Evaluate This
Chapter 7
Devious Plans
Unfortunately, Hermione's world did not crumble away from her. It was, very unfortunately—solid as a rock.
As for Draco…
Whether or not he had really meant to wait for Hermione, he did just that. The ball that they had to plan took up, if not all, then a majority of Hermione's free time.
Of course, that free time was then split between what she deemed library time and homework time. Draco soon found out, 'recreation' was not part of her vocabulary. And with that knowledge, came goal number one. He was going to make her make time for recreation, and in essence, time for him. Exactly why he wanted this was beyond him, but what a Malfoy wanted, a Malfoy got. And that's exactly what he told himself as he dressed and went down to breakfast.
Hermione carefully opened up the Daily Prophet, if there was anything written in there by Delirium Manic, she was going to know before Harry. Heading off disasters was a full time job, Hermione decided, but well worth it.
Scanning the pages quickly she set it aside, smiling thankfully. Catastrophe hadn't struck this day. She readied herself for breakfast and left. In the Great Hall the house tables had been restored, temporarily, Dumbledore reminded them.
However, no one paid any attention. They sat where they wanted. Whispers among the teachers were those of quiet cheer. The gloom of the Ministry decree had had a profound effect. For the best…and because of that, they held their breath. Waiting…waiting to see what would come...they could only hope that this was not the calm before the storm.
Hermione slipped in next to Ron and Harry. "Good morning."
Receiving suspicious stares Hermione looked back up. "What?"
"Er, sleep well?" Ron asked.
Hermione leaned back. "Now that you mention it, Ron. Yes, I did sleep rather well last night. Why?"
"You're cheerful." Harry said bluntly. If there was one thing he was not, at the moment, he was definitely not cheerful. He had thought he'd find an ally in Hermione…but nothing was going his way this morning. He jabbed his breakfast ham. Why did she have to be so damn cheerful? Today, of all days to be cheerful! Harry glared at the ham that he knew was laughing at him—he gave it another jab with his fork.
"Harry, are you all right?"
Harry didn't move, his eyes set on the ham—just waiting for it to taunt him a second time.
"Harry?"
No reply, however, the ham received another jab of fork.
"What's up mate?"
Still, no reply…need I tell you how the ham is faring?
Hermione slowly took the fork from his hand. "I think it's dead Harry."
Harry stared at his plate. "Yeah."
"Harry, what's wrong?" Hermione placed the fork safely on the table—and out of arm's reach of the sullen boy. "You don't usually try to massacre your breakfast. We usually leave that to Ron."
"Hey!"
Hermione smiled apologetically. "My mistake Ron." She turned back to Harry who wasn't looking up from his plate. "Are you having nightmares again?" she asked softly.
Harry wanted to laugh. "Yeah. Sure."
Hermione frowned. This she understood. "Talk to me after my meeting with Malfoy, Harry. I'm sure by then I'll be in a horrible mood."
Ron glanced between his two friends. "What's that got to do with anything?"
Hermione shrugged, gathering her books.
Looking up, Harry caught the knowing look in her eyes. "Thanks."
Hermione nodded, swinging her bag over her shoulder. They may not have classes, but the professors had still handed out small assignments and Hermione was determined to keep up. One day this would all be over and she, for one, was not going to be lagging behind. "No problem. Sorry guys, but I've got loads of work to do and that aforementioned meeting with Malfoy." she made a face and Ron snorted. "How bout you guys come round after your evaluations tonight and you can help me plan the ball."
"Isn't that the Head Boys job?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Oh please. It's Malfoy."
"She's got a point." Harry muttered. "We'll be there."
"We will?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, good. I'll see you all then."
"Hey! Hermione, is Malfoy going to be there? After all, it is his job." Ron tried to keep the grin off his face.
Hermione's eyes narrowed.
"What are you doing Ron?" Harry whispered.
"Just you see." Ron replied, pure glee shining in his eyes.
Hermione's eyes darkened as she observed the carefree Slytherin. How was it they were doing a project together, yet she was the only one doing any of the work.
"Thanks Ron." she called as she marched over to the vain blond.
"Mind telling me now, in case I have to stop a blood bath?" Harry asked, as Hermione stalked across the room.
"Ferret boy hasn't been helping out. I just kindly reminded her." Ron said innocently. "Dibs on Hermione punching him." He glanced across the room. Hermione now looked close to livid. "Five galleons she does." Ron bet with confidence as he pointed across the room.
Harry watched Hermione stop beside Malfoy and Blaise, a few other Slytherins and a group of Ravenclaws.
Unfortunately, Hermione's attack wasn't a surprise as Malfoy saw the proud Gryffindor approach.
"I think I'll have to bet against you Ron. I don't think Malfoy's going to get punched anytime soon."
Ron looked up confused. "Man, why'd Hermione have to pick now to be all Miss Manners around Malfoy?" He watched Hermione lay a hand on Malfoy's shoulder. "Damn."
"At least he flinched." Harry said cheerfully.
Hermione felt Draco flinch and reveled with satisfaction. His gray eyes looked up at her, questioning.
"You're Head Boy, right?"
Draco looked at her as if she'd asked if the Earth was round. "Er…"
"That's what I thought." Her eyes narrowed. "Ferret."
Draco watched in semi-stunned silence as Granger stalked away.
"What was that about?"
Breaking through the shell of shock Draco jumped up. "Hell if I know, Blaise." And took off after Hermione.
Harry turned, a sweet smile on his face. "You owe me five galleons."
"Aw, come on, be a pal."
"Hey, you made the bet." Harry said cheerfully.
"What the hell was that?" Draco caught hold of her arm and yanked her to a stop. "You are bloody crazy, you know! Just going off and insulting someone like that. You should be glad I didn't curse you right there in the Great Hall."
Her eyes searched his face and instead of growing heated with anger they became liquid chocolate as she broke down in an unbecoming fit of giggles, add or subtract a snort or two. Tears licked at her laughing eyes.
"What the hell?" Draco dropped her arm and stepped back. Merlin, he hoped it wasn't contagious. "Can you please let me in on whatever's going on?"
Hermione stood up, stifling her giggles and tried to be cool and composed. She failed miserably.
"I couldn't very well let our psychologists know we are getting along, now could I? Can you suggest a better way of getting you out of there without attracting their attention?"
"You did get their attention though, theirs and half the schools." Draco pointed out, a scowl upon his lovely features.
"But they are still none the wiser." Hermione grinned.
"So you're not mad about anything?" He asked cautiously.
Hermione's hands went to her hips and she glowered. "I think you very well know what you've done wrong."
"Eh…not at this particular moment. No."
"You've taken advantage of me Malfoy, I don't like that."
"So, it's back to Malfoy now?"
Hermione crossed her arms. "Looks that way."
"And how exactly have I been taking advantage of you, Granger?" He hid behind his coldness. No one can hurt you when you don't let them close. Cool, cold, collected, uncaring, ice. The image he hid behind. Though, he wasn't so sure he wouldn't be all those things and more if he let himself be…well, himself.
"You…" Hermione said, all business now. "Have been neglecting your obligations as Head Boy."
"Which ones? I patrol."
Hermione shook her head and allowed herself a quick scan of the heavens. "You idiot, I've seen you on patrol—if that's what you call patrolling. More like stalking if you ask me. But that's beside the point." Her eyes narrowed once more. "You are supposed to be helping me plan this ball."
Draco leaned against the wall, defeated. She'd noticed him…though stalking wasn't the term he preferred. It was more of a following—a bit of looking, who could blame him? A far reach from stalking, Draco assured himself.
"I didn't think you'd let me help." He admired his nails.
An image of strangling his thin throat passed through Hermione's head and she smirked. "Well, guess what? You are going to help, so listen closely, because I'm only going to say this once. Be in the common room at eight o'clock sharp. If you're not there…" she trailed to a stop, ways to off Malfoy floating through her mind. She grinned.
"If what, Granger? I doubt you could do anything that I would find even remotely threatening to say the least. But it might be amusing to watch you try." He regarded her coolly.
Hermione smirked a smirk he knew rather well, as it was his smirk. As she took a step towards him, Draco finally realized the tight spot he'd gotten himself into—wall to his back and dangerous female at his front…wearing his god given smirk.
Hermione got right up into his face. He looked unnerved and she wanted to giggle, was this how he felt all the time? Being in total control. It was nice…very nice.
Slowly she placed her hands on his sides and lightly slid them up halfway, then back down. Feeling him shiver she felt rather proud of herself. His silver gray eyes half closed, Draco looked the very part of an angel.
"Are you so sure there's nothing I can do to torment you?" Her voice was low and Draco bit his bottom lip, he never wanted her to stop touching him. Never stop.
But she did. She severed all body contact, but her warm breath tickled his neck as she leaned in to whisper. "I'll wait for you."
Then she backed away, turning away from him. Had he been less a man, Draco would have slunk to the floor right there. Instead he remained standing—not moving—for a long, long time.
Charlotte found her cousin in the library. Not that she'd expected to find her anywhere else. From the lovely grape vine Charlotte had caught word of the invitation Hermione had extended to Ron and Harry, who had invited Miriam, who had invited Blaise, who had invited Charlotte.
What the invitation was for, however, she wasn't privy to—hence the search for her oh-so-predictable cousin.
"What's up oh studious one?"
Hermione didn't bother glancing up. She knew that voice too well.
"Can't study can you?" Charlotte smirked.
Hermione glared.
"Glare all you want cousin dearest. I'm bored, is there anything entertaining to do?"
Hermione frowned, thinking. "We have evaluations in half an hour."
"Oh, yeah, right. That yawn fest wasn't exactly what I had in mind when I said entertainment. Anyway about the other night…" to her agony—she liked to torture in private—she was cut short as Harry and Ron seated themselves at the table.
Hermione smiled up at her friends. Harry looked to be in better spirits than he had that morning. Ron, however, looked down in the dumps.
"What's wrong with you Ron?" Hermione asked.
"He owes me five galleons." Harry said proudly as Ron could only glare at the floor. "Poor chap doesn't have the money to pay me…so we worked out a little deal." Harry grinned evilly.
Sitting back, Hermione could only shake her head. "What have I told you Ron about betting things you don't have?"
"Oh shut up. I've already heard it all from Miriam." Ron crossed his arms and met her eyes. "It's all your fault anyway."
"Oh really? I forced you to make a bet? That doesn't sound like me. But, I have been feeling rather out of sorts lately. I could have."
Charlotte snorted, covering her laughter with a blatantly fake cough.
Rolling his eyes Ron muttered. "If you didn't have to go all nice on Malfoy this morning, I would be five galleons richer." She'd really let him down. And Harry, what was up with him? He wasn't being fair in the least. His punishment for gambling was worth more than the dumb five galleons he'd bet. Damn friend was probably going to charge interest as well, talk about adding insult to injury. Talk about overkill. His thoughts had put him in a rather foul mood. Ron glared at Hermione.
"What's he got to do?" Charlotte asked.
Harry grinned. "Let's just say…" Ron cut him off.
"Shut up right now or you're going to need dental work." But this only caused Harry to laugh, and Hermione to pat him sympathetically on the hand and Charlotte to gaze at him intently. He had long ago found that being on the receiving end of her gaze was not very pleasant.
"Oh, just sod off." He stormed out of the library, ignoring Madame Pince's fierce gaze of disapproval and the laughter of three soon to be ex-friends behind him.
Draco was in the common room by eight, before eight if he was honest with himself. He was all prepared to talk to Hermione, get it all out. Well, get some of it out. He definitely did not like being played with. For example, the hall incident—she had totally played him. So un-Gryffindor like of her. I must be a rather bad influence. But that didn't change the fact that she had been playing with him. After much thought, Draco decided he didn't like that. Not at all. He stood as the portrait swung open and Hermione entered.
Followed by Blaise, Potter, Weasley, annoying cousin of Hermione's, and the red heads cousin—who he'd yet to get to know on a last name basis.
Draco knew his mouth was slightly ajar, but he couldn't find the right command that would close it. He felt…numb. She'd done it again. Of course, she'd done this to torture him, humiliate him. Thank Merlin his tongue still seemed to be in working order. "What are you doing here?"
Hermione eyed him shrewdly. "I invited them to help me plan the ball, and you…" She added before he could stalk off to his bedroom. "Will be staying. Understood?" She didn't wait for his answer. "Lets all get to work."
Though it was awkward at first, everyone fell into comfortable chatter that steadily grew more rambunctious as time passed.
"So what exactly are these restrictions? I'm dying to know."
Hermione nodded at Draco.
"What?"
"Tell them."
His eyes narrowed. "Maybe I don't want to."
Hermione sent him a look and Draco found his hands pushing through the pile of notes and ideas, finally pulling out the stiff parchment upon which were listed the 'restrictions'. All of which he found rather peculiar as there was really no point, rhyme or reason to any of it.
He grudgingly began to read. "Head boy, Draco Malfoy—that's me."
"We know that Malfoy." Ron groaned.
"Wasn't sure, after all it is you, Weasley."
"Just read." Hermione said shortly.
"…And Head Girl, Hermione Granger, are hereby assigned to arrange a fall ball, see to decorations, entertainment, and see to it that the below listed requirements are met to standard."
"Wait a second. They aren't going to do anything?"
"Not really."
"What's the point of this?"
Hermione and Draco shrugged. "We aren't really sure."
"Oh, sorry, continue please."
"These requirements have been set forth by the panel of Psychological Review of Hogwarts' Students and Staff."
"What! Does that mean they're doing this psycho babble on the professors as well?" Harry asked surprised.
"I think they are. I wonder if they'll sack Professor Trelawney?" Her eyes grew far away.
"She's not that bad Hermione."
"Speak for yourself Blaise."
"Please!" Draco called out. "Do not interrupt." He shook the paper before continuing. "The requirements set forth must and will be upheld and any decisions may be overturned by Dr. Danna or Dr. McGale as they see fit. The requirements are as follows; Students shall be paired together at the discretion of Dr's Danna and McGale. Paired students must attend the ball together, sit together and are required to participate in planned events set by the Head Boy and Girl and approved by Dr's Danna and McGale."
"Hang on a second…they are going to pair us up?" Miriam looked around the room. "They're just going to randomly select some guy that I'll have to spend the entire night with?"
"Oh, I doubt it will be random."
"And these activities? That's why we're here, right? To help you guys out?" Blaise asked, his eyes shining with anticipation.
"You sound excited."
"Let's just say that mischief is my middle name."
Draco nodded. "He's not kidding."
"So, does anyone have any ideas?" Hermione asked and wasn't at all surprised when Blaise jumped into action.
Two and a half hours later, the other's left. Draco had to admit that it was going to be a kick ass ball, even with the restrictions. But with the help of the others, they had found ways around them. He couldn't believe that Gryffindors, the Golden Trio to be exact, could possibly come up with such great ideas for deceiving authority. They'd obviously had practice, he concluded as he sighed—the door closing behind the last departed. Leaving him and Hermione alone. Which was exactly what he wanted.
"Well, that went well. Thank you for helping out. I appreciate it." Hermione packed up her things and started for her room. The hand on her wrist, however, brought her up short. She glanced behind her. "Need something?"
Draco moved, taking her things and setting them neatly onto the coffee table. "You gave me a considerable shock this morning—and I don't care for being shocked. Then you did it again this evening…and I've come to the decision that I really do not like it."
"Well, isn't it just peachy that I don't care?" Hermione tugged on her wrist. "Are you done yet?"
"Hardly." He sat down and tugged her along with him. She was caught off balance and came tumbling down into his lap.
"Draco!" Hermione screamed as she tried to stand.
"Ah good, no longer being referred to as Malfoy." Draco gripped her wrist. "I'd stop all that wriggling though, or you'll be sorry."
Catching his less than subtle meaning Hermione stilled, a faint blush creeping up her neck. "Just let go and we can forget this happened." She was scared. Hermione tried not to relax, but…god she hated herself…it actually felt good. Comfortably leaning against Malfoy's chest, his arms surrounding her. It felt good, just to be held. Unconsciously she melted into the embrace.
Draco turned his head slightly, feeling her soft hair against his face. "Did I ever tell you drive me crazy?" She stiffened slightly.
Cautiously, Hermione evaluated her situation before answering. "No."
"Well you do, absolutely make me insane."
Hermione actually felt the wheels in her head turning. This was all too cliché. But she couldn't help it. "Since when?"
Draco brought a hand to her hair, tangling his finger in her long strands. "I won't lie to you—I seriously don't know. I'm not even sure what it is I feel. You're just fascinating. I've always watched you."
"Yeah, I know. Your insults do seem to hit home most of the time."
"I'm a jerk."
"Won't disagree with you."
"I don't think I've changed."
"I don't think so either."
Hermione couldn't resist. He'd said she was fascinating. Well, that sure seemed like a lie to her. None of this seemed real. "I'm boring."
Draco nodded. "Yes, that too."
"Hey!" Hermione grinned and hit him with her balled hand. "That wasn't very nice. And here I thought you'd finally ceased being a monster."
Draco caught her hand in his and laced his fingers in hers, watching the way they fit together, the way it felt. "Not a monster Hermione, just being honest." His other hand went to her waist—pausing. "You never let yourself have any fun." He murmured, and because of their positions she didn't see the smile on his face.
"Well—" Hermione was cut off as she sucked air in shock as fingers began to tickle her sides. "Draco! Stop!" She was shrieking now as she was held captive and could do nothing to escape his hand. Tears brimmed in her eyes as she laughed. "Stop, stop now or I'll get you!" she cried.
Draco stopped. "You've already got me."
He lowered his head and kissed her.
A/N: Do me the biggest favor and review!
