I only want to be accepted

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Chapter 14: The dark side

Disclaimer: I do not own anything from the HP series!

The next day came too fast for Hermione's liking. She knew that this day entailed vigorous training, run down after run down with Snape, and Dumbledore wanted to see her for an hour to see if she could do any wandless magic.

So when her alarm sounded at 5.30am, she tried desperately to go back to sleep, just to put this day off for another ten minutes. It seemed though, that her mentors and trainers had anticipated this. Another thirty seconds hadn't rolled by before Moody, Sirius, Remus, Snape and Dumbledore all came to her door, dragged her out of bed, forced food down her throat and pushed her into the training room, all before 6am.

By the time everybody else clambered out of bed it was pushing 12pm. Already she had gone through various martial arts for two hours including kickboxing, judo and balance control. For a further two hours she was stuck in the study with Snape, him snaking his way through her mind over and over again. She had finally managed to block him after a few seconds causing him to be out cold for a few minutes. After this she was more than ready to go back to bed but Sirius caught back up with her and before she was allowed lunch, she had to go through more awareness training. They taught her to balance properly, to be aware of the people's positions around her, to sense oncoming curses and to move around unnoticed.

Finally Mrs. Weasley rescued her from the torturous grasps of her now hated trainers, letting her have some lunch. It hurt her to walk to the kitchen and when she found a seat next to Harry, she collapsed into it and never wanted to move again. She complained to Harry, Ron and Ginny that she could no longer feel her body and parts of her ached that she never knew existed. Her muscles were inflamed and tight and all she felt like doing was crawling back under her covers and not emerging until the four of them were dead and buried so they couldn't make her do anymore. They laughed at her saying she must be exaggerating. Hermione was not impressed by their reaction. She threw them a filthy look and stormed out of the kitchen, leaving them shocked at her sudden mood swing. Mrs. Weasley tried to explain to them that Hermione was going through a hell of a lot, she had a lot of pressure on her with the mission, her new power made her experience things she didn't know how to control and she was a 16 year old girl!

After her encounter with Harry, Ron and Ginny, Snape had pulled her into the study for more Occulmancy. She whined all the way there. But soon enough, Snape was telling her that she had almost mastered it and with a little more work she would be able to do it no problem.

An hour had past and Dumbledore rescued her. However rescued really wasn't the word. Yes she had escaped Snape but, trying to get a grip on wandless magic with one of the most powerful wizards in the world as your guide, was, to say the least, difficult. She wasn't doing that bad, she had managed to summon and banish items but at close range. Dumbledore soon realised that her new power was tied to her emotions and at her current state of exhaustion, they were not getting very far.

Dumbledore, seeing how drained she was finally allowed her to have a few hours sleep before. She thanked him profusely, and, as fast as her legs could take her, ran to her bedroom and fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

Now, Hermione was sitting on the end of her bed, wringing her hands in her hands in her lap. Below, the Order was having a meeting about tonight's revel. She was sent upstairs to change and was now waiting to be summoned.

She wore a mid-thigh black skirt and a red low v-cut top with a pair of black, mid-calf length boots.

She thought it was fine.

Finally there was a knock at her bedroom door and Mrs. Weasley entered. She looked as nervous and Hermione felt.

'They are ready for you dear.'

'Thanks Mrs. Weasley.'

'Hermione? You look lovely dear.'

She smiled sheepishly at her and Mrs. Weasley turned and left, leaving her alone.

Her heart was beating a thousand miles an hour with each step she took.

Come on Hermione! You can do this! Deep breath. Ok, now down the stairs. Right, done that, Now open the kitchen door.

As she pushed the door open she felt like she was going to heave. She looked around at the faces staring at her, they all looked sick with worry, but as she caught their eye, they would smile encouragingly. She knew Harry and Ron were in there somewhere, but didn't dare look for them. If she did, she would see the worry and fear in their eyes.

Braking her out of her thoughts was Snape's booming voice.

'Miss Granger!'

She jumped and looked to the left where Snape's voice had come from.

'Yes Professor?'

'I thought that we discussed yesterday what you are to wear?'

She looked down at her clothes, now that she thought about it, her outfit did look slightly on the preppy side. She looked up at him and he sighed, he casually flicked his wand and now stood a very different Hermione. Her boots were now knee length, tight leather and two inches higher. The heel was silver and had a snake coiled around it. Going upwards, her skirt had shrunk considerably and was just covering her backside. This too was black leather. Her top -if you could call it a top - was see-though lace. Her bra was black with silver embroidery and the 'top' itself had long flowing sleeves and a plunging v-neck line to show cleavage, not that she needed it, and cut off just under her breasts, leaving her stomach on show. She couldn't see what her hair and make-up looked like but she could guess it matched her new outfit.

A loud bang brought her from her trance. Her head snapped up too see what the commotion was.

Fred and George, upon seeing her attire had literally fallen off their chairs in shock. They stared wide-eyed and open mouthed at her, both thinking the same thing.

O.My.God! She looks H-O-T! I swear if she weren't Ron's best mate I'd be over there in a second. It must be illegal to look like that! He he, mum's going to have kittens!

She looked beside them and saw Ron's expression wasn't much different.

No, No, NO! That.Is.Not.Hermione! It can't be! She would never go out dressed like that! I would never let her out dressed like that!

Harry's expression however, was a cross between shock, outrage and lust.

My - No - Herm -THAT is NOT Hermione! I'm going to kill Snape! How can he make her go like that! She is not going ANYWHERE like that! Over my dead body! I'm not letting my girlfriend go out like that!

Sitting next to Harry were Sirius, Remus, Bill, Charlie, Dung and Kingsley all thinking the same thing.

DAMN!

One person who wasn't impressed by her attire was Mrs Weasley. She. Was. Fuming.

'Professor! You can not be serious! I will not allow it!'

'Molly, I can not help what she must wear! If she went dressed like she was, we would not get anywhere! The Dark Lord would not look twice at her!'

'I can't allow her to leave looking like a common whore!'

Molly is going to eat him alive! I know I don't particularly like the slimy bastard but I have to help him out.

'Mrs Weasley, I know you don't like this, and I can't say I'm thrilled at it because it is very uncomfortable to wear, but it's not Professor Snape's fault.'

She then shut-up. She knew she wasn't going to get anywhere.

'But Mi, -'

It was Harry.

'- I'm sorry, but I have to agree with Mrs. Weasley, I don't like it. I don't want my girlfriend-'

Several whispers were heard over the kitchen. 'I knew It.' 'Aww bless.' 'About time.' He blushed at his slip-up and faced her with an apologetic face. He was sure it was Ron that whispered 'I knew it.'

'- girlfriend parading around dressed like that in front of a bunch of perverted Death Eaters!'

Hermione opened her mouth to speak but was cut off by Snape.

'Potter, I know seeing Miss Granger like this isn't what you expected and you don't want any harm to come of her, but I assure you, all the while I am there, I will not allow her to come to any permanent damage.'

Harry rolled his eyes. Was the supposed to comfort him?

'Thanks that makes me feel a whole lot better!'

He gave Hermione one last pleading look to try and get her to reconsider. Hermione did feel sorry for him; she walked over, placed a loving hand on his cheek and looked into his worry-filled green eyes. She could see he feared for her safety.

'I promise you Harry, I'll be fine. There shouldn't be any Death Eaters there; just Snape, Voldie and me ok? Stop worrying and I'll see you when I get back.'

She smiled softly at him and he nodded in agreement. She leant in a gave him a quick kiss for reassurance, but when she was about to pull away, Harry snaked an arm around her waist, pulled her closer and kissed her hard. She could feel the passion and lust coming from him. He finally let go, leaving her flushed and out of breath.

She turned from him and faced the Order, her face red from embarrassment,

'Ready to go?'

Her voice was about 3 octaves higher than usually, causing many around the room to laugh at her. She walked over to her disgusted potions professor who rolled his eyes and spoke to Dumbledore

'We shouldn't be to long.'

'Ok Severus, go before you are much too late and good luck Miss Granger.'

Snape turned around to face her and put one arm around her bare waist, Hermione put an arm on his shoulder, Snape rolled his sleeve up and Hermione was about to press his mark and apparate when a outraged and very jealous Harry spoke.

'What the hell?'

Again Snape rolled his eyes and turned to Harry.

'Miss Granger can not apparate yet, do you have any other suggestions as to how we are to get there?'

Harry flushed red; he didn't want his most hated professor touching her like that.

'Is it necessary to be that close?'

'Yes.'

Without another word to anyone, Snape pressed Hermione's hand to his mark and they were gone.

Once they appeared at the other end, they both jumped apart from each other.

'Follow me.'

His voice was low, slightly nervous and it was not the Snape she was used to. This one seemed more shut away, less caring (not that he was all too caring at Hogwarts.) Hermione did what she told; she followed behind him closely and they soon came upon a pair of big mahogany doors; each engraved with two large, lethal-looking snakes on the middle panels. This was definitely a Slytherin's house.

Hermione didn't want to go through, she knew what lay beyond it and she was terrified. She felt sick and her nerves were making her shake. Snape pushed the doors open and went through without even a second glance back at her. Hermione took a deep breath and walked into the snake's den.

Hermione stood at the doors and looked into the room. It was as large as the great hall and definitely as cold as the dungeons. Straight opposite her was him. He sat king-like on a black oak wood throne; it was edged in silver and snakes coiled around each leg. On either side of him were Death Eaters forming a large circle, at least 30 on each side.

There weren't supposed to be Death Eaters here. Shit.

Her eyes scanned the room trying to find Snape. She saw him on Voldermort's right, he was whispering in his ear, probably telling him that he wasn't aware of the severity of this meeting. She then caught sight of him. She couldn't see his face; he was hooded in a deep black robe, etched in green and silver. He sat casually on the chair, his right elbow leaning on the arm as he listened to Snape.

She felt his eyes scanning her body.

She didn't dare move, it would show him she was uncomfortable -a sign of weakness. His first movement was with his hand, he brushed Snape away.

'Come.'

His voice was cold, heartless and cruel. She could feel those around her whimper at his tone. Cautiously she walked into the centre of the circle and kneeled before him. Snape had said it would show respect.

The second her feet began to move she felt something, something good. Power.

Someone elses, she was still herself but...better, more confident and assertive. Her nerves seemed to have disappeared, only to be replaced by sheer excitement. Excitement to be there, doing this. Not even Voldermort's voice could inflict fear upon her. She had totally forgotten about the Order and Harry, she was there for herself.

, she was still herself but..., more confident and assertive. Her nerves seemed to have disappeared, only to be replaced by sheer excitement. Excitement to be there, doing this. Not even Voldermort's voice could inflict fear upon her. She had totally forgotten about the Order and Harry, she was there for .

'So you are the infamous Granger girl I have been hearing so much about?'

She raised her head and looked directly at him. He had lowered his hood and she could see him clearly. His skin was as white as china, you could see the bones in his face, it was more of a skull than a face. His eyes contrasted greatly, red iris shone out against his white setting. Despite coming back from the dead he looked young. Well as young as somebody can look in that circumstance.

'Yes my Lord.'

She knew his eyes were roaming her body again, she could sense he was definitely satisfied with it.

'Why do you want to be a Death Eater, girl?'

'I am a powerful witch my Lord -'

' -Yes, so I've heard.'

'I seek a greater power, I have a thirst for the Dark Arts and I'm never satisfied with the foolishness from Hogwarts. I want to be great. I want to serve greatness and not the pathetic Muggle-loving fool Dumbledore.'

'It has come to my attention however, that you are nothing more than a Mudblood -'

Hisses could be heard from the room, she knew she wasn't welcome, she didn't care.

'-I seek to rid the world of such disgraces, yet here you are, in front of the most powerful wizard, asking to be in my ranks. What makes you think you are worthy?'

'I assure you my Lord that I can prove my worth. I can be a vital asset to the Dark Side, increasing your chances of winning this war. It would only bring me pleasure if we rid the world of Dumbledore and Potter. They are a disgrace to magic. They still believe I am loyal to them,'

'You have established your hatred and position towards them, but you are still a Mudblood.'

Bravery and smugness got the better of her. She looked directly at him and replied

'I may have been born to common Muggles my Lord, but that doesn't alter my power, I am more powerful than most in your ranks now and I can only become greater -Then she added - just like you my Lord.'

She heard him laugh. Usually a laugh would be warm and full of happiness, but this was bitter, malicious and foul.

'You class yourself as an equal to me? I am not a Mudblood.'

'A Mudblood no, but a half blood.'

She still knelt before him with a smirk on her lips. Gasps could be heard from all over from the room. None of them could believe what she just said; she was going to die for sure. She never broke eye contact with him, she was trying to figure out what he thought of that, whether or not he was going to curse her, but he was unreadable.

To him, he thought this girl was good. Quick-witted, smart, beautiful and brave. He could definitely sense something about her.

'That type of comment would get you killed Mudblood, you are either very foolish or incredibly brave to come here and speak to me in such a manor.'

I'd go with the latter. I hope I haven't blown this!

'However, I am willing to give you a chance to redeem yourself.'

Out of the blue, Hermione could feel somebody else's presence. Somebody was trying to penetrate her mind. As quick as it came Hermione filled her head with other images. Her arguing with Harry. Playing darts with Dumbledore's head as a target. Her writing 'I hate Potter' 'Dumbledore + Muggles pathetic' on a piece of parchment. Then it was gone.

'I'm satisfied with what you have said and what I have seen so far. Get up.'

Hermione raised from the ground and stood before him.

'That does not mean to say I have made my decision. You Miss Granger have proven to be quick witted, brave and smart, beauty is apparent with you. You have expressed your hatred to the Light and I am told you are powerful.'

'I am my Lord.'

'Yes, but your word is not good enough. I want you to duel with my favourite girl. Bella?'

On his left the second figure along broke the circle and came to her master's side.

'My Lord.'

'My sweet Bella. Prepare to duel.'

'Yes master.'

Bellatrix removed her cloak and transfigured her robe into a tight pair of leather trousers and a green vest top. Hermione, taking this as her cue, transfigured her clothes into a pair of very short shorts and a red strapless top. She heard several whispers and one behind her stood out,

'Fuck me.'

'Still want to do this Mudblood?'

'Anything to please you my Lord. I don't see her as much of a challenge.'

She looked at Bellatrix with a smug look on her face. The group of Death Eaters stepped back, not wanting to get in the way of a very good fight.

They both took five paces back and turned to face each other. Hermione on the right, Bellatrix on the left. Where Hermione stood, she could sense fear and worry, she knew it was Snape.

Dumbledore is going to kill me, If she gets hurt the whole bloody Order will want my blood. She can't handle Bella, she is far too powerful

Hermione shook her head and concentrated on what she was about to do.

Come on Hermione, focus, this is your only chance at this, you want this, you need this so focus!

'Ready to go down Mudblood?'

'You wish whore.'

The 'whore' comment must have enraged her because the next thing Hermione knew, Bellatrix was about to send a stunner at her, just seconds before she screamed the words, Hermione threw herself left and dodged the spell. It had been too close and it had caught her arm and now a 3inch gash appeared.

'Bitch - Concursoro!'

A flash of white light emitted from Hermione's wand and sent a curse straight at her. Bellatrix dodged it and it hit a wall, making a whole with a small fire appear.

'OOOOH, Mudblood knows how to play! Didn't know they taught dark spells at Hogwarts!'

'They don't.'

Hermione had actually read about that curse in a book Sirius had given her. It was supposed to make the person feel as if their skin was burning from the inside.

They were both facing each other again and before Hermione could read any emotion, Bellatrix had sent yet another curse at Hermione

'Seletopfy.'

It had caught Hermione shoulder and sent her flying against Death Eaters behind her, she fell to the floor, her back to her, just able to move. She could hear her cackle, thinking she actually won. Hermione was biding her time, hoping she would be low enough to kick her when she was down. And just as she suspected, she heard footsteps coming closer.

She got within a foot of Hermione and she swung her leg around tripping her over. Bellatrix landed with a thud and her wand flew from her hand. She scrambled up searching for her wand but Hermione was quicker, the second Bellatrix was up, Hermione spun around and kicked her face. She heard her nose crack and there was blood coming down her clothes. While she was trying to balance her self from the blow, Hermione kicked her stomach, sending her against a very hard stone wall. She smacked her head leaving her in a state of daze. There was a sickening cracking sound when her head made contact with the wall.

Not being satisfied with this fight, Hermione picked up Bella's wand and threw it at her. She wanted to continue this duel. She turned her back and started to walk away when she noticed something odd. Bella was going to play dirty; she was going to attack from behind.

Hermione spun around just in time to create a shield and send a final stunner at Bellatrix.

She lay on the floor unable to move. Hermione walked over to her and felt smug. She just won. She looked down at the pathetic witch before her and sat on the woman's stomach and pinned her hands above her head. Hermione could see that her eyes were unfocused and she had cracked her head. Blood covered her top and was all over the lower part of her face.

'Aww I'm sorry did I hurt you?'

She gave Bella a little pout

'What did you say about me going down? Looks like you're the one that's one that's on the floor bitch, but you should be used to spending time on your back, fucking whore.'

Hermione climbed off of her and made her way to stand in front of Voldermort. She locked eyes with him again and could see he was impressed. She could feel relief from Snape.

'Avery, Nott, get her out of my site.

Two Death Eaters from behind her bowed, picked up Bella, and exited. Voldermort turned his attention back to Hermione. He shifted slightly, looked her up and down and licked his lips.

'You really are a powerful witch aren't you? And in Muggle combat as well. Well done. You beat one of my best. Congratulations.'

'Thank you my Lord.'

'I can feel the power that radiates from you Hermione.'

Her name slid off his tongue with ease. This was as good a time as any to see if she could gain his trust.

'That's why I'm here my Lord. I wish for you to feel what I have to offer and perhaps in return I can become a Death Eater and I can feel your-'

Her eyes scanned his body, lingering slightly on his crotch; she moved her eyes back up to meet his and cocked her head to the side.

'-Power.'

He raised an eyebrow at her suggestions. She was aware of Snape again, he was shocked. This pleased her; it was having the effect she wanted.

'All in good time - my Shadow.'

She didn't question the name. She liked it. It was pretty obvious what it meant. She was to be in the background of the light, collecting information and giving it to the dark - where she belonged.

'Come to me.'

Hermione crossed the room closing the space between herself and Voldermort. His hand was outstretched and she accepted it with hers. He spun her around and stood her next to him and Snape. His arm resting on her naked waist.

'My faithful servants, I ask you, are there any objections to having such a beautiful young creature joining us?'

His arm slid from her waist and rested on her backside. She was surprised but put up no fight. She could see Snape's eyes flicker to where his hands were and he turned away.

'Young master Malfoy, you stink of doubt. Explain yourself.'

From across the room a figure stepped forward, removed his hood, and knelt before Voldermort.

'I mean no disrespect my Lord, but I can not understand why you would want to dirty your pureblood ranks with someone inferior.'

'Mr. Malfoy-'

Voldermort stopped when he felt somebody's hand on his. He turned to see Hermione leaning over; he got a full view of her chest as she leaned into whisper in his ear, her voice low and seductive.

'My Lord, let me persuade young Malfoy,'

She ran a figure up his arm and continued,

'I can guarantee he will never question you again.'

'Very well my shadow.'

With a smirk, she got up and walked over to the boy in the middle. She stood in front of him, one hand on her hip and looked him up and down.

'Mr. Malfoy, you are a powerful young wizard aren't you?

'Yes.'

She started to circle him, like a lion does its prey. She ran her arm across his shoulders.

'Yet you are envious of me.'

'I assure you, I'm not envious of you.'

'But you are Draco.'

He said nothing; she stood behind him whispering sexily in his ear.

'Do you believe I am good at magic Draco?'

She ran her hand down his back and tugged on the waistband of his trousers underneath. Her slow seductive actions were driving him crazy.

'Yes.'

'Well, If I become a Death Eater-'

She stood in front of him and leaned in to his ear. His hands went down to her waist.

'-I could show you what else I'm good at.'

She bit his ear and leaned back with a questionable eyebrow raised. He smirked at her and grabbed her arse, pulling her forward.

'I take that as a yes?'

She leaned up and kissed his cheek, she turned around and walked back over to Voldermort's side with a smug look on her face. Once at his side he placed a possessive arm around her waist and pulled her in a little rougher than needed. His hand soon found her arse again.

'I take it Mr. Malfoy, you have no further objections?'

'No my Lord.'

'Then back in place.'

He swiftly moved back into the circle and breathed a sigh of relief.

'Snape!'

Hermione felt movement beside her, Snape walked in front of her and knelt before Voldermort.

'My Lord.'

'My Shadow shall become a Death Eater, her power will indeed become useful to me.

You have done well bringing her to me. This will not go unrewarded.'

'Thank you my Lord.'

He went back to his place next to her feeling slightly relieved.

'My Shadow.'

He whispered seductively next to her, she turned to face him. He took her hand his and raised it to her cold harsh lips.

'You have done well tonight, but its time for you to leave, I will be in touch through Snape. You shall be marked soon. I hope to see more of you very soon.'

'I shall be looking forward to it my Lord.'

He nodded towards Snape, giving him permission to leave.

'Come Miss Granger.'

Hermione obediently followed, casting a sideways glace at Malfoy. He winked at her and she smirked. Once the doors were closed Snape turned to her.

'I'm sorry, I didn't know about tonight.'

Hermione shook her head and formed the position they were in to apparate, and dissapperated back to Grimmuald place.

They landed gracefully in the Kitchen, to find the place almost empty. The only people there were Dumbledore, Sirius, Remus and Harry. Harry - tonight's events came rushing back to her and she felt sick with guilt. However at the same time, being here, with the Order, she felt somewhat empty, like something was missing.

She transfigured her clothes into a pair of black kacki trousers and a baby pink hoody; she sat down next to Harry who immediately took her hand in his.

'So Severus, how did it go?'

'Fine, we turned up and we had a full gathering, but she did well, they didn't seem to scare her. He questioned her and her answers surprised even me. She was calm, confident and very convincing. One thing I wasn't counting on was the duel.'

'She had a duel? With who?'

'Your enchanting cousin Black.'

Hermione didn't hear the rest of the conversation, her mind wondered to her actions at the revel.

I almost kissed Malfoy! I flirted outrageously with the Dark Lord! But it was such a rush of power. He actually accepted me into his ranks. Should I tell Harry what happened with Malfoy?

She was brought out of her daydream by the squeeze of Harry's hand. She looked up at him and saw the warmth and unknowing in his eyes. She decided not to tell him. It was better this way.

'Dumbledore, I actually think she might be able to pull this off.'

'Thank you Severus, now Hermione tonight was unexpected for you, it's quite understandable if you are a little shaken by this ordeal - '

'No, not at all I'm fine.'

'If you are sure Hermione, I can get you dreamless sleep potion if you want.'

'No, no honestly I'm fine, just exhausted, do you mind if I go to bed?'

'Of course not, I'll speak with you tomorrow Hermione.'

'Thank you. Harry are you coming?'

'Sure.'

The two teenagers left the kitchen and made their way up stairs in silence.All of tonight's emotions were catching up with her and she felt ashamed. A traitor, dirty. Silent tears came down her cheeks. Harry glanced at Hermione and noticed the tears down her face. They were at her door, so he turned her around and grabbed her hands. She could feel the worry from him.

'Mi, look at me.'

She shook her head and chocked back some tears. He placed a finger under her chin and pushed her head up so her could see her eyes.

'What's wrong?'

She shook her head again, not daring to say a word to him.

'I'm not going anywhere until you tell me.'

She began to cry harder. He was being so sincere.

'O, Shh baby, it's ok, don't cry.'

He wrapped his arms around her and let her cry onto his chest. He made Shh noises but it wasn't calming her down. He opened the door behind her and motioned her into it.

He pulled her away from his chest and made her look at him.

'Tell me, or I'll go find out from Snape.'

'H-H-Harry I'm s-s-so sorry, I n-n-never meant to, it j-j-just happened - if I d-d-didn't I might n-n-n-not have got his trust - I-I-I feel so dirty, the t-t-things I said were horrible Harry.'

'Hey, hey, hey calm down it's ok. Sit down and tell me.'

She sat down on her bed, back against the headboard and Harry put an arm around her, pulling her into him.

'I feel awful Harry, I said such horrible things about you and Dumbledore - I said that it would bring me pleasure if you were killed. I don't think that, I swear!'

'It's ok, I know you didn't mean it so don't worry about it.'

'But when he touched me it made my skin crawl. I had to act the way I did-'

'I know what you've got to do Hermione and no, I don't like it, but you don't mean it and I know it's helping us, so I'm not letting it get to me.'

'Malfoy was there.'

She felt Harry stiffen at these words.

'What happened?'

'I-he was making it difficult for me, so I had to promise him if he shut-up I'd make it worth his while.'

Harry didn't say anything, What could he say?

'Are you mad at me?'

'Heavens no Hermione! Stop blaming yourself.'

'But Malfoy-'

'Lets just cross that bridge when we come to it, yeah?'

She nodded and he kissed her head softly.

'Come on, get into bed, it's been a long day.'

Hermione climbed under the covers fully dressed, to tired to change. Harry bent down

kissed her goodnight and turned to leave. Hermione's hand shot out from under the covers and grabbed his wrist. He turned around confused.

'I-I-don't want to be on my own. Can you stay with me tonight?'

He smiled at her and turned back around. He took his jumper off, as did she, leaving them in t-shirts. She moved over and let Harry get in beside her, he put an arm around her waist and she rested her head against his chest. Harry started to play with the hair on her neck until her breathing evened out and he knew she was asleep.

Harry's mind was racing.

I don't like it. Not one bit. Why Malfoy? Why him? He's smug enough as it is. Just look at her, she's beautiful, but she's going through so much. This is going to make it so much harder for her.

He sighed and kissed her head. She shifted and snuggled closer to him.

It wasn't long until he fell asleep.

well another chapter down!

what do you think? hate it? love it? needs work? just let me know!

next chapter: more Hermione and Harry action. They see Malfoy, Tonks gives Hermione a present. Fights for the bathroom

Raven

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