CCH: I actually updated twice in the same month! OMGAWD. Anyway, my birthday was yesterday, so I think you should all leave me lots of reviews. ) Or not. Whatever you want to do. Enjoy! Thanks for your kind reviews on the last chapter.
Chapter Fourteen: Deadlick.
"Hermione!"
"Hm?"
"You're not eating!" Harry shoved an empty plate towards her and started to pile on a roll and a few slices of butter.
"I'm not very hungry." She shoved the plate towards Ron.
"Cheers, 'Mione!" He laughed, and went for the roll.
Harry snatched the plate back and plopped it in front of Hermione again.
"Harry.." She moaned. "Why can't you be like any other teenage boy and ignore me?"
Which is what Draco would have done. A week ago. Try as she may, she couldn't get last night from repeating in her head. She just couldn't believe it happened, but she was ashamed she was glad it did.
"Well, at least drink something. We've got potions prep today. Don't you want to be.." Harry said cheerily, clearly mocking her, "ready and steady for the exams?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I do not sound like that."
Ron snorted. "Second opinion? Anyone?" He looked teasingly around the table.
"Ow!" Hermione had jammed her Mary Jane into the bottom of Ron's kneecap. "What wassat for?"
"For being an ignorant pig!" Hermione huffed.
She looked over to the Slytherin table for a slight reassurance that last night wasn't just a fluke. Draco was laughing and messing around with his friends. He looked as if he was planning something, waving his arms about and choking someone. He was enjoying himself completely, but he looked up when he felt her eyes on him. He smiled.
Hermione blushed, tempted to look away.
"Hermione?" Ron looked at her, and then followed her gaze to Draco. "What's that tosspot starin' at?"
Hermione shifted her gaze regrettably to her roll-less plate, now adorned with three slices of butter. She got up from the table and put her hand on Harry's shoulder. He looked up at her, and she pointed to the door. Harry nodded, excused himself, and followed her out.
"Harry, I.."
"Don't worry. I won't say anything." He smiled. He had known from the beginning that something strange was going on between Draco and Hermione, and had had time to come to terms with it. It didn't seem like such a big thing now.
Hermione smiled and threw her arms around Harry.
"So, you're the girl he wanted help with.." He half whispered, clearly talking to himself.
Hermione pulled away. "What?" She giggled.
Harry laughed. "Draco wanted help with some girl. And some girl turns out to be you."
"Draco? Wanted help? From you of all people?"
"Hey, I'm on your side!" He laughed.
Hermione sighed. "Thanks Harry."
"Anytime," he smiled warmly and went to walk back into the hall.
"Oh, and Harry?"
He turned around.
"Don't tell Ron. Please."
Harry immediately understood. He nodded and left her in the foyer.
The gold light of the large room made Hermione's skin look lush and sun kissed. She looked so amazing when the lighting was just right. Draco cleared his throat.
Hermione whirred around in a flash of golden curls to face him. She was momentarily stunned at the sight of him. He wasn't wearing his cloak, a very peculiar sight to see, and had his long button up white shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows.
Draco couldn't read if she was surprised or scared. Probably the latter.
"Hello, stranger." He muttered, stepping closer.
Hermione smiled, uncertain of what Draco would do next. "Hey."
Draco stepped right up to her.
Hermione looked up at him. "Is this… real?" The kiss seemed to prove this enough, but Hermione was never one to rush into something if she wasn't certain it was for the better.
Draco frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Your… affections. Are they sincere?" Hermione looked into his wide blue eyes, searching for an answer.
"I sure as hell hope so." He laughed. Hermione half smiled.
"Awe, come on. Of course they're sincere!" Hermione wanted them to be, so badly, that she would accept anything as an answer. She smiled and leaned into him.
He responded by wrapping his arms gently around her torso. She put her head on his chest.
"Hey Draco?" Hermione mumbled into his shirt.
"Hm?" He looked down at her curiously.
"Is this going to work?"
Draco seemed to know what she was referring to. Them. He sighed. "I don't know. I really don't know."
There was a loud chanting coming from the Great Hall, and Hermione peeked up over Draco's shoulder. "What's going on in there?"
Draco shrugged and they walked to the door.
"GET HIM IN THE BOLLOCKS!"
"GO FOR HIS KNEECAPS!"
"KILL HIM! KILL HIM!"
The Hall was in complete chaos. Crabbe and Goyle had Ron by the throat, bent over a table, and they were doing all kinds of things possible to cause him bodily harm. Arms were flying, punches were rolling, legs were kicking, all in the name of a good fight. Teachers and Aids were frantically rushing to the scene; obviously the fight had just broke out. In one flash, Crabbe and Goyle were slammed to the wall by an invisible shield and Ron was brought to his feet.
"Get him to the Hospital Wing!" McGonagall demanded to a random onlooker belonging to Ravenclaw. Ron was rushed off, passed Hermione, who was unable to say anything for a few minutes. She just watched in shock as Ron was carried down the hall.
Draco had been holding the door open, still actually standing on the threshold. He let the door go and stepped up behind Hermione.
McGonagall noticed his movement. "Mr. Malfoy. My office. IMMEDIATELY."