Chapter Three
Charmed Confusion
As Hermione passed by the Great Hall that night she noticed Draco leaning against the wall talking to an overly flirtatious third year girl. Hemione shook her head disgustedly and headed for the stairs. Draco called out to her. "Wait Granger! Don't be jealous! She means nothing to me!" Hermione stopped quickly and turned around seeing the young girl stomp off in a huff as Draco laughed.
He jogged up to her and pulled out his wand causing Hermione to gasp and step back. He chuckled softly. "Relax Granger. Orchideous." He conjured a small bouquet of tulips from his wand and tried to hand them to her. "These are for you….Go on, take them."
Hermione stared with a thunderstruck expression and then eyed the flowers suspiciously as if they would explode at any moment. Draco scoffed, grabbed her hand forcing her to grasp them. "Don't worry, they won't poison you or cause anything terrible to appear on your body….They're just flowers."
"Why in the name of Merlin are you giving me flowers Malfoy? What sick and twisted purpose do they serve? I can't accept them!" Hermione said smelling them absentmindedly as they walked up the stairs together.
Draco shrugged and gave a hurtful look. "I thought it would be a nice peace offering. We could start to put our years of fighting behind us."
Hermione stopped between the fifth and sixth floor. "Am I hallucinating or did Draco Malfoy just give a mud blood flowers, say the words nice and peace in the same sentence, and try to put our years of fighting behind us all in five minutes?…..I think I need to sit down."
"I thought we were passed all that juvenile name calling." He whispered. She shook her head and laughed as she continued up the stairs with Draco walking silently beside her. Once they reached the seventh floor she looked at him curiously and he returned her gaze. She gestured for him to speak but he only shrugged. She suspiciously smelt the flowers again and headed down the corridors. Hermione couldn't possibly fathom what Draco had up his sleeve. What on earth could he accomplish by giving me harmless flowers? A peace offering? And I'm going to marry Voldermort! What is he up to? She thought to herself as they walked on in silence.
The silence began to annoy her so she was determined to move the revenge along by angering him. "She's a bit young don't you think?"
Draco smiled. "Who?" He said unconvincingly.
"You know exactly who! That poor unsuspecting third year. She's a Ravenclaw isn't she? That's not very Slytherin-like if you ask me. What would your dear followers have to say about that?" She glanced over at him and was shocked at his laughter.
"Don't feel too sorry for the girl. It's no secret to anyone in this school how I treat the opposite sex. If she's too naïve or stubborn to heed the warnings of others than so be it. She'll figure it out sooner or later." Draco said confidently.
Hermione stopped him. "Figure what out exactly? Are you actually admitting to how terrible you've treated the girls you've been with?"
"Of course I admit it! I'm not a fraud! Thankfully, being upfront about it sure hasn't put a damper on my activities if you know what I mean. I happen to know they enjoy themselves." Hermione made a vomiting gesture that Draco shrugged off while leaning against a wall. "It's not like I've received any complaints. Some girls just seem to like being treated like dirt. They just keep coming back for more."
Hermione shook her head furiously. "You don't actually believe that Malfoy!…..Do you? Don't you see what's really been going on? These girls are trying to be the one."
Draco gave a baffled look. "What exactly do you mean? They can't possibly think they're the only one." He switched to a smug expression and spat his words happily. "It's not a secret that I've cheated on every girl I've ever been with. Not that you could really call it cheating...Seeing how they all know about it, compare stories, and compete for my attention."
Hermione looked at him in disbelief. "Ugh! You're so in love with yourself it's amazing you even leave your dormitory! Listen Malfoy, they don't think they're the only one. They think they are the one. They think they will be the one girl who changes you into a sweet, loving, and faithful romantic. They think by giving themselves to you that you will somehow fall madly in love with them and abandon your heartless, egotistical, and cruel lifestyle. They actually picture themselves running off into the sunset with you holding hands….It's sad really."
"They're all mad then….And I don't think I've ever held a girl's hand….Interesting." Draco said as he stroked his chin.
"Well that's something we actually agree on. Any girl would be mad to let you treat her that way with the hope that she can change you. It's just not possible." Hermione said as she peered around a corner before continuing on.
"What's so impossible about it Granger?" Draco asked curiously.
"People don't change Malfoy….At least that's what I think. And if by some strange occurrence they do appear to have changed, it's only for their own gain. People don't change for others sake. They do it for themselves on rare occasions. But deep down I think we all remain the same." Hermione seemed satisfied with her statement and nodded her head happily.
"You seem pretty confident about that Granger." Draco said as he yawned.
"I am as a mater of fact. I just wish those poor girls could see it." Hermione yawned as well.
"The only poor thing in this school is Weasley." Draco said through gritted teeth.
Hermione sighed. "I knew you couldn't go more than ten minutes without insulting him. At least you're back to your normal self. You were beginning to confuse me. So let's get on with it then. What evil plot of revenge do you have planned for me Malfoy?"
Draco stopped and smiled. "Who says I'm planning anything? Maybe I've forgotten about it already."
Hermione sneered at him. She couldn't bare the anticipation any longer. She needed the fiasco to be over and done with. The suspense was killing her. "Forgotten it? I don't buy that for a moment and you well know it. How could you possibly forget it when you still have the cut on your temple?" Hermione lightly brushed her hand over his scratch for emphasis.
Draco's face reddened as he grasped her hand removing it from his temple. "Drop it Granger."
Hermione wiggled her hand free and laughed. "Drop what Malfoy? The fact that you were hit by a mud blood and have done nothing about it?"
Draco walked towards her and whispered. "I'm warning you Granger…..Drop it before you regret it."
Hermione laughed louder and then yelled down the echoing corridor. "Oh dear, someone help me! He's going to make me regret it!" She lowered her tone and scowled at him. "I've been up against worse things than you Malfoy. You don't honestly believe I'm really terrified!"
Draco backed her against the wall and continued his whispering. "You damn well know you're terrified."
Hermione pushed her free hand against his chest as she breathed in his scent. "I was being facetious Malfoy. You disappoint me."
"WHAT?" He yelled as he swat away her hand and pushed his body against hers. "You're egging me on Granger! I'll give you one last chance to walk out of here untouched."
Hermione's breathing became shallow as her eyes widened on his. She knew that even if he let her walk away this night he would still get revenge on her somehow and that thought is what terrified her more. She needed it all to end now. She had to force him to even the score. She closed her eyes and decided to coerce him to carry out the vengeance at that very moment. As she slowly opened her eyes she saw a satisfied smile come across his face which infuriated her. "You've become pathetically soft Malfoy."
All of the sudden she saw both his hands raise quickly towards her head. Instead of placing them around her neck she felt his fingers dig harshly into her hair as he jerked her head to his causing a small whimper to escape her lips. He whispered with a smile. "I warned you Granger." He leaned in slowly pressing his lips to hers. He kissed her softly as he placed one hand on the small of her back pulling her closer. Hermione was on fire from head to toe in utter confusion and unexpected delight. She dropped the flowers absentmindedly as his lips made her feel as if she was melting into the strong hold he had on her.
Hermione lost herself in his delicate but passionate kisses. She suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck and allowed him to deepen the kiss. He moaned happily as he began to kiss her neck immediately causing her to shudder. She began to run her fingers through his silky hair and then came to her senses. She was willingly kissing Draco Malfoy. And she was truly enjoying it!
She cupped his head in her hands and brought his eyes level with hers. "Please stop."
Draco kissed her one last time and then pulled back running his fingers through his hair. He looked her up and down with a pleased expression and beckoned her past him. She began to fidget nervously as they walked side by side silently. Her face grew pale as she tugged at her turning stomach. Draco smirked as they turned a corner. "You seem extremely nervous about something Granger….Care to share?"
Hermione looked at him as if he were insane. "Back there….Why did you-what just happened-why would you-have you forgotten who I-"
Draco shrugged indifferently. "You're babbling Granger. I think you should turn in. I'll finish the round. Go get some sleep…We wouldn't want you dreaming about me in Potions again now would we?"
Hermione was staring over his shoulder replaying what had just happened. "No we wouldn't want that-uh goodnight….Yes, goodnight." She hurried down the stairs leaving him alone and completely satisfied with himself.
She ran up to her private dormitory and slammed the door shut. "Oh my god! I just! I just kissed Draco Malfoy! Again! I didn't even try and stop him! What have I done?" She flung herself on her bed and forced herself to replay the entire night over and over analyzing what had taken place. She finally nodded off at 4:00am but was awaken by her alarm at 6:00am. She lazily headed into the shower in a daze convinced that the previous night had not happened and was just a terrible nightmare. She couldn't help but notice her stomach flip when she remembered how he kissed her.
Who would have thought that Draco Malfoy was actually a great kisser? Hermione walked down to the Great Hall still in a deep fog of what had actually happened. Just before she entered she felt someone scoop their arms around her waist. She bolted around and to her relief, it was only Ron. "Goodness am I glad it's you."
Ron tilted his head curiously. "Who else would it have been?"
"Oh, no one. You look like you have something on your mind. What is it?" Hermione said as he placed an arm around her shoulder and led her into the Great Hall.
"Actually, I need to ask you for a favor." They sat down and Ron whispered while they ate. "I've been hearing things….And I know you'll tell me the truth. You'll set me straight won't you Mione?"
Her heart began to pound hoping he hadn't heard about the previous night or the first day of school. "What sort of gossip have you been believing Ron? I'm sure it's only rubbish. Actually it's so completely far fetched it's sickening."
Ron lowered his head and set his fork on the corner of his plate. "Oh….Well I guess it was stupid of me to even think that she might….I knew you'd be able to tell me the truth."
Hermione grasped his chin and pulled him to face her. "Hang on….You said she…Who is she?"
"Lavender. I heard she was talking about me again but I wasn't sure if it was another one of Dean or Seamus's jokes. I knew deep down that it wasn't true. I guess I just miss her." Ron looked over at Lavender who was laughing and talking happily with her friends.
Hermione sighed and looked adoringly at Ron. "Of course she was talking about you Ron." He looked back at Hermione and smiled as she continued and people began to pass by. "You're adorably sweet. You're extremely brave and thoughtful. You're smile makes any girl melt."
Ron began to blush as he kissed Hermione's cheek and left to talk to Lavender. Hermione sighed happily and turned to leave as well when she realized Draco was directly behind her. She quickly sat back down and leaned her head against her hands feeling panic overcome her. She was certain he was still standing there as she could smell his wonderful scent. Blood began to rush to her head.
"You never struck me as a two-timer Granger….Actually you did strike me but not in that way. Too bad, too bad." Draco said menacingly.
Hermione didn't answer hoping he would simply go away but to her dismay, he straddled the bench as he sat next to her. "Granger…Granger….You and Weasley sure seemed chummy this morning."
She whispered without looking at him. "I already told you about Ron and I. We're just friends….Not that it's any of your business."
"Not any of my business? I would think after last night I should have some say so in whom you get friendly with." Draco said in shock as he placed his hand on his chest dramatically.
"After last-you can't possibly think that whatever happened last night meant anything….It was a mistake. A pure and simple mistake we most definitely should forget. I don't even know what came over either of us." She sighed deeply and made eye contact. "We should just keep quiet about it and put it all behind us."
Draco raised his voice playfully. "But I don't want to put it all behind us Granger! I don't want to forget about it!"
"Shhhh." She whispered and ducked down as he laughed. "Don't you realize what you've done and who you've done it with? If Viktor found out…I don't even want to think about it. I can't believe what you've done."
"What I've done? I don't recall you asking me to stop for several minutes. Besides, you happen to be the one who kissed me first. And what do you mean who I've done it with?" He said trying to hide his smile. Just then several owls flooded the ceiling and hovered above their heads. A school owl dropped a letter bearing a large red K on the envelope in Hermione's hands. Hermione turned pale and grasped the letter nervously. "Malfoy….Please tell me you haven't spoken a word of this to anyone."
Draco noticed her eyes filling with tears. "Why are you so worried? Oh, come off it Granger. I didn't tell anyone so you can just relax and keep your precious Krum….Aren't you going to open that?" He gestured at the letter that Hermione was still grasping tightly.
"Ummm. Maybe later. I'm sure he just misses me-Hey! Give it back Malfoy!" Hermione yelled as Draco swiped the letter from her hands and ripped it open.
He held it up reading it as she tugged furiously at his arms. "My, my. He does seem quite fond of you…Look at that, he misses you so much that he's coming to visit you in Hogsmeade tomorrow. What a thoughtful bloke he is! I can't wait to chat him up a bit."
"Give it back you pompous jerk! It's none of your business!" Hermione elbowed his stomach causing him to drop the letter and laugh.
"But I thought you loved me Granger!" He joked and threw his hands in the air.
Hermione noticed several Slytherin girls looking there way with furious scowls. "Malfoy, your fan club is staring….Is that what this is about? You're trying to get me killed at the hands of a bunch of angry and jealous Slytherin girls?"
Draco raised an eyebrow. "Clever Granger, very clever. But, you're incorrect. I can control them if the need arises."
"Yes but will you?" She retorted quickly.
"I guess you'll just have to trust me then won't you? Besides, they seem to be the only ones that care that were even speaking right now. It looks like times have changed and everyone is wrapped up in their own lives….Except for those girls of course seeing how I am their life, but I can handle them. By the way, these are for you?" He conjured another small bouquet of tulips placing them on the table in front of her.
She picked them up and forced a frown. "Malfoy, I can't accept these."
"You can and you will." He smiled as he stood.
"She can't and she won't." Ron said behind him.
"Give them back Hermione." Harry said next to him.
Draco smirked at them. "What do you care what she does? She can think for herself you know. I doubt either of you would be passing potions without her brains."
Ron clenched his fists. "Don't you dare speak as if you know anything about her you arrogant-"
"Ron! Harry! Stop it!" Hermione stood with her hands between the three of them looking back and forth. "I was just going to return them. Thank you Malfoy….But I just can't accept them."
Ron and Harry exchanged triumphant looks as Hermione handed the flowers back to Draco who was still smiling. "It's alright Granger. I know you'll accept them sooner or later."
He sauntered out of the Great Hall and was closely followed by the same girls who were glaring at Hermione earlier. Ron crossed his arms furiously. "Care to explain why the Prince of Slytherin is offering you flowers?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Oh come off it Ron. He's obviously planning to embarrass me in front of the entire school….Or he's not planning anything at all and just tormenting me. And you know what? I don't even care! Malfoy doesn't scare me. I told you both I can handle him."
Harry spoke with a concerned tone. "Hermione, this is Draco Malfoy. I don't think either of us needs to remind you how dangerous he is."
"Harry, it doesn't matter anymore. His Father's dead and his Mum ran off with one of the other Death Eaters. He's not as dangerous as he used to be. He's all alone and just trying to get through his seventh year like we are." Hermione said and then sat pondering her last words. He's all alone and I just refused to accept his flowers in front of his two worst enemies. But does he even care to call them enemies anymore?
Lavender called to Ron but he waived her off and sat next to Hermione in deep thought. Lavender scowled and started buttering her bread furiously as she stared at him. "Listen Hermione. Don't you find it a bit odd that Draco Malfoy has a sudden interest in you of all people?"
Hermione nodded in agreement which satisfied both Harry and Ron. Harry put his hand on her shoulder. "Look, we're not telling you how to live your life. Just keep your guard up like in the past. Don't go trusting people who haven't given you any reason to trust them alright?"
Hermione smiled as she grasped Harry's hand. "I'll keep my guard up…Ron, you better go talk to Lavender before you blow it again. She looks really upset."
Ron agreed and headed towards where Lavender was pouting. Harry noticed Ginny walk in and bid Hemione goodbye leaving her alone and confused.
She suddenly remembered that she was supposed to meet Professor McGonagall immediately following breakfast about the Christmas Ball. She quickly left and ran to her classroom. They were in there for at least an hour before Hermione asked if they could finish the meeting at a later date. She had already missed half of Potions and wanted to at least be able to try and catch up in the last half.
She hurried down to the dungeons and darted through the door into the classroom that was completely silent. She noticed they had all been reading quietly but were now staring at her.
Snape glared and beckoned her in. "Let's all thank Miss Granger for gracing us with her presence today."
"Thank you Miss Granger!" Draco said in a satisfied tone. "Oh, excuse me Professor. I didn't pick up on you sarcasm." Draco smiled flirtatiously at Hermione who blushed and took her seat. Snape look bewildered at Draco's playful comment but then instructed the class to continue reading. Hermione opened her book but looked around trying to see what page everyone was on. "Page 143 Granger." He whispered from behind her.
She smiled and shifted in her seat as she turned to page 143 which discussed the affects of love potions. As she read she noticed bubbles in the shapes of tulips circling her desk. Suddenly it came to her. Someone has poisoned him with a love potion! She turned around as soon as Snape walked into his office and looked at Draco who was resting his cheek on his hand and conjuring more bubbles with the other. Hermione whispered. "Malfoy, I think I know what's going on….Before you, well last night before it happened…" Blaise Zabini raised an eyebrow and pat Draco on the back with envy. Hermione shook her head. "What I mean is-did anyone possibly slip something into your drink?"
"What are you talking about? Why?" Draco whispered back curiously.
Hermione bit her bottom lip in embarrassment causing him to smile. "I think you may have been slipped a love potion just before our round….That would explain everything."
Draco shook his head sadly. "Is that what you think Granger? Someone would have to be poisoned in order to kiss you? What have Pothead and Weasel been telling you about yourself? Krum's sure helping boost yourself self-esteem isn't he? Please don't tell me you actually listened to me all these years."
Hermione gave a confused look. "I don't think you understand. You would have never done something like that in your right mind."
"Who says I wouldn't? You don't know anything about me being in my right mind now do you Granger?" Draco asked directly.
Hermione shrugged and bit her bottom lip again. "Well you're right about that."
Draco smiled and leaned forward. "Do that again."
"What? Tell you you're right? Not a chance. Goodness knows how I let that slip out."
"No, do that thing with your lip again." Draco demanded.
Hermione blushed. "I don't know what you're talking about." She turned around and continued reading and popping the bubbles occasionally until class ended.
As she left class Ron scooped his arm around her waist. Hermione quickly removed it. "Ron, you are going to ruin things with Lavender again. You should be walking with her right now."
Ron looked confused. "How would I ruin things? She knows you and I are best friends and that you're dating Krum."
Hermione shook her head. "Oh Ronald, when will you ever learn? Of course she knows all that but it won't make her any less jealous of me getting all your free time. Go be charming for her. I already know how wonderful you are."
Ron blushed but then headed for Lavender. Harry and Hermione laughed as they saw him trip along the way. Hermione immediately noticed Draco chuckle to himself as he returned his wand inside his robes. Harry became aware of her gaze and cleared his throat. "Fancy something near the alcove Hermione?"
Hermione started choking on her own saliva and stopped walking. "Excuse me?"
Harry nudged her playfully. "Why are you staring at him like that Mione? Don't tell me he's gotten into your head already. What about Krum?"
"Harry, Viktor and I are fine and Draco's completely harmless." Hermione said with a hint of desperation in her voice.
Harry's smile faded quickly. "You think Draco Malfoy is harmless? Did he jinx you or something?" Harry placed both his hands on her temples and looked closely into her eyes. "Maybe he slipped you a love potion….Can't be the Imperious Curse, you're acting normal otherwise…."
Hermione placed her hands over his. "Harry….There's nothing wrong with me. You have nothing to worry about. If anyone's been cursed, jinxed, or poisoned it's him not me."
"Why do you say-Ouch!" Harry rubbed the back of his head and turned around. "Someone threw something or…..what were we talking about? Oh, why do you say that?"
Hermione giggled under her hand as she knew Draco must have been to blame but couldn't see him anymore. "Draco's been paying me quite a bit of attention and well I happen to that think someone slipped him a love potion. Probably one of his Slytherin groupies not realizing he would see me instead of them that night."
"What night? Why, what happened when he saw you?" Harry said as he absentmindedly rubbed the back of his head.
"Oh nothing happened." She forced an unconvincing smile. "He's just been quite charming lately and I'm determined to find the reasoning behind it. Trust me Harry, I know he's up to something….I'm just not sure if he even knows what it is."
"And so enters the love potion theory….Hermione, why don't you simply stay away from him? Then you don't have to investigate anything. Then Ron and I can get on with other things." Harry said as they entered the common room.
"You and Ron should be getting on with other things regardless of what I'm up to. When schools over you and he will be living your lives the way you want and so will I. I honestly think you two would be suspicious of anyone that showed the least bit of interest in me…."
Harry blushed. "Well of course we would. You're our Mione….You're the closest thing I've ever had to a sister and I won't allow you to be mistreated or harmed."
Hermione hugged him as she fought back tears. There were so many things she should have said at this moment. As usual, she kept things to herself. Her voice cracked as she spoke. "I know Harry….Just don't lay the brother protective force field on so thick. Sometimes I feel as if I'm suffocating between the two of you. Let me make my own decisions even if it results in a mistake. I'll be a stronger person in the end if you allow me to learn from my mistakes."
Harry kissed her cheek. "Alright, alright. I doubt that speech will work with Ron so good luck with him. Hopefully he'll be so wrapped up in Lavender the rest of the year he'll lay off too….But I doubt it."
"Me too." Hermione went up to her dormitory for a quick nap before her next class.
