A/N: Thanks for the reviews! It really got me in a writing mood, so here is Chapter 5 a day earlier than expected!
Chapter 5: Do you trust me?
Hermione woke up the next morning fully rested, her mind still lost in REM, dreaming of yesterday. Draco had been her knight in shining armor, there to rescue her from disappointment, and carry her on a white stallion off into the sunset until the light faded into the starry sky. But how long will it last?
It was so far out of character for both of them to be civil to each other. As she lay there in her four-poster bed, Hermione thought about Harry and Ron. She knew what they'd say if she told them about last night.
"He's just using you- to get at Harry or Me," She heard Ron's accusatory voice in her head.
"He is using you to get at me, since he is a Death Eater now, Voldemort needs another inside man at Hogwarts." Imaginary Harry said.
Hermione decided she was not going to tell neither Ron nor Harry about her and Draco being on speaking terms. It was for the best, what could it hurt, right?
Hermione stretched her arms out, yawning, then hopped out of bed to begin her day. After showering and dressing, she walked down to the common room where she found Harry and Ron bent low over their essays, scrambling to get them finished before they all went to the Great Hall for breakfast.
Harry was writing so fast that some how he had managed to get ink on his nose.
"Oh boy, give that here, Harry. I'll take care of it, and go wash your face off, for Merlin's sake."
"Thanks, Hermione. I don't know what I'd do with out you." Harry gave her a very thankful smile and hugged her, turned and ran up to the bathrooms to clean the black ink from his face.
With a flick of her wand Hermione fixed minor mistakes and quickly finished the end of his essay. Flicking her wand once more- changing the ink in her handwriting to Harry's.
She looked up at Ron who looked more of a mess that Harry did. Ron looked up at her with pleading eyes.
"Are you going to help me, too, Hermione? Please?"
Hermione scoffed at him. "No I am not. That's what you get for snogging Lavender all night long, when you should have been doing you homework. Now you have to do all your work today, without my help" And with that Hermione walked quickly to the Fat Lady's portrait, climbing out of the portrait hole and walking down to the Great Hall.
As soon as Hermione walked into the Great Hall she saw Ginny sitting at the Gryffindor table, talking animatedly to other 5th year girls nearby.
Hermione was walking over to sit by Ginny when she became aware of a gaze following her movements. She glanced over at the Slytherin table to see Draco Malfoy looking at her.
When Draco realized Hermione had seen him looking at her, he smiled quickly trying to conceal his smile from his Slytherin classmates. However, he failed. Pansy Parkinson saw the smile on Draco's face and followed his gaze only to see Hermione Granger smiling back at him.
"Draco Malfoy, why are you smiling at Filthy Mudblood." She demanded.
Draco immediately stopped smiling and turned his head so fast towards Pansy, he felt me may have sprained his neck.
"I'm smiling at Granger because I want to, alright, Pansy. Now if you don't mind, I have lost my appetite and must excuse myself from your presence." Draco stormed out of the Great Hall, breathing very heavily. If I am going to get anything done I will have to be less obvious and keep under the radar.
Hermione had seen the display and had rushed over to sit next to Ginny, hiding her flushed face in her hands, hoping Pansy wasn't still staring daggers at her.
"What's up? You all right?" Ginny asked, her tone full of concern. "You not on about Ron, are you? He's a prat; forget about him. The day that Ron wises up is the day that Professor Binns realized he is dead and shouldn't be teaching anymore."
Hermione chuckled at Ginny, "No, it's not about Ron," and Hermione lifted her head out of her hands, "it's uh, nothing. Oh don't worry about it." Hermione decided that telling Ginny about Draco would be just as bad as telling either Harry or Ron.
Ginny Just stared at her, unconvinced. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I'm perfectly fine. You know what, I'm not actually that hungry. Um, I'll just take some toast and jam, and head to the library. I've got work to do." Hermione recovered herself and dodged glares from the Slytherin table,and walkedbriskly out of the Great Hall.
Ginny thought nothing of it. Hermione practically lived in the library, and after yesterday, well she had reason to act a little strange.
As soon as Hermione cleared the door, the din from the Great Hall fading quickly, she saw a shadow move conspicuously, causing her to halt abruptly. She peered into an alcove behind a statue of an elderly wizard with round spectacles.
Draco Malfoy stepped out looking suspiciously around, making sure no one else was around.
"Oh, it's you. You had be worried for a moment," Hermione sighed in relief.
"You aren't afraid of me, now?" Draco gave her a sly look, with one eyebrow raised- the effect was slightly unnerving.
"No, I am not."
"Suit yourself."
An awkward silence ensued- Hermione was pondering his words, Draco thinking of what to say, desperately trying to find a way to gain her trust, but not cause her suspicion.
"So, I saw Weasley, this morning- scratches all over his face and arms. I wonder who attacked him…too bad it wasn't me," Draco laughed looking at Hermione.
"Oh, um, actually I did that."
"You did? By yourself?" Draco raised his eyebrows again, this time impressed.
"Well, the birds I conjured did it. I made them attack him before you found me in that classroom. He had come in with Lavender." Hermione spoke boldly, proud of her ingeniousness.
"I'd hate to get on the wrong side of your wand, especially after seeing Weasley. Remind me not to piss you off that badly ever again." Draco gave an approving nod toward Hermione. "You can be rather vicious you know- I haven't forgotten that punch you delivered back in third year. Now, three years later, you're attacking one of your friends. I didn't know you had it in you, Granger."
"Yes, well, he deserved what he got, and so did you," Hermione gave Draco a proud smile that clearly said, " I had won that time."
Draco beamed at her, in spite of himself- he was actually smiling. She wasn't so bad. The conversation with her was easy. No problem.
"So, tonight, you are coming?" Draco questioned.
"So it was you!"
"Yes, yes, it was me, alright." Draco wasn't scolding, rather trying to keep from attracting attention. The last thing he needed right now was the whole school- more importantly all of Slytherin House- knowing he is willingly fraternizing with Hermione Granger- Harry Potter's friend.
"So, are you coming?"
"Um, yeah, sure. What time?"
"Say nine o'clock or so- I've got something I would like to show you."
Hermione gave Draco an inquiring look, almost uncertain if she should go. "What do you have to show me?"
"You will see, Granger. It is a surprise." Draco gave her one last lingering look before he said, "Nine o'clock, don't forget!" and turned to walk away, back toward the noisy Great Hall.
Hermione passed the day in the library, attempting to do homework before the following day's classes. Her attempts were yielding poor results, however, as thoughts of Draco entered her mind. What does he want to show me? Should I go? What if it is a trick, or a trap? The clock tower ringing eight o'clock awoke Hermione from her daze.
She jumped up, gathered her parchments and quills, stuffing them I her bag as she raced up to the Gryffindor Common Room.
"Dilligraut," She said firmly before climbing in thought the portrait hole.
She saw Lavender Brown sitting gin one of the chairs by the fireplace, talking loudly (obnoxiously) to Parvati. Lavender looked up from her conversation to see Hermione enter the common room very hastily.
"What's got you all tied up in knots, Granger? You still upset about Ron?" She shot Hermione a malicious smile as Hermione stopped halfway across the common room, and turned on her heels to glare at Lavender. Oh how she would love to slap the smile right off of Lavender's face.
"For you information, Lavender, I am in a hurry to go see another boy. I've found someone better that Ron Weasley. So why don't you shut your mouth and go find Ron and you can both shove off, alright? Hermione spoke low and full of rage. Every syllable threatened an explosion of anger directed at Lavender. Lavender's face morphed intoone of utter shock.
Hermione smiled again, looking now a Parvati. "Hey, Parvati! Great night isn't it?" And she turned on the spot to head upstairs to drop off her things and go meet Malfoy- It was already 8:35.
Down in the dungeons Draco too was readying himself for that night. He ran over everything he needed. Coat, check. Blindfold, check. Wand, check. Draco looked at himself once more in the mirror, tugging on his collar. Nodding his approval to his reflection, Draco grabbed everything and headed for that same classroom he had found he in. Unfortunately he had farther to walk that she did. He had one shot, It had better work. He glanced down at his pocket watch- sliver with a dark green dragon etched across the top. 8:37.
Hermione put up the last of her books, glancing at the clock as she got up. 8:46. Damn. She needed to leave. She glanced at herself once-over in the mirror. Eh, good enough. And she rushed down the stairs and into the common room, prepared to climb out of the portrait hold, when she heard someone clearing their throat behind her. Oh no! What now!
"And just where do you think you are going, Miss Granger." Ginny Weasley smiled at her, knowing full well she had just caught Hermione Granger way off guard. She chuckled, "Where are you off to so late?"
"Oh, I um, I um… left a book in the… Library, and I must get it before Madam Pince mistakes it for a Library book and puts it on one of the shelves." Hermione put on her best distraught face she could muster up.
"Oh, alright, see you later." Hermione nodded and climbed thought the portrait hold, only to spin around and duck her head back inside. "Hey, Ginny, if I'm not back by midnight, send a search party- I might have been attacked by Madam Pince and her hooked nose." Hermione gave Ginny a big grin, and Ginny returned it, laughing.
"No problem, night Hermione."
Hermione ducked her head back out of the portrait hole, her hair swinging violently behind her. Ten paces away she broke into a sprint as she heard the distant clock tower begin to chime nine o'clock.
Turning the corner and halting right in from of the classroom, breathing heavily,she quietly turned the knob and pushed the wooden door open, poking her head in. It was pitch black. Was he here? Did he leave, already?
"You are late, Granger." Came the voice of Draco Malfoy from somewhere in the classroom.
"Yeah, I know, I got caught up in the Common room." Hermione's eyes darted from side to side, searching for Draco in the dark. "Um, Draco, why are the lights off?"
"Because- even thought we are meeting here, we are not staying here." She could hear his voice coming from somewhere in front of her and maybe a little to the left.
"If we are not staying here, then where are we going?" Hermione's voice quavered, her uncertainty growing stronger by the second. She was glad she had thought to tell Ginny to be on the look out for her tonight. Hermione was no longer sure she had been smart in trusting in Draco Malfoy.
"Somewhere. I told you it was a surprise." Draco's voice rang out in the dark.
"This isn't very funny Draco, where are you?"
"Just follow my voice. You'll find me."
Hermione inched toward where she thought him to be- very slowly and cautiously. Hermione reeling through all the ill ways this night could turn out. Why did I listen to Draco Malfoy? Well, because he looked so sincere, so innocent. Has Draco Malfoy ever been innocent! What a mess I've gotten myself in. Maybe Harry and Ron were right, maybe he is going to use me to get to Harry, or worse what if Harry was right all along? What if Draco knows about me and the order! Oh, Well done, Hermione! Hermione had gone farther into the room. It was odd she hadn't run into anything yet- maybe he had moved everything.
Draco Malfoy was waiting for her, sitting on a single desk in the front left corner of the classroom. He knew exactly where she was. He knew she was growing more and more fearful. There is nothing to fear, dear Granger, I am still here for you. Without realizing it, Draco had turned his thoughts into vocalizations. He saw Hermione turn confidently toward his general direction.
"Do you trust me, Granger?" Draco spoke boldly, jumping off the desk and walking towards her.
"Not really, should I?"
"Now that you mention it, not really, no. I've never given you a reason to do so."
Hermione's hear raced, oh what have I done! She heard his footsteps grow closer. She felt a hand touch her left hip, sweep gently across her lower back and come to rest on her right hip- Draco had completely circled her. A cold chill went up her spine. Hermione felt as if she may die horribly of shame for ever thinking Draco Malfoy could be anything but a horrible, horrible git.
"Granger, my intentions are wholly unconventional, against school rules and utterly selfish." She could feel his warm breath on her face, he was now holding onto both of her hips, his face very close to hers. Too close.
"Now, with you knowing that, I am asking you to trust me. Will you, Hermione Granger, trust me, Draco Malfoy?" Hermione was oddly reminded of exchanging wedding vows-in both cases thereply was anultimate life-altering answer.
Hermione bit her lowerlip- she could feel the warmth of his breath radiating towards her face, his lips barely an inch from hers, his had holding securely but gently to her hips. She had no other choice. She couldn't run; he had a hold of her. She couldn't reach her wand; it was currently under Draco's right hand, inside her robes. And she sure as hell couldn't see anything. She had to.
"Yes, I do."
"Good." Draco turned her by the hips so that she was now facing away from him. Gently he took the blindfold out from the inside of his robes and began to tie it around Hermione's eyes.
"What are you…!"
But Draco cut her off short. "I thought you said you trusted me, Granger."
'I…I do."
Draco finished tying the blindfold and grabbed Hermione by the hand. "If you trust me then come with me."
Hermione reluctantly followed as Draco led her, her hand grasped in his. "How do I know you won't walk away from me?"
Draco turned back to her, and placed both of his hands on her shoulders, whispering into her ear, "When you are afraid, lost, and can't see where to go in the dark, I will be here for you-to guide you." Draco took her hand once more and led her away from the classroom.
They walked so far, and up so may stairs that Hermione lost track of where they were, as she was trying to figure it out mentally. Suddenly she heard Draco open a door in front of them, and she felt alight, cool breeze gently caress her cheeks. Surely we are not out on the grounds. Where the bloody hell are we!
"Ah, perfect timing, I must say." Draco spoke in front of her.
Perfect timing for what? Is this the trap? Hermione felt Draco squeeze her hand and pull her in front of him, and she felt him untying the knot in the blindfold. As she felt the blindfold fall away from her face, she blinked and gasped.
"Oh!" In front of her she saw a dark green blanket laid out on the snowy stone floor of the astronomy tower. Above her it was a perfectly clear sky, not a single cloud to be seen. It was nearly a full moon, maybe a couple days shy- and lights were tearing across the sky so rapidly that if Hermione dared to blink they would be gone.
"A meteor shower!" Hermione tuned to face Draco, her face lit up brilliantly by the moon and the starry sky. Her smile, Draco felt, could have lit up the entire world. "It is wonderful, thank you!"
"I told you to trust me, and I told you it was a surprise."
"And a good one at that!" Hermione's expression changed as she thought of earlier conversations. "But I thought you said you intentions were 'Wholly unconventional, against school rules, and utterly selfish'?" Hermione mimed Draco's voice.
"And they were- I kidnapped you, drug you all the way up to the Astronomy tower after hours,and I intend to keep you entirely to myself all night up here.. C'mon." Draco smiled, grabbing her hand and leading her towards the blanket, the snow crunching beneath their feet.
"Here, put this on so you aren't cold." Draco handed Hermione a thick coat that she promptly wrapped around her shoulders, as they lay down next to each other on the blanket.
Hermione looked up at the meteor shower displaying itself overhead and smiled, rolling her head sideways to look at Draco. "This is, by far, one of thebest things I have ever done here. Thank you, Draco." And she looked back up at the starry sky.
Draco continued to look at her. He could see the meteors streaking across the velvety night sky reflected in her brown eyes. "You're welcome." Draco slowly turned his head, his grey eyes now starring with hers up at the sky.