Jealousy
Chapter 4
Hermione decided not to tell Harry and Ron about the stairway incident. Immediately afterwards, Malfoy resumed his normal, obnoxious behavior: name-calling, pushing, and glaring. Frankly, Hermione couldn't be happier with this. It meant that the stairway incident meant nothing. And neither Hermione nor Malfoy could afford it to mean anything.
Still the bedroom situation was a bit awkward. More than once, Hermione caught Malfoy staring. It was rather unnerving. So unnerving, in fact, that Hermione stopped wearing shorts or tank tops to sleep.
Of course, Pansy Parkinson was a completely different story. If her shorts got any shorter, they would be nothing more than pieces of string. And she would often climb into the bed with Draco. (A/N: They don't do that you sickos! None of that in my story!) Hermione found their incessant snuggling repulsive.
On one such night, Hermione was desperately trying to study for an Arithmancy test. However, Pansy's high-pitched coos were giving her a splitting headache.
"I love you Drakiekins!" she squealed.
"Mmhmm," Malfoy kind of grunted, sounding rather unenthusiastic. Pansy didn't seem to notice. She attacked him. Hermione snorted loudly.
"Problem, Granger?" Malfoy asked as he surfaced.
"Oh, nothing, nothing!" Hermione said sarcastically, "Just thought you two might like to come up for air. But don't mind me. With any luck, you'll both asphyxiate!"
"I suppose you thought that was clever! Come on Drakie, she's just jealous," Pansy said, yanked on Malfoy's arm. He shrugged her off.
"Nah, I'm going to bed. Qudditch practice tomorrow. Early," he told her.
Pansy's eyes flashed from anger to disappointment, "Oh…alright then…. I'll be downstairs," She got up and left the room.
Hermione, a little more than nervous, kept her eyes glued to her book. She felt Malfoy's eyes on her. When she could stand it no longer, she headed for the common room.
"What's wrong Granger? Scared to be alone with me? I don't bite…that is, unless you want me to," Malfoy grinned. He looked so cocky, lying in the bed with his hands behind his head.
"I am not scared," Hermione said indignantly, "I…I need a book from Harry."
"Fine. Suit yourself. Nighty-night, Granger," Malfoy drawled as he winked at her.
Hermione, blushing furiously, practically flew from the room. When she reached the bottom of the stairs, she saw that the common room was nearly empty. Only Seamus, Parvati, some first years, and Pansy occupied it. Pansy wasted no time in confronting Hermione.
"I'd like to thank you for ruining my night, Granger!" she hissed.
"You're quite welcome. Whatever did I do this time?" Hermione replied.
"You know exactly what you did! You spoiled my night with Draco!" Pansy spat, "Well, listen here! I won't have someone like you stealing him from me!"
Hermione laughed humorlessly, "And what makes you think I want him!"
"Please! You would be lucky to have someone like him! But you'll never have him! You know why?" Pansy said.
"Enlighten me," Hermione replied sarcastically.
"Because, he's a pureblood and you! You're nothing! Draco could never be with a Mudblood like you!"
Pansy was clutching her face before knew what had happened.
"I thought I made it clear: Don't use that word around me. Ever," Hermione's voice was cold She spun on her heel and marched up the stairs. Pansy was left glowering at her retreating form.
The next morning, Hermione woke to the sound of a closing drawer. She opened her eyes and met the gaze of Draco Malfoy. He was apparently getting ready for Qudditch practice. Shirtless.
"What time is it?" Hermione asked, sitting up.
"Ten-thirty. Everyone's already a breakfast. Needed your beauty rest I suppose? It didn't help much," sneered Malfoy.
"Ha ha. You slay me," Hermione answered.
"I try."
Hermione threw the blankets off her bed and began brushing her hair. As she went to get clothes from her drawer, her feet got tangled in the sheets and she fell…right into Malfoy's arms.
"Careful there Granger. You're going to hurt yourself," he said. Hermione quickly pulled away, blushing horribly. Malfoy caught her arm and drew her in again.
"What-" That was all she had time to utter as his lips descended on hers. After a moment, Hermione broke the kiss, a little - no, a lot – startled.
"Are you MAD! What are you thinking? Do you have any idea what you just DID!" she cried.
"Yes," he replied. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her again. She didn't pull away this time; instead, she wound an arm around his neck, pulling him closer. A few minutes later, Draco pulled away.
"Damn, I'm late for practice. See you later, Granger," Draco pulled on a shirt and left the room. Hermione dropped onto the bed, speechless. Suddenly, the sound of stomping footsteps tore her from her stupor. The door flew open and Pansy stormed into the room. Hermione leapt to her feet.
"I warned you Granger! I told you to stay away from him!" Pansy raged. This time, she hit Hermione. And Pansy didn't merely slap. She punched. Hard. Hermione crashed to the floor. As she reached for her wand, Pansy sharply kicked her in the side. Hermione drew her wand and shouted, "Expelliarmus!" The spell threw Pansy into a wall.
Hermione, breathing hard, slowly got up. She healed the bruise on her face. The spell didn't work as well with the mark on her side so she gave up and fled the room before Pansy could wake up.
A week later…
It was lunchtime and Hermione was arguing with herself in her mind.
"Tell them!"
"No!"
"Tell them!"
"No!"
"You have to!"
"No, I don't!"
"TELL THEM!"
"FINE!" Hermione finally worked up the courage to tell her friends. She slowly raised her head from the book she was pretending to read.
"Guys…" The boys were preoccupied with a conversation about the Chudley Cannons. They didn't even hear Hermione call them
"Guys….HARRY! RON!" They looked over, startled.
"IkissedMalfoy!" Hermione said quietly.
"What? Slow down," said Ron.
"I…I…kissed…Malfoy."
Ron and Harry stared at her, shocked. Ron dropped his sandwich. For what seemed like hours, all was silent. It was Harry who finally spoke up.
"Oh. Okay…um…when?"
"Last week. Saturday. I'm sorry! Really, I couldn't help it!" Hermione said. Ron snorted disbelievingly. He got up, muttering something about homework, and left the table.
Hermione sighed, "I've ruined everything, haven't I?"
"Uh...no,no….I'll go talk to him," Harry seemed relieved to leave the table. Hermione sighed again and dropped her head into her arms. A few minute later, Ginny came over.
"Hey Hermione. Where're Harry and Ron?" she said
"They left. They're not too happy with me at the moment," Hermione replied.
"What is it now? Something stupid no doubt."
"I kissed Malfoy," Hermione said.
"Okay…and…?" Ginny looked puzzled.
"Oh, you know…nemesis…blah blah blah," Hermione said, sounding bored.
"Boys…they're stupid. Well, I'll see you later Hermione. I've got to go to the library. Wanna come?"
"No thanks," Hermione replied. Ginny left, and Hermione sat picking at her food for a while. Finally, she gave up and left.
Okay, yes I redid this chapter, cuz I like it this way better! Now, will someone PLEASE REVIEW! I am begging you! I hope you liked this revised chapter! r&REVIEW!
