A/n: I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY! I know I've taken long, but really I've been suffering numerous writers blocks and I have just returned from my month long vacation to the states. But that's no excuse now is it. I have received all your reviews, especially those ones with nothing but the word: update! Okay, I won't keep you any longer, a long chap today. Enjoy! (BTW it's the most fluffy thing ever!)
Chapter 13 – Surprises(Let us run free)
Hermione sank lazily into a squishy green couch, much like the ones by the fire in the Gryffindor common room. They had the exact texture, feel and comfort enough to make Hermione feel cosy and safe anywhere – even if she was alone with Draco Malfoy. She had conjured them in the Room of Requirement, she was going to make them red but kept them green for Malfoy's sake. He then made a comment about injustice and how Slytherins didn't have anything remotely as comfortable as the 'squishy' chairs.
Draco sat across from her silently, gazing intently at Hermione's soft features as she slowly dozed off to sleep. It had been their third 'Pureblood Etiquette' lesson and was spent mostly learning the dance. Hermione was a keen learner and caught on quickly. Draco was sure that she'd have it memorised in no time. It made his insides giddy with excitement as she displayed an eager keenness to learn more about his world. But most importantly as she had sincerely hung on to his every word with interest and actually remembering the things he said as if it contained some worth. It made him feel not like a snotty spoiled rich-boy with nothing other than snobbery to say, but it made him feel like he was a part something, something important. He enjoyed that most about her company, she listened to him… she cared. Sure Pansy and his fellow Slytherin members listened to him with rapt attention as if he were their Prince or leader, but not with the certain caring sincere concern Hermione harboured. She remembered things he said. Not just the important things but she took notice of the small parts that made him, him.
From the shallow and even breaths and her head lolled to the side, Draco knew for sure that Hermione had fallen asleep. His silver eyes surveyed her carefully, delicately, memorising every curve of her face, the soft shine of her bushy curls and her lips a soft pink. The colour of Spring's first morning rose. Even with her faults, her stubbornness, blood and haughty indignation – he had seen it all. Did she always look as innocent as a child as she slept? Wondered Draco thoughtfully. On the contrary, she did have dark purple bags underneath her eyes and a tired look about her. Studying, most likely. It was all she did, during breaks or any scrap of leisure time she could salvage from her hectic schedule. He almost pitied her, only realising he had almost that amount of work as well. She needed a break and he ought to let her rest. Draco knew she would be cross upon discovering her let her sleep but she needed it. Besides… she looked cute when she was angry.
His thoughts floated back to the dance. It was the most insane sensation holding her in his arms. It provoked every temptation he had and yet it was bearable. Draco could also see the faint pink blush arise at times as he held her close during a step. He jolted with excitement as it told him she felt something too. He was only getting close to thinking about how he felt about being protective of her in his arms… until he slipped into unconsciousness…
The Jungle. The smell of wet earth lingered in the air as damp soil compressed beneath his feet, it was if he was standing on mushy moist pillows. He surveyed his surroundings. Dense green foliage surrounded him as the sound of birds chirping filled the air and the extreme presence of life engulfed him. Flowers of all colours littered the floor, some smelling pleasant – others not. A small trail of bright cerise flowers - some breed of weird lily- lead to a hidden door. With trepidation, he took a step – the soft earth shifting underneath his weight. Following the cerise lilies he reached the door draped thickly with jungle vines. It didn't look like a door, it was more like an abandoned ancient wall but by some magical pull, he was aware it was a door. Frail rays of sunlight protruded shyly from the canopy as he tried to make out the writing on the door. It was ancient and carved… yet familiar. As he reached out to touch it, everything faded…
"What the?" He said aloud, his voice echoing in the darkness. A scene then shimmered into view. It was indoors, underground, damp and dirty. The air of catacombs filled his nostrils. Yet everything was still hazy as if he had been looking through a heat wave. He looked around frantically, trying to decipher what was going on. Figures… many figures… an altar. There was a stone altar. But how could that be? There was someone lying on top of it, as if they were a sacrifice to a God or something… Draco squinted and looked as hard as he could. The person was female, he could tell. And she was either sleeping, unconscious or worse… dead. "What the bloody hell is going on here!" He yelled. "Is this vision changing, again?" He squinted towards the girl lying on top of the altar. She had brown hair…a mass of thick brown hair…she looked uncannily like…
"Malfoy! Malfoy! Oh God Malfoy!" Cried a terrified voice. Immediately his eyes shot open. Two large worried brown eyes met him. Hermione was right up in his face wearing the most worried of expressions.
"…Granger?" Said Draco faintly. "I thought you were asleep."
"I was." She said promptly, pacing madly in front of him. "And you didn't wake me up! So eventually, I woke from my nap and I find you asleep. So I go to wake you up and…"
"And?"
"…and you didn't. You scared the bleeding hell out of me. I almost thought you were dead." Said Hermione softly looking at him reproachfully.
"Well." Said Draco smirking. "I'm glad that you are so concerned about my life but I was just -" Hermione glared at him and flicked her thick mass of curls around her shoulder and turned away, angrily. Thick, brown hair… the figure on the altar…Hermione Granger? No. It's not possible… could it? Draco almost gasped aloud. "I was just dozing off, I sleep like a log you know." He lied.
"You had a vision didn't you?" Asked Hermioe bluntly.
Damn she was perceptive. "If you must know… yes."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Asked Hermione, looking slightly put out.
"It changed today, just now." Said Draco quickly, he really didn't want to believe that the possibly dead figure laying limply on the altar was Granger.
"How?" She asked interestedly, stepping towards him.
"I'm underground, in a catacomb…" He replied, that was the extent in which he would tell her. He didn't want to scare her for no absolute reason. She already had too much to worry about, and so did she.
"Anything else?"
"No. That was it. That was all I could make out." He lied convincingly, wearing another one of his masks. Just another mask. Hermione knew well enough that this wasn't entirely true, but decided to believe him until he trusted her enough to reveal the truth.
"Draco… are you alright?" She asked, just to make sure.
"Why wouldn't I be?" He gave her an arrogant smile, hoping she would be convinced. She wasn't. He had this vision to think about…
"Draco are you sure you're alright? You look quite pale." Asked Hermione timidly, placing a concerned hand on his arm. He flinched slightly at her touch. It pulled him back to reality and reminded him that he wasn't alone the room. Placing his best mask of indifference on his face, he allowed the corners of his lips twitch into a slight smile.
"I'm sure. I'm fine." Surely that would have convinced her.
Hermione nodded in approval. "I'd better get going. I have an Arithmancy Essay to finish." She said curtly, waving as she left.
Draco could have slapped himself. He gave a low, hollow chuckle. "So do I Granger. So do I." He had completely forgot that essay as his school work continued to form a mountain around him. With the added work of tutoring Hermione whilst at the same time trying to suppress his rising feelings towards her; the daunting prophecy didn't hold as much importance or priority as it should have in his life. It should have been something burdensome, weighting and fearful, but even as Draco knew the fate of everyone rested upon his shoulders - he couldn't quite grip that it would be happening so soon.
Draco glanced at the door. Hermione's presence was still a whiff in the air. He shook his head. "It's not possible." He muttered, shrinking in denial. "It's a mere coincidence." He sighed. What kind of pure lunacy was involved in his visions? "How could Hermione be involved in Abyssus Erigo prophecy? It involves me and only me. She's not of any magical blood. It's not possible that it was her I had seen..." He raked a hand through his silky blonde hair and exhaled deeply. Retrieving his bag, he left the room just as Hermione had done, to start the Essay she was now finishing. He descended to the dungeons, only half able to convince himself. It was that which struck a concern in him the most.
"Oi! Oi you little miscreants! You horrible little ingrates! The train is leaving and you'd better be on it or I'll hang you from the roof by your thumbs!" Howled Filch in frustration as students cluttered the Entrance Hall, their trunks occupying the majority of the floor space. It had been a few weeks since Hermione had been under Draco's tutelage and it was the last day of school before the Christmas Holidays. She was somewhat confident that she could pull it off, yet she would study her notes she made during Draco's lessons. He would roll his eyes continuously as he caught her quill scratching furiously against the parchment as he spoke. Often he would snatch iy from her hands just to see her grow riled, because despite she Hermione growing annoyed with him, he always though she looked inexplicably cute when she was angry.
"Harry, Ron." Said Hermione warmly as they approached her, lugging their trunks behind them.
"Hermione." They both replied.
"Promise to write to me over the holidays." Said Hermione as she hugged them both.
"Can't this wait until we actually step OFF the train? Not before we go ON it?" asked Ron, tripping over his own luggage as Hermione took him into a friendly hug.
"Yes, but I won't be seeing you until Christmas morning."
"It's a shame you can't spend Christmas Eve with us." Said Harry as Hermione hugged him in turn. She sniffed from the cold.
"I know, but I have family attending from all parts of the country for Christmas and I can't get away." That was all true what she had just said, but then there was another reason... she knew that it was best not to mention that little occasion to the boys.
For Hermione it was a brief train ride, with a few notable occurrences, like Ron choking on a vomit flavoured bean, Harry and his hurting scar and Malfoy walking in, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle. As soon as he walked in, Hermione's eyebrows shot to her hairline, losing themselves in her bushy curls. He made no remark about the ruckus caused in their particular carriage, instead barked a sharp message.
"Headmaster wishes to see both of us Granger." Said Draco haughtily, eyeing the carriage with disgust. "It's about the decathlon." He added sharply at Harry and Ron's glare's.
"Oh. Right." Replied Hermione, doing her best to feign disappointment. When Malfoy walked out, Hermione waited a few seconds before joining him. As soon as she walked a few steps out of the door, she was yanked to her side and shoved into an empty compartment. As soon as she was in, Malfoy closed the door, triple locked it, pulled the blind down and muttered a few spells so they wouldn't be heard or seen. "So what's this about the decathlon?" Asked Hermione brightly. Draco rolled his eyes.
"This isn't about the decathlon Granger." He exasperated. "I needed an excuse to get you out of there."
"Why?"
"Because I wanted to ask you…" He hesitated for a moment. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
Although he didn't explicitly mention it, she knew exactly what he was referring to. "Of course I'm sure." She replied promptly. "I've come this far, I'm not turning back because in the end I find out I'm a little intimidated."
"Ok. Good." Draco nodded with a sense of relief, he turned around and began undoing all the spells.
"Wait! Wait." Said Hermione suddenly. "Before you do all that. Can I ask you a very silly question?" Asked Hermione, her cheeks growing a tinge pink. He waited for her to speak. "What do I wear?"
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"Ok Rebecca I'll be going now." Said Hermione to her cousin hastily as she crept to her bedroom window. A girl with chocolate brown wavy hair and hazel eyes followed Hermione eagerly.
"I'll see you later okay?" Said Rebecca, her usually perky voice, even more preppy than usual. "Er, are you sure you can climb out of the window in that?"
"I… think so." Replied Hermione carefully, wincing slightly at the prospect of the dress hampering her movement. It was the night of Christmas Eve. It was the night of the Malfoy Christmas Ball. The snow had begun late this season, leaving her driveway blanketed in snow. Hermione stared at her dress, hoping that in escaping her family Christmas party to attend the Ball, climbing out the window wouldn't ruin it. It was a beautiful gown made of cascading power blue and white silks, multiple layers of blue chiffon and light pink roses stitched with the finest detail. After inquiring Malfoy about her attire on the train, he merely laughed and said he do something about it. She fretted for the few days afterwards wondering what "doing something about it" meant when a package came in the mail for her, a large white box that required four owls to carry.
It was quite some task hiding the large box from all her muggle relatives that had arrived to stay at her residence for Christmas. From all over the country they came for a family reunion and a ridiculously large Christmas party. Her sixteen year-old cousin Rebecca was assigned to room together with Hermione, and being the cousin Hermione trusted the most, she needed an accomplice – someone to cover for her while she was away. The feast was now over and Hermione found time to go. Sneaking to her room, she dressed while Rebecca took pleasure in manually straightening her hair (the muggle way) and doing it up for her, taking mind to embed pink roses in her hair. It was simple, yet sophisticated; Hermione went to the bathroom where she could perform a spell to keep it in tact, away from Rebecca's sight. She also placed a warming spell on her cloak to protect her and her exposed shoulders from the snow outside.
"Bye Becky. Thanks for this." Hermione hugged her cousin and put on her black cloak around herself. She hated concealing the truth from her, she did inform her that she was attending a high society costume ball, yet she hated omitting the magical truth. Hermione surreptitiously grabbed her wand and her mask and hid them in the inner pockets of her cloak.
"See you later Hermione." She waved. "And make sure to grab a kiss under the mistletoe!"
Hermione blushed, although she wasn't because of the thought of kissing Draco, or the winter cold. "Thanks." She smiled meekly, climbing down the storm water pipe carefully then dropping neatly into her snow-covered driveway. Hermione checked her pockets one more time. "Hey Becky! Pass me the invitation." She whispered loudly, so as not to alert anyone but Becky inside. "I can't get through the doors without it!… Or else if I try, they'd kill me." She whispered the latter part under her breath. The white envelope laced with gold and silver dropped from her window, and Hermione caught it eagerly. "Okay, bye now. I'll be back in a couple of hours."
Rebecca waved from the room window, as Hermione ran down the street and turned the corner into a dark alleyway. Checking the street to make sure she was alone, she retrieved her wand and apparated. When she appeared, she heard the loud clicking of thestral hooves as large lavishly decorated carriages came to deliver even more lavishly dressed guests to the large oak front doors of the Malfoy Manor. From where she was standing, she couldn't see much, seeing as she apparated just behind the hedges that stood in front of the large stone and wrought iron fence that surrounded the entire premises. But from where she was standing, she could see the carriages arrive from the stone paved street and make a right into the driveway. Hastily, she plunged her hand into her cloak pocket and pulled out her pale blue mask, it was plain yet the edges were trimmed with silver and gold lace. Stepping carefully forward, she walked towards the gates until the entire view of Malfoy Manor came into full view.
Her jaw dropped.
It was the largest house – no it was a mansion. It was like a fairytale. The front lawn was neatly trimmed and perfect, cutting through it was the long cobblestone driveway lined with all shades of roses Hermione could think of. Pine trees and hedges stood beside the manor proudly as if they were the Malfoys themselves standing before them with their statuesque figures. The driveway lay like a large semi-circle, originating from one gate, travelling through to the green carpeted front door and then back out through another wrought iron gate beholding the Malfoy crest. But the Manor itself! That was a sight to see. It was a prominent efficacious edifice, with many windows streaming gold light, gargoyle-like statues stood on the roof, their wings spread wide, mouths crying out to the moon. Vines wrapped around the large posts beside the oak doors like snakes – perhaps they were snakes – Hermione didn't know. All the snow in the front lawn had been completely (magically, most likely) vanished. Hermione was left wondering what kind of gardener would spend this much time on a garden like this. Even to vanish that much snow away from the manor itself and the garden took quite some time and magic. Back at home, her driveway was decked with the white stuff, and here, it was completely clean as if Spring had just arrived.
Hermione gulped and stepped forward, maintaining to the edge of the driveway so as not to be trampled by incoming carriages. As she approached the Manor, she could already hear the orchestra playing from inside, a classic waltz. Excitedly, she quickened her pace and reached the front door. An usher and several house elves bowed to her, she could only smile and curtsy back.
"Your cloak, my lady." Said a house elf, looking exactly how Dobby once looked. She refrained from scowling as her SPEW ideals propped up into her mind, but she knew to her dismay, she had to push her thoughts down. Allowing an usher to remove her cloak, she gave in the invitation. At once a House Elf approached her and bowed.
"I will lead you to the Ballroom, my lady." It said bowing so low that Hermione could no longer see its face, only its bat-like ears. Jeez, thought Hermione, this is happening just as Draco said it would. She was led forward through to the Grand Staircase that lay just ahead of her and up the steps. It was then, Hermione realised that the floors were made entirely of marble. Talk about wealthy. Hermione knew, just as about everyone in the wizarding world knew how wealthy the Malfoys were, but honestly.
Hermione and the house elf reached large beige doors with gold –laced handles. "The examination room." She muttered, trepidation and anxiety causing a lump to rise in her throat. The gold-laced handles… she knew wasn't to touch these. Abruptly, the two beige doors opened, and the house-elf bowed low once more and left. Immediately the announcer approached her and said: "Name?"
Hermione cleared her throat and gave him the name Draco gave her. "Lady Harriet Dalevir, of Romania."
She stepped forwards and into the room. Her breath caught in her throat as the she witnessed the spectacular sight before her. It was a humungous room, almost the size of the Entrance Hall at Hogwarts. Everyone dressed in their best gowns and dressrobes. Couples, dancing on the dance floor, many people, most of which she recognised from the Daily Prophet or some kind of wizarding magazine, were chatting and laughing endlessly as many brightly lit chandeliers hung from above.
"May I present: Lady Harriet Dalevir of Romania!" Said the announcer loudly. Some people looked, a photographer of the Daily Prophet took a photo and Hermione stepped cautiously inside, making sure her mask was securely attached around her face.
"Now." She whispered, bracing herself. "Now to find him."
Draco stood at the steps facing the Ballroom. There were three levels to the Manor, and this other staircase just happened to be the centre feature of the Ballroom. He scanned the room relentlessly, searching for Hermione. He had been standing like that, for fifteen minutes, it was already the hour of nine and she hadn't shown up yet, he began to worry. He decided to delve into the crowd. Winding through the forest-like throngs of people, he searched for the mask that hid her face. Nothing. He scoured the entire Ballroom and found nothing. He was her escort, this shouldn't be happening.
The music changed. It was the music that signified the special dance of the evening, the dance where everyone was required to participate… the most important one he taught her. Couples began to gather to the dance floor, he heard a familiar twinkling laugh… Draco whipped around.
And there she was.
A swan fluttering gracefully across a lake, her movements were full of mirth, grace and dignified elegance. She spun, her face radiant and her hair all strung up with roses, her cheeks tinted pink as if petals of the roses in her hair rested upon them. She was a glittering star. Before he realised it, his throat went dry. As the throngs of people walked to the dance floor, he snapped out of his awed trance and cleared his throat just to say: "My God, I bloody excellent teacher." The fellow Hermione was dancing with was one of his distant uncles Draco knew, but he had no time to pay attention to him.
Hermione danced, laughing. It was fun, even though the gentleman she was dancing with, wasn't. She laughed, imagining it was Draco in his place. "Malfoy…" she murmured, "Where are you?" She came here to spend the night with him, not dance with a forty-year-old with the only intention of boasting about his finances. Hermione noticed everyone was already on the floor, which meant Draco had to be here somewhere. Her expression lit up with hope. The dance began once more. She extended her arm, had it kissed, curtsied and the dance began. She spun happily, took a step and the rest was natural to her. Malfoy, she thought, you're a good teacher. After one round, they changed partners. Another man, another face, but not Malfoy's. A few more rounds and more and more faces. It was a whirlwind of sound and colour where she couldn't stop, she didn't even care to look into the eyes of who she was dancing with anymore - until finally… another round, and a hand that fit so naturally into hers. He kissed it, his lips brushing like two petals against her skin. Soft, yet coarse, and entirely familiar. She looked up and smiled. They began to dance.
"I found you." Said Draco, smiling. His grey eyes shone beneath the mask.
"Finally, you're here." She sighed, as he turned her. She caught a whiff of his sent, she blushed. As she grew close into his arms, she finally allowed herself to rest against his firm chest. It was alas the final round of the dance.
"You look stunning tonight, Granger, if I didn't know who you were, you would have fit right into the crowd." Said Draco as the music stopped.
"Thank you." She replied, fixing her mask. "But you know, I can only steal a few hours here." She whispered cautiously, as she took his elbow and allowed him to lead her off the dance floor. They stopped at the refreshment table, where Hermione gaped at the amount of food that came from practically all parts of the world. "You have a very diverse cook." She commented.
Draco took a gulp of Firewhiskey, cleared his throat and set the glass down. "Several in fact."
"Was that Firewhiskey?" Hermione asked, horrified. "You can drink that?"
"Of course." He shrugged.
"I would think that you wouldn't be daring enough to even try such a varied arrange of food." Said Hermione eyeing the food, almost hungrily. The feast she had earlier back at home, still kept her full, although it was so scrumptious to look at. Grabbing a Swiss chocolate. She popped it in her mouth.
"Well Granger, I was at first. But after about attending a zillion of these things throughout the course of your life, you begin to appreciate diversity." He said leaning against the table, scanning the room. "Come, I must present you as my escort, to my parents."
Hermione choked. "Now?" Her voice tiny.
"Let's just get it over with." Said Draco, offering her his elbow once more. She sighed.
"You're right."
Hermione expected the encounter to be a terrifying experience, but with Draco by her side, it wasn't much so. Meeting the Malfoys wasn't as bad as she thought, she said her lines and played the part, and she surprisingly passed. She just wished he had her wand so she could hex Lucius Malfoy on sight. Merlin, how she hated him. But instead of pummelling the unsuspecting Death Eater to the floor, she smiled politely and greeted them carefully.
As she and Draco walked away, Hermione let out a huge sigh of relief. "Thank goodness that was over."
"See? You passed the test." Said Draco lightly, congratulating her by squeezing her hand. "…Harriet." Hermione smiled lightly at he name.
"So what do we do now?" Asked Hermione. She had only been there for an hour to the most.
"Well", Draco led her up the staircase. "I want to show something." He told her with a crazily mischievous glint in his eye.
Suppressing a giggle of delight, Hermione followed him out of the Ballroom and to the third floor. "Where are we going?" She asked. Draco smiled, but said nothing. The corridor he led her to was dark, lit only by candlelight. She knew they hadn't gone far, for she could still hear the music streaming from the Ballroom below. They stopped at an alcove. Here, she felt it was safe enough to remove her mask.
"I want to show you something outside." Said Draco, finally removing his.
"Wait… I need my cloak then, and my wand." Said Hermione, turning to return downstairs and retrieve her cloak.
"I'll get them." Draco stopped her. "I know where they are kept." He broke off into a run, and disappeared down the corridor. Hermione sighed. What was Draco going to show her? Her heart thumped in anticipation as she let her eyes trail upwards to the ceiling. Her jaw dropped as, dangling from the ceiling, was mistletoe. Immediately, she felt the rise of blood rush to her cheeks. Rebecca's words echoed in her mind, and chose to ignore the sign. Draco returned moments later with her cloak and handed it to her.
"That was fast." She commented, her eyes unconsciously flicking upwards. His gaze followed hers, the trailed back downwards. Clearing his throat, he wrenched his eyes off her lips and the dangling mistletoe. Why did she always have to make his mouth dry? He smirked and brushed passed her, opening a door. He held it open for her as she stepped inside.
Hermione examined the room in awe. It had a familiar atmosphere to it. The high ceiling was lit with a chandelier, to the left was a large four-poster bed with silk black sheets and luxury furniture, to her left was a door which most likely led to a bathroom. Stepping carefully forward, she noticed the large window, fringed with heavy drapes and a view of the entire Malfoy estate. "Malfoy…?" She asked, stepping towards the window. "What is this place?"
"My room, Granger. I know it's absolutely amazing. But try not to drool on the floor…" He chuckled. "Just joking… consider yourself lucky. Pansy would kill to be in your position right now." Whoa! Hermione crashed into reality. I'm in his room, I'm in his room, I'm in his room, I'm in his room, Oh God… Finally she realised that he was the cause of the familiar atmosphere, and she spotted a few Hogwarts trinkets lying on a table. When she finally knocked out of her reverie, all she could utter was:
"Nice bed." She could have slapped herself for saying that.
Malfoy looked at her oddly. "Er, thanks." He walked towards a cupboard and retrieved a couple of brooms. "Do you know how to fly?"
"Er…"
"Right." He concluded, judging her expression, and he tossed one broom back into the cupboard. "You'll have to come with me then."
"What?" Asked Hermione, watching him stride towards the window, broom in hand. He opened the lower section of the large window and made a gesture for her to come forward. "And what are we doing?"
"We're climbing out of the window." He stated, smiling. Hermione rolled her eyes and put her cloak on.
"Goodness, this is the second time I've done this tonight." She muttered as she climbed onto the ledge. Draco went first and settled himself on his broomstick. He held out a hand to Hermione who climbed gingerly through the window and settled cautiously on the broom behind him.
"Why did you have to climb out a window the first time?" Asked Draco as Hermione placed her arms around his stomach. He tingled inside.
"I had to sneak out to come here." Hermione replied, squeezing her eyes shut.
"Who would have thought…" He laughed. "Okay lets go." He lowered them and pushed on slightly forward. In approximately fifteen seconds, the ride was over. Hermione loosened her grip on him.
"Huh? That's it?" She asked as he helped her dismount, onto the snow.
"Yep." He nodded. "I wanted to get you down safely. I couldn't just have you jumping out of a third floor window could I?"
"Why couldn't we just use a door?" Asked Hermione sceptically. "We didn't have to sneak out."
Draco shrugged. "It was more fun my way. Besides, it's a longer walk to the stables if you exit via the door."
"Stables? You have horses?" Asked Hermione as she followed him, using a heating spell to clear a path through the snow, to a wooden building a distance away from the Manor. Draco need not answer, she could already hear the neigh of horses, clicking of hooves and the heavy, animal smell. Draco quietly opened a large door, it creaked open almost silently as they stepped inside. Hermione lifted the hem of her dress, so as not to have it trail against dirt and mud. Squinting through the darkness, she gasped. There were at least twelve or fifteen horses in here, maybe even twenty.
"Sssh, Granger, I don't want to alert the stable hands." Said Draco, placing a finger to his lips as he led her towards the back of the stables, until they reached the last two horses. Draco placed the broomstick down and grinned proudly. Two horses stood in the stables before them, two expansive majestic creatures that looked strong enough to trample anyone and anything in a second. Their manes were braided and kept and their coats reflected a groomed satin sheen. They were amazing animals, Hermione concluded. Hermiome reached to pat the white one between the eyes. "That, Granger, is Ivory." Said Draco, as the horse, allowed her to touch her. "And this," Draco indicated to the black horse, its coat a shimmering obsidian, as black as midnight. "This fellow is Midnight."
"They're absolutely charming. Malfoy, really, they're beautiful." Said Hermione softly. Draco opened the gates and walked the horses out. Hermione surprised to find that they were already saddled.
"You planned this didn't you?" She asked deviously, placing her hands on her hips.
"How did you guess, Granger?" He grinned, leading Midnight and Ivory outside. "Come on, we're going riding, do you need me to help you up?" Hermione nodded sheepishly as she placed her foot onto Ivory's foothold (a/n: what are they called? I forgot) and Draco helped her swing her leg over. "You right?" He asked as Hermione righted herself comfortably.
"Yes, thank you."
Draco nodded and lifted himself up onto Midnight and sat with almost a feline grace. "Right then, let's go east, through the grounds, I want to show you a place where I used to go to, just outside the walls." Draco pointed into the general eastern direction and both horses moved forward. Hermione had to admit, this was the most romantic experience she had ever had. Riding through the snow, underneath the moon, dressed in a lovely gown, and Draco looking overwhelmingly dashing and suave in his silk black dressrobes… it was all so corny, but at the same time she loved every minute of it. Draco accelerated with a canter, challenging her with speed, and Hermione picked up her pace also, smirking as she did so. Draco piqued an eyebrow and accelerated further into a gallop. Hermione shook her head and followed him. It was a silent race, each other challenging the other to move faster until they reached their destination. They galloped through light forests, hills, gardens and Hermione still couldn't believe that this land was all owned by the Malfoys. It was a picturesque scene of the countryside all draped with a thick blanket of snow and ice. They rode for, what Hermione figured to be around, twenty minutes, until Draco finally slowed and came to abrupt stop. Standing, looming in front of them was a thick stone wall, one that wasn't immensely high, but its height and rough edges looked difficult to climb. This wall marked the end of the Malfoy grounds, and finally it did. Draco had one hell of a backyard. Draco dismounted, stepped up to Ivory and held out a hand. Hermione took it uncertainly as he aided her in dismounting. She landed gracefully enough on the moist snow.
"What are we doing here?" she asked, staring confusedly at the wall. It was approximately, two, maybe three metres high.
"You've been asking a lot of questions tonight Granger." Quipped Malfoy, slightly annoyed.
"Well, you're being mysterious," Hermione shot back. And romantic. She thought afterwards, inwardly.
"Fine then. We're going to climb over the wall." Said Malfoy, grinning like a little boy. Hermione gave him a sceptical look, threw her head back and laughed.
"I'm being serious Granger." Said Draco. "I want to show you a special… place." Sensing, his serene seriousness, Hermione had no wish to offend him, so she quietened.
"But how?" she asked, "I most certainly can't in this heavy gown."
Draco fretted for a moment. "It's difficult. But it can be done."
"Wouldn't it be more convenient, to fly over, or apparate?" Asked Hermione practically.
"Think about it Granger, this my family's estate we're referring to here, the Malfoy Manor. Do you honestly think my father or anyone else would fail to establish any protective layers around the estate?"
DUH
She suddenly felt like an idiot and slapped her forehead. "I should have figured that one out." She said lamely, as Draco chuckled. "But… wait. If there are shield layers, won't they also prevent us from climbing over?"
"It should." He stated simply. "However, as a boy I've discovered a weak spot."
"A weak spot."
"Precisely." Said Draco, slushing through the snow passed her. "This area right here is strong enough to prohibit any magical intrusion – including apparition and brooms, but it is weak enough to allow a person, or maybe a couple of people through."
"Can't you use a counter charm to lower the magical field so we could apparate over?"
"Your questions are really beginning to annoy me." Draco commented dryly. Hermione glared at him, her already pink cheeks flushed even darker in slight anger.
"Well, I'm not exactly dressed in flexible latex!" She snapped. Draco turned around for a moment, in a slight shock and stared at her fully, his mind imagining her in that ravishing suggested attire. Once again, his mouth dried and he felt waves of desire coursing through him. "What?" she asked. "You're staring."
Instantaneously he jerked back around and cleared his throat uncomfortably. "You look funny when you're riled. It's quite entertaining." Taking a few steps backwards, Draco ran, jumped and hoisted himself up onto the wall and sat there, feeling triumphed as she looked up to him. "To tell you the truth Granger, I could remove these shields myself, but my father would sense it in an instant and we'd be dangerously screwed."
"Right." Hermione nodded. "Now are you going to make me scale this wall in this gown, or are you going to be a man and Wingardium Leviosa me over?"
Draco smirked. "Spoken like a true pure-bred brat."
"Well, I had Draco Malfoy as my tutor." She grinned, and before she could do anything else, Draco extracted his wand.
"Wingardium Leviosa!" Making sure to take utmost care, he lifted her over the wall and out of the grounds, landing her softly on the snow beyond the Malfoy estate. It was a simple enough spell that it was not detected by the shield.
"Thank you." She smiled. Draco jumped off the wall and grinned mischievously.
"Let's go." Draco led the way, traipsing through thick foliage and darkness of the forest. Twigs snapped loudly and bush rustled as they went, and Hermione could have sworn she saw a fairy. After five minutes, Draco stood before her, a knowing smile across his features, it made Hermione mad with apprehension. As she stepped cautiously forward, Draco pulled a away a branch that obstructed her view… she gasped. "Welcome, Granger… to The Spring."
She squealed in delight. Stepping forward, her eyes watered. Before her, was a spring, it was a kind of mini-lake glittering with life. Amongst the trees flew fireflies and other glittering creatures Hermione knew not the names of. Hovering and splashing amongst the surface of the water were fairies of all colours, it was like a rainbow skirting the water, creating ripples as they flew by. A few swans floated around here and there, spreading their wings to the moonlight. "…Oh my goodness." She choked, her eyes glazing with tears. "It's beautiful."
"How do you like your Christmas present Granger?" Malfoy asked, stepping behind her.
"I love it completely. Thank you Malfoy." She turned around and embraced him with full force. Almost staggering backwards, he hugged her back. A tantalising sensation grew like a beast inside him, he wasn't meant to feel this way… Hermione released him and wandered over to the water and took off her shoes. Wading only in the shallows, the water reached up to her ankles. A few glowing butterfly-like creatures danced around her, causing her to laugh in free delight and wonder. Draco smiled and sat down at the edge of the lake and watched her. It was in this pristine moment of bliss that he knew true innocence, true life and true emotion. Watching Hermione was like watching a child splash and play as they laughed their days away. No evil existed, no Voldemort, no Abyssus Erigo ritual. Just this spring and Hermione. The scene was enough evoke a warm feeling inside him… it was wonderful and peaceful. He loved every moment of it.
Finally, she sat beside him, giggling in the most un-Hermione-like manner. "Are you alright?" He asked.
"More than alright, Malfoy. I'm ecstatic!" She giggled once more.
"That's good to know then."
"Hey, Malfoy?" Asked Hermione, her voice quietening to normal. "I want to thank you for this surprise. You've surprised me the most wonderful Christmas present I could ever have."
"Thanks…" He murmured.
"I didn't really bring you anything tonight." She muttered, embarrassed and feeling guilty.
"That's fine Granger, you could buy me something and I'd probably already have it." He shrugged and smirked.
"But I bet I can surprise you." Said Hermione knowingly.
He scoffed. "Yeah right. You, Hermione Granger? Surprise me? No offence but you're not exactly spon -"
She reached up, placed her arms around his neck and kissed him. Not just any kiss, she really kissed him. Draco was rendered into a stunned shock. His eyes widened as Hermione's lips did most of the talking. But slowly, his eyes drifted shut and he returned the kiss, with as much desire and need as she gave him. It was an just as arousing as the first kiss they had shared that other night… but also a whole lot more. With a painstaking gentleness, he slowly eased forward until he was above her, their lips never braking contact. Running a hand across her side, he deepened the kiss as her hands fisted into his platinum hair. A tiny moan escaped her throat, and finally, they surfaced.
Draco looked deeply into her eyes, silver meeting chocolate. "…Why?" He breathed.
"Because…" She breathed reaching up and pulling his head down, kissing him again, "I was thinking…" she released him. "I was thinking about this a lot over the holidays and well, my plan isn't working. Do you still feel the same way I do?"
"Yes."
"Malfoy, my feelings for you haven't changed… I thought they'd disappear by now, and they haven't." Said Hermione, she sat up as he did he also. "In fact, I think they've gotten stronger."
Draco had difficulty to refrain from smiling. It was if angels themselves had floated down from heaven with their little harps, singing sweet music to his ears. "The feeling is mutual." He replied.
"So I thought, what if we did the opposite? Just let us run free. I mean we can't show the world of course. Your father would kill you and you'd be disowned and Harry and Ron would kill me but, when we're alone… you're welcome to kiss me again." Said Hermione quickly.
"Miss Granger" Said Malfoy, mocking the tone of Professor McGonagall. "Submitting to a clandestine liaison are we? I never realised you indulged in forbidden romances."
"But you can't do anything with me while I'm studying." She said sternly, that shut him up and wiped the smile of his face.
"And why not? That just removes all the fun." He crossed his arms. She smirked.
"Here, I got you a Christmas card." She delved a hand inside her cloak and retrieved the plain envelope for him. He took it and slipped it into his pocket. "Malfoy, what's the time?"
He checked his gold pocket watch. "Eleven-thirty." Hermione panicked.
"I've got to go!" She cried, jumping from Draco's side. "I really need to go."
Draco stood. "Okay then, you can apparate from here, we're already outside the barriers. But before we say goodnight… Can I kiss you instead?" He asked uncertainly.
"I don't see why not." She smiled as he gave her a lasting kiss. She stepped back and gave him a small wave. He returned the wave as she apparated, and he disappeared from sight. Before she knew it, she was once again standing in the dark alleyway, a corner from her house. "Well," she concluded. "That was the sexiest goodnight, I've ever received."
Draco extracted the card from his pocket and read her curved, sophisticated script.
Dear Malfoy,
I hope you enjoy your Christmas Present!
I had fun tonight. Thanks for inviting me.
Yours,
Hermione Granger
"I did enjoy my present." He said reminiscently. "I certainly did."
A/N: I hope you enjoyed it. I know it was very corny, very cliché and almost even nauseatingly fluffy. Yes, it was a fluff chapter, however if you are one of those people who enjoy angst (like me, I live off the stuff) then, I have some of that in store for this story too! Wow, I think this is the longest chapter yet… 11 pages, size ten font… But I was going to upload it earlier, then I said to myself: "They've all been waiting this long, why not give them something worth their time?" So here you go, their third kiss! Yay! Thanks for waiting, and thanks for reading… deeh.