
"Well, we do need you back six. That gives you a little over five hours. Would that be okay?"
"Definitely," Draco replied and he bid him goodbye, leaving the room through the normal door. Dumbledore handed me the sack of Galleons and I waved a cheery goodbye as I followed him out the door.
Narrative
When I feel bare naked
And I just can't take it
I'm getting jaded
No I just can't fake it anymore
Cause I'm bare naked
And I know life's what you make it
Wish I could float away
To some other dayDraco pulled Hermione through the Entrance Hall doors and swung her in his arms.
"You know, I think the old man knew we wanted to go."
"Come to think of it, he probably did. Professor McGonagall hadn't said a thing during that little conversation and her lips were pursed tight."
"She probably didn't want us to go," he replied, taking her hand and walking towards the gates. "Have you gotten your Apparition license yet?"
She shook
her head. "No. I'm getting it during the Christmas hols. My birthday was only
last month. You know that."
"Right. Hold tight, then." He
opened his arms and she wrapped her arms around his neck tightly.
"Might want to loosen your grip there, Mia," he breathed, chuckling a little. She loosened and he grasped one arm around her waist and with a small pop, they were gone.
*A/N: okay, okay I know. Everything I promised except the popcorn. Lets just say that this chappie was… 'A Prelude to the Popcorn'. Lol. At least the word popcorn is in here =} anyhoo, enjoy this chap, I'll put the preview up, yadda yadda yadda –-iPnay Xtacy--