A/n: hey ppl! I dint get the reviews I wanted. But I owe it to you guys for sticking out almost 3 months for an update. And when I read through it again, it SUCKED! So, this one for all you wonderful people who take the time to read my story.
Plans…The next one-week was hell for Draco Malfoy. Hermione, it seemed was aware of what was going on even though she couldn't wake up. That didn't stop her from issuing constant orders to Malfoy. And Malfoy had to obey every one of them, including the 'hold Prof. Snape at wand point and threaten to shave off his eyebrows if he doesn't give me the potion to wake me up.' Everybody laughed at that, but of course Snape had to be his nasty mean self and give Malfoy a weeks worth of detention. After the one month of slavery had passed of course.
The last day, however was a nightmare. Draco, having spent almost the full week at Hermione's bedside, was luxuriating in one night's decent sleep in his own bed. He was woken up by a high keening sound of pain in his head .He got up abruptly, sweat beads pearling out on his forehead. The only other time he'd heard that much pain was when 15 death eaters had subjected Millicent to crucio. Picking up his robe, he pelted down to the hospital wing.
She was crumpled up into a foetal position, not making any sound at all. But in his head, "aah! Aah! Oh! Oh! Make it stop! Please! Oh no! Oh no! Moooommmy! Mommy it hurts!" she screamed. Taking one look at her, he jogged to Pomfrey's office and found her slumbering. Shaking her roughly, he pulled her into Hermione's ward.
"Unhand me at once! Mr. Malfoy! What is the meaning of all this? Can you not see that she is fine?" almost screaming himself in frustration, he finally told her to perform legilimency on him and kept his mind completely open. Madam Pomfrey winced at what she heard and performed a quick diagnosis on her.
"Oh dear! Oh dear! Come Mr.Malfoy. I need your assistance. Do everything I say immediately. She has an abscess in her stomach. Something I cannot believe I overlooked! This will have to be done quickly. When I say press, do so with all your strength. Now place your hands here." She said pointing at Hermione's exposed navel. The whole procedure took only about 10 minutes. He held her down with as much force as he could while madam Pomfrey performed a complicated in a singsong voice. At the end of it all….
"Just what do you think you are doing Malfoy?" her cold clear voice startled him and he looked up to see a very exhausted but a very angry Hermione Granger glaring at him. "Now is that any way to speak to the person who's probably just saved your life?" he asked smirking but she noticed that he'd removed his hands immediately. "And just what the hell am I doing in the hospital wing?" she asked looking around. Madam Pomfrey had left by this time and the whole thing looked highly suspicious.
Then, everything came rushing back to her. Looking at him with unconcealed venom, she hissed, "why, you lowdown ferret! You sicced Parkinson on me! By the time I'm-" "Whoa there! Granger! Pansy did this to you? I'm impressed. She learnt something after all!" he mused. " Anyway, what are you getting so riled up about? Its not like you've suffered any lasting damage. If anything, you should be down on bended knees thanking me!" "What are you talking about Malfoy?" she snapped. " My dear master, I'm talking about the fact that I saved your sorry ass from certain death and the only thanks I get is you trying to threaten me." He spat and turned around on his heel and left. Too exhausted to make out anything of his words or her feelings, she went back to sleep.
By midafternoon, the next day, Hermione was heartily weary of the hospital wing and madam Pomfrey's ministrations. Every half hour, she pleaded to be let off, but Poppy was immovable. By the time the Slytherins had come out for quidditch practice, she'd had enough. She was now on the lookout for any opportunity that presented itself to make her escape. Finally, the godsend came in the form of Crabbe, who had a broken nose. All the team members had trailed in behind him.
Taking her chance, she slowly slipped out of her bed, taking a moment to ease her giddiness. The way out was blocked by the slytherin team, which strangely seemed very affectionate towards Crabbe. Turning around, she went to the window quietly and hoisted herself out of the window onto the parapet. There was a 20-foot drop to the ground below. Keeping a firm hold on the wall, she looked for handholds so she could ease herself down, fighting the increasing giddiness. Slowly she inched her way to the footholds to get a good grip. "Okay Hermione, don't look down. You can do this. No problem. Don't panic now, there's a good girl." Hermione 'instructed herself.
" How did I just know you'd be up to no good?" a deep voice startled her. She lost any hold she had on the ledge and promptly fainted away. A zooming blur caught her before she could hit the ground and pulled her onto the broom and landed. Laying her carefully on the grass, he pulled out his wand. "Enervate." slowly, she opened her eyes and sat up. "I guess I owe you an apology Malfoy… I'm sorry yelled at you yesterday," she said aiming to be contrite. "And…? Isn't there anything else? " She looked at him uncomprehendingly. "Thank you perhaps? I know you'll want to build a monument for me, but a 'thank you Malfoy for saving my life. I will be eternally grateful to you. You are a king among men ' will suffice." He looked at her expectantly. She sniffed, (worthy of McGonagall, that one.) and looked at him. "Thank you? You were just doing your job Malfoy, as MY SLAVE. Don't forget that."
For a moment, he looked furious, and then a cold mask came over his face. In an indifferent voice he said, "yes, Ms. Granger, I understand. " for a moment, he thought she looked regretful, but the moment passed. "Come up to the rooms as soon as you finish here. Stop at the kitchens on the way and get me some food. " She instructed. When he made no move, "well, what are you waiting for?" she snapped.
There was a cunning glint in his eyes and he even allowed himself a ghost of a grin. "Well you see, being your slave and all, I have to look out for your best interests. And right now, that would be to take you right back to the hospital wing." He said in a very solicitous voice.
A staring match ensued immediately. "You are a right arsehole. Aren't you?" she spat. He shook his head sorrowfully, "I thought I'd rid you of that bad habit. But, to answer your question, no, I'm just a slytherin." He retorted. Resigned, she said "I'm sorry about that…and thank you for rescuing me…. twice now." "All right, I'll let you off this time." "Who does he think he is? The arrogant prick!" she muttered. "I heard that Granger. Now, are you coming or not?" he asked mildly. "You go ahead. I'll just sit here…admire the scenery." She said vaguely. "You are still feeling dizzy. Aren't you?" he asked with an amazing amount of perceptiveness.
Then, with a sigh, he helped her up and let her lean on him all the to the room where he lowered her down on to the sofa. She looked up at him quizzically. "Why are you being so nice all of a sudden, Malfoy?" he looked startled for a moment. "It seems I have no choice in the matter." He replied coldly and turned to leave the room. "Wait! Where are you going?" she called out after him. "The kitchens." He called back.
Slowly, so as not to make her head spin, she made her way to the bathroom. Filling the tub with the essences of lemon and vanilla, she lowered herself down into the blessed warmth. Cleaning spells may be very effective, but they still left you feeling grimy. Hearing Malfoy come back, she called out to him. "Malfoy! Put a warming charm on the food and come into the bathroom." "Sounds tempting Granger. But, I don't go in for mu-muggleborns.he called back. "You're a pig. Malfoy! Now come in! I have something important to discuss with you." She scolded.
He walked in feeling very apprehensive. Of course, Granger had put up a screen and even conjured up a comfortable pouffe for him. "Okay. I'm here now. What do you want?" he snapped. "I don't like that tone Malfoy. "She said sternly. Then, "do you know what happened to me in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom?" "Vaguely...Yes…" he replied, clearly discomfited.
" How much?"
"Pansy attacked you and put you under the unplottable charm."
"Close. Daphne Greengrass was also there. . I think she wanted to confirm that I stole you willfully from pansy before doing anything but pansy attacked me from behind. Pansy has almost convinced her, but I think she still has doubts. "
Draco was astounded. Pansy had gone to Greengrass! " Do you know what this means, Granger?" " This means war." She replied simply, but there was an undercurrent of fury in her voice. Draco was surprised to find himself sympathizing with her. "It means more than that. Tell me what you know of Green grass." "She's some sort of a vengeance angel, isn't she?" "Vengeance angel? No no. If she decides that Pansy has been wronged, she not only pulverize you, but everyone close to you also…. and guess what? ME because I'm your bloody slave!" he spat out. "That's what I said Malfoy." she replied dryly.
For some reason, Malfoy was petrified of this girl when he'd helped take down Lord Voldemort himself. Talk about irony! "Don't get your knickers in a twist Malfoy. I know what she's like. Like I said before, Greengrass is not completely satisfied with Pansy's explanation. What we have to do is pretty clear. We have to seek her out and tell her our side of the story." "Correction, Granger, your side. Besides, what can you say that will even make her listen to you?" he sneered. "Revenge. She should be able to understand my motivation, after what she does."
"You can't go at this like a bull in a china shop Granger. She won't turn a hair at your reasoning." "Of course, I'm not going to be doing the actual talking. You are." "Me!" "Use that much vaunted slytherin cunning of yours Malfoy! You can convince her because Pansy's main grievance is against you in a very convoluted way. I'm hoping you're not called the prince of slytherin just for your prowess in bed? " "What would you know about that anyway? Besides, my prowess in bed is none of your concern …unless you're interested, that is?"
" You're a pig Malfoy! Now are you going to do this or not? " "I'll worry about that Granger." He snapped and rose to go. "What are you going to do then?" "I'm going to do exactly what you said… but not in the way you said it. It needs cunning." She rolled her eyes at that. Of course she couldn't see that…or so she thought. What she didn't know was that the screen had disintegrated about 10 minutes into the conversation. No wonder he'd been staring moodily at the floor all the while.
Harry, Ron, and Ginny came by when she'd almost finished eating. "Hey guys!" "Hi! Just wanted to drop by before quidditch practice. How are you? What happened?" Ron asked. She told them everything briefly. "You know, Pansy is furious. If anything, her plan backfired miserably. Malfoy didn't let you out of his sight the whole time you were in the hospital wing." Ginny informed her. "Never mind that. Wait while I finish this, and I'll come with you. I need some fresh air after a whole week in the hospital ward." She shuddered. Once she'd finished, they all trooped out. Only Hermione noticed that Ron hung back a little and seemed to be looking for something…or someone.
Millicent Bulstrode was sitting in the stands reading a book. Hermione sat a little way from her. To her surprise, Millicent made her way over and sat next to her. At the look on her face, she laughed. "Oh, come on Granger! The wars over. There's no need to pretend anymore." "Is that what you were doing all these years? Pretending? All of you?" Hermione asked curiously. "Yes. On some level. Of course, we believe some of the drivel that was pounded into our heads for so long. It will take some time. But my fathers dead. I don't have to pretend anymore." Hermione was silent, digesting all this. Her brash voce broke into her thoughts again. "So, if you're not potter's girlfriend, who is?" "Oh! I was never Harry's girlfriend. I don't think he's seeing anyone." She paused. "Why? You interested?" "I might be." She replied and went back to her book, a small smile hovering over her lips.
Ginny, Harry and Ron joined them once practice was over. To Hermione's delight, Harry was going out of his way to include Millicent in their conversation. Blaise and Draco joined them some time later. Blaise Zabini was a natural charmer and his tales about Draco shaving off his father's hair and other pranks when he was younger had them all in splits. Hermione could see that Ginny was completely enamoured with him. Once again, only she noticed that Ron hung back to talk with Draco who'd been trailing behind them and shook hands with him. Curious…very curious.
Things were just warming up when Harry alerted them "bitch trouble ahead!" he called out. Pansy and Daphne Greengrass. "There's the boyfriend stealer! Pansy sneered. "What's the matter, Granger? Not content with Potter?" she caught sight of Draco. "Oh! My poor Drakie! Is she treating you allright? The bloody whore! I made sure shed regret it."
"Don't push it Pansy!" Hermione warned, wand at the ready. "Malfoy is free to be your boyfriend. I already told you that." "And I'm supposed to believe tat? You made him your slave! He's under your control!" she shrieked. Growing annoyed at this, Hermione pointed her wand to the sky and intoned, "by the power of this nature, I free Malfoy to consort with any female he chooses." "There! Satisfied?"
Pansy nodded begrudgingly, then looked at Malfoy hopefully. He was looking at her with unconcealed disgust. "Seriously Parkinson! I wouldn't come near you with a 10-foot broom! How do I make it clear to you?" "Oh Draco! I know you don't mean that!" she screeched and made to hug him. Immediately, his wand was out and pointed at her. "One step closer Pansy, and I swear I'll hex off your clothes." He rasped.
Her eyes widened in disbelief. Then, she backed away slowly scowling. Greengrass came up to Hermione. "I'm sorry Granger. I should have investigated properly. I owe you one." She left. "Glad that's over. Now you don't have to do anything, Malfoy." "Who do you think set up this meeting Granger?" he asked, then turned around and walked away leaving her gob smacked.