Wow. I am so sorry for the long wait. I have been so busy and tired. Ugh. Okay so I hope this chapter wasn't too OOC. Let me know if you think it is happening too fast and whatnot.

All feedback is welcome.

A/N- the first part is partially a dream…

Review, follow, and favorite!

-Madi

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter nor do I own any lyrics I quote in each chapter.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Haunted

"I know if I'm haunting you,
You must be haunting me,
My wicked tongue,
Where will it be,
I know if I'm onto you,
You must be onto me…"

Haunted (Michael Diamond Remix) by Beyoncé

Thursday October 31st, 1996

Inside the Library

"As much as habitually enjoy our witty banter Granger," his words were soft and warm against her cheek. "Right now, I need you to listen and as difficult as it may be, I need you to refrain from asking questions… At least until we make it out of here…"

Hermione attempted to focus upon the situation around them while her head throbbed and bobbed forwards into the crook of his neck. His familiar scent for some reason made her feel safe, as did the warmth of him surrounding her. When she mustered a nod in acknowledgement, the warmth was gone along with the lingering aroma of his musky cologne. She then noted that something felt off.

Opening her eyes, Hermione was suddenly being shoved backwards while Malfoy was hit by a spell that was meant for her. She moved hastily as he stumbled backwards into her arms as she guided him to the ground. Frantically tearing open the buttons on his dress suit, she saw crimson pooling under his contrasting white shirt and seeping through the material.

"Draco, you're going to be alright," she whispered with a wince, "Just hold on…"

With one hand she pushed upon the cut, feeling the warm sticky blood upon her fingers and looked around for her wand. The throbbing in her head continued but she pushed it aside as she tried to take a deep breath in order to properly assess Draco's condition. Just as she was about to put pressure upon his wound with her other hand, his hand, reached up grabbing hold of her wrist.

"Don't…" He growled." I don't want your help."

"Stop it," she spat, "You're being ridiculous. You need help Draco. Unfortunately for you, I'm the only thing you've got. So just hold still…"

With an eye roll, Hermione looked around and spotted his wand on the on the other side of him next to the bookcase. Sighing aloud, she then leaned over Malfoy and grabbed his wand causing him to curse.

"Dammit Granger," he cursed through his teeth and tried to pull to his right away from her with a hiss but fell back down with a groan. "Be careful…- Is that MY wand?"

"Oh shut it Malfoy…" she huffed.

Opening his shirt, to see the drying blood against his pale skin, she pointed the wand towards the cut that rested just below the left side of his collarbone and muttered 'Tergeo'. The wand shakily syphoned the dried blood from his skin but since the wound was still open, blood continued to spill from the cut as she began to bite her bottom lip. She then recalled hearing about this one advanced healing spell in the hospital wing for healing deep cuts, but had never performed the spell herself.

"Well I've heard about a difficult healing spell…" she thought aloud with a stiff inhale. "I've never had the chance to practice it before but it's all I got."

With a deep breath, Hermione recalled how it was used in fourth year upon Harry's shoulder after the first tri-wizard tournament. It was a spell called 'Vulnera Sanentur' that was to be repeated three times with the wand pointed towards the cut and said a sing song voice.

With a huffed breath, she was about to do the spell when clouds of black smoke surrounded them swishing violently around them both. Closing her eyes, Hermione waited until it stopped and then she looked up to see none other than Theodore Nott wand pointed towards them. Malfoys wand now missing from her own hand she froze as the uneasy feeling she had gotten moments ago returned.

"It was supposed to be you," he snarled. "That Weasley girl was supposed to kill you!"

Then he all of a sudden changed into Draco Malfoy, who stood there in front of her covered in his own blood with his grey eyes wild from ire. His expression was haunting and it made her throat burn in what she assumed to be betrayal. Something was defiantly wrong…

"Filthy little Mudblood." He growled. Confusion knotted into her features as she looked around her, the only thing to prove he'd been next to her was the blood upon her hands. "Diffindo…"

Pulling herself to her feet she looked up as soon as she heard his biting voice only to realize it was a spell as the feeling of a sharp hot knife stabbed her, agony ripping through her stomach. Hot wet blood spilled through her fingers as she clutched the source of pain…

Friday November 1st, 1996

Gryffindor dormitories, half past five in the morning

Abruptly Hermione sat up covered in a damp cold sweat throwing her blanket off as she reached down to feel her stomach for any cut or wound. There was no pain of a sort as she then looked down at her hands, only to feel bile burning her throat as she swore her hands were caked in vibrant muddy wet crimson. Quickly she snatched her wand from beside her pillow and mumbled Lumos to see nothing was there upon her trembling hands. Only her mind playing tricks on her from the events mere hours ago.

Shakily she exhaled a sigh of relief running a hand through her tangled damp curls and slipped her legs off of the bed, then made her way to her trunk. She then reached for a hair tie on top of her trunk, putting her hair in a messy halfhearted bun. Looking at the empty bed next to hers, Hermione thought about how Ginny had been rushed to Dumbledore's office and then to the Ministry of Magic. How they needed to remove the curse upon her while keeping her memories intact, which was difficult for the most skilled witches and wizards.

Slowly, Hermione grabbed her robe, putting it on as she then made her way across the room opened and closed the door behind her. Nibbling upon her bottom lip, she then followed the stairs leading to the common room with her wand in pocket of her night robe. She couldn't help but think about what had happened.

When Malfoy shoved her out of the way, taking the spell meant for her, that was what confused her most out of everything. For the life of her, Hermione couldn't understand why Draco Malfoy of all people would save her. If it had hit her, it would have cut her throat, killing her in a matter of two or three minutes. At his height it only managed to cut just below his collarbone, thankfully.

Hermione decided that there were multiple theories that could have been the reason he had saved her. It could have been just to push her out of the way not thinking about where the spell was cast; which was highly unlikely considering it had put him in danger. It also could have been because he didn't want her getting hurt around him again because that might jeopardize whatever it is he's been trying to hide over the past few weeks. Then there was the last reason, which was that it could have been a complete and utter accident. A fortunate mishap where something caused him to stumble into her and in the process he accidentally saved her.

Wincing aloud, not wanting to think about Malfoy too long, she then recalled when Blaise showed up, he'd disarmed Ginny and had Dumbledore along with other teacher's right behind him. Draco was then rushed to the Hospital wing after being helped by professor Snape who said her attempt at heal was adequate enough for keeping him alive until he was able to be treated properly. That statement in itself shocked her slightly but she saw it as payment for him saving her in the first place.

The appearance of Dumbledore and the Ministry luckily was what scared off Nott in time. That was when she realized since Ginny used an unforgivable curse while underage it alerted the Ministry of Magic. Thus sending Aurors to assess the damage as well as control it. Which she was then looked over for any curses and questioned thoroughly about what happened. She'd told them everything about what had happened, well almost everything.

A brush of guilt then tugged at her as she remembered something she had heard, which she had yet to tell anyone about… It was something that made sense but at the same time confused her even more. With a sigh, she recalled the words shared between Malfoy and Nott before they had not even realized she was no longer knocked out.

"Out of everyone Nott," Draco spoke, his voice was off slightly. "I didn't you would take part in this, at least not by choice. The way you use to talk about what your father did-"

"You of all people don't get to lecture me on following a father's footsteps Draco." Nott's voice snarled. "As I recall you're only doing this to redeem the Malfoy name, or so I've been told…"

An involuntary shiver ran through her as she thought about what they could have been talking about. It was now a known fact that Nott is a Death eater but with this side comment, did that mean Draco too was a death eater?

Cursing under her breath when she realized her thoughts once again went back to him; Hermione rolled her eyes and nibbled upon her bottom lip. That foul git really had a knack for intruding upon her thoughts. Without warning, flashes of her nightmare came back, ones of Malfoy pointing his wand at her. The images of him made her dig her nails into the palm of her hand in order to remind herself that it was only a dream.

'Malfoy isn't a death eater…' Hermione thought to herself. 'It just doesn't seem likely… and without evidence I refuse to believe it.'

Unsteadily she descended the last step to see Harry and Ron already sitting upon the couch next to the fire in their night robes too.

"After tonight," Ron spoke, and Hermione wasn't sure if he realized that she was even there. "there will probably be aurors on school grounds at all times. I mean, it's still a bit hard to believe that Nott was behind it all…"

"Yeah, well, he probably isn't the only one," Harry quipped. "I'll bet that Malfoy had something to do with this. He's one of them Ron… Hermione doesn't see it, but he is… I mean really, how much more proof does she actually need?"

"How about actually seeing the Dark Mark upon his forearm," Hermione scoffed, making her presence known as she did and crossed her arms. "That would be irrefutable proof. Otherwise it's only speculation based solely upon your own biased judgement-"

Hermione winced as soon as she realized how that sounded. It probably seemed as if she was sticking up for Malfoy, which she most certainly was not. With a huff she looked away as soon as the two turned towards her in order to avoid seeing Harry's expression.

"That came out a bit cross, sorry," she continued speaking, "I don't want to start another fight. It's been a long day. I'm exhausted and can't sleep…"

"That's alright," Ron yawned, stretching his arms above his head. "Surprised you got any sleep… I got about an hour and then came down here to find Harry."

"Don't worry about it," Harry sighed, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose, "We're all on edge right now…"

"Right," she mumbled and then made her way over towards the empty sofa. "Other than Malfoy, what have you two been talking about?"

"Not a whole lot," Ron rubbed the back of his neck before looking towards her, "Talked a bit about Lavender and how all she wants to do is snog. It's annoying really. Oh Harry, I just remembered what I wanted to tell you. I overheard Professor Snape and Dumbledore talking about searching students individually…"

"What for?" Harry asked while adjusting in his spot.

Hermione moved to bring her feet up, tucking both of them beside her and she sighed in frustration while Ron and Harry continued talking. Ignoring the small pinch she had felt when Ron spoke of Lavender, Hermione silently wondered how she was going to even get Malfoy to talk. Even though he said he would explain after everything happened, she doubted it would be a simple answer. With him it never was.

'He said he was done with games,' she thought to herself. 'Well so am I… I want answers and the next time I see him, I'm going to get some.'

Chewing upon her bottom lip in irritation, she then turned her attention back towards her Harry and Ron who were talking about the train sending some students home early Monday morning. Rolling her eyes, even though she understood the reason why parents would want their children home it was still rather pointless in her opinion.

"How many do you think are gonna be going home?" Harry's voice pulled her from her thoughts.

"Dunno," Ron shrugged. "I reckon only a few at first. After the Daily Profit gets hold of the story I figure more will go..."

"It also doesn't help that the Ministry is yet again getting involved," Hermione once more joined the conversation. "You'd think after what happened last year, Dumbledore would be adamantly against it…"

Hermione yawned, looking towards the window with the sun coming up signaling that it was almost breakfast time. Shaking her head, she thought to herself about all the good the Ministry could do for them and when nothing came to mind she huffed. Nothing good ever comes from the Ministry interfering with anything related to Hogwarts and after what happened in the library, it was now in fact inevitable.

"I'm going to change into my dress robes," she stated turning back towards them once again. "The both of you should think about doing the same. See you at breakfast…"

With that, Hermione slowly made her way back towards the stairs that led to the dormitories where she ran into Neville. Mumbling a small good morning, she followed the stairs towards her door where she went to change.

'Today's challenge; corner Malfoy and getting him to give some answers.' With that thought she sighed, wondering how in the world she was going to accomplish that.

"I am in control,
I haven't lost my mind,

Down the darkest road,
Something follows me,
I am not alone,
Cause misery loves my company…"

Misery Loves my Company by Three Days Grace

Still Friday November 1st, 1996

Inside the Hospital wing, half past seven in the morning

Draco stood beside the bed he slept in, buttoning a white dress shirt slowly in an attempt to be careful with the bandage just below his collarbone. Sneering at the thought of Madam Pomfrey scolding him yet again about the importance of rest he snatched his emerald and silver tie off the side table. Deep cut or not, he wasn't spending another moment in here when he needed to talk with Zabini about what happened last night as well as check upon his cabinet.

"And just where do you think you're off to Mr. Malfoy?" Madam Pomfrey chirped from behind him most likely with her hands upon her hips. "I suppose this is the point where you complain about a lack in proper care and how I'm to cater to your every need. Well I have news for your Mr. Malfoy. I have other students to attend to-"

Slowly turning around as he started tying his tie, Draco shot a stern glare her way while she shook her head. Rolling his eyes as he sat down to slip on his shoes and grab his things; he then listened to the rest of her continued rant.

"-without resting you'll be back here faster than you can say proper."

With that she spun on her heels clicking them against the stone flooring and made her way to the other end of the room where her office was at. She wasn't wrong though, in the past he would have made an offhanded snide comment about her lacking in proper healing skills but the only thing that matter right now, was the cabinet.

Draco slowly made his way out of the Hospital wing only to run right into Parkinson who looked positively furious. Just as she was about to start talking he then looked away and continued walking in the direction of the room of requirements.

"You are a prat, you know that," she spoke loudly, following closely behind him. "I heard from Zabini as well as a few others that you took that spell for the Mudblood. Care to elaborate or is there truth behind these disgusting rumors."

"I do believe that's none of your business Parkinson," he sneered as they ascended a flight of stairs, "But, seeing as you'll keep on pushing until you get what you want. Yes I shoved her out of the way. No I didn't do it for her…"

He thought about his answer once more and honestly wasn't sure whether or not that was the straightforward truth. Thinking back to that moment, he honestly couldn't recall any sort of reasoning behind doing it, in the moment it had been instinctual rather than a personal choice.

Right on cue, yet another sneer laced with disgust crossed his face. Draco couldn't believe that he had instinctually saved Granger's life and had no logical or rational explanation for doing so. Honestly, no matter how hard he tried, that witch always found a way into his thoughts.

"… Now, if you don't mind," he continued, "I have somewhere I need to be and I certainly don't need you tagging along and sharing your dully nauseating commentary."

That stopped her in her tracks as Draco continued walking at a rather fast pace around the corner and up yet another flight of stairs. It wasn't as if he was trying to insult her or be rude, he just needed to check out the cabinet before his coin decide it was a good time to burn hot.

Once he rounded another corner that led to the Great hall he pushed past younger years but stopped when he noticed Granger's familiar head bobbing alongside Weaslebee's ginger hair. For a second he just stopped, staring at her wondering whether or not she would try to talk to him about the library. Knowing that it was going to happen sooner or later, he quickly decided later but just when he was about to shove past yet another group of fourth years, he heard his name.

"Leave Hermione alone Malfoy," looking to his right he spotted none other than sniveling Neville glaring him down as if he was in any way intimidating. "She wants nothing to do with you…"

There were only two options on how respond. The first way was to retort with a signature witty comeback that sparked a hint of amusement or there was to call him a bit of a tosser and go about his business.

"Is that uh, so Longbottom?" he jeered lightly. He knew she was now within earshot and that if she wanted to say something, now was the time. Turning to his right, he then saw her deep chocolate eyes staring right at him with a hint of irritation. Assuming that it was because of the demeaning way he addressed Longbottom, it only added a hint of amusement to his small smirk. "Care to refute that Granger?"

Watching her lips purse together tightly, he lifted his eyebrows up and down once causing her nose to scrunch in a rather appealing way. Her frustration only added to his amusement while she glared and then shook her head.

"I need a moment," she spoke through her teeth.

Granger then approached him only to glare up close right before making her way down the corridor away from the Great Hall and around a corner. That's when Draco understood she wasn't above saving face in front of her little trio. Clenching his teeth together, he then shoved past the lingering students in the direction she had gone. Once he reached the corner he spotted her waiting there for him as she made her way into the empty classroom.

"You- you are unbelievable," she hissed, crossing her arms. "I knew just what you were doing. You purposely put me on the spot in the hopes I would disregard you and pretend that I wanted nothing to do with you. All so you could have a perfectly logical reason behind you when you refused to answer my questions when or if I came asking."

A sudden brush of a persistent ache in his wound pulsed uncomfortably under his dress shirt caught his attention for a moment before he looked back towards her. 'She's rather adorable when she pouts…'

Briskly forcing that thought aside, he leisurely walked towards her noting the way her arms crossed her chest and the way she pointed her chin when she was cross. He then leaned his right hand palm down upon a desk to his right while staring her down as she only stood just shy of two feet away.

"Tell me I'm wrong," she continued, speaking softer than before. Draco then sighed, looking away for a second only to find she had taken a singular timid step towards him.

"You're not wrong Granger," he replied looking down at her closely. The way she looked at him had been the same look he had noticed just before she kissed him.

"Good," she stated sharply and then cleared her throat before shaking her head and breaking their eye contact. "Now, last night, you said to hold off on the questions until we were out of there. Correct?"

Draco tried to remain stoic, in the hopes she would take at least one step backwards but clenched his jaw when his head started spinning from the cinnamon. Swallowing the sudden urge to reach for her and pull her closer, he nodded once, looking away. 'Damned cinnamon…'

"Alright, first question," she cleared her throat once more, "Did you know about or have anything to do with Theo being a-" he looked back towards her, arching a singular brow.

"Death eater?" he tried, looking back towards her, slightly amused that she couldn't even finish the sentence. She then nodded, looking down at her feet. "No. I had no idea until last night…"

"Oh, well," she exhaled awkwardly, and then continued. "Next question, did you know about Ginny before last night?"

"Not that I was paying attention to Weaslett," he answered promptly, lightly rolling his left shoulder in an attempt to ease the small ache. "I didn't piece the signs together until last night…"

Turning his attention back towards her, Draco watched her nod silently to herself as she uncrossed her arms still avoiding eye contact. He found her reserved manner rather endearing as he took another step so that he was now close enough to feel the warmth surrounding her. When he did this, she finally looked up towards him, eyes wide with what looked to be curiosity and nervousness. He then eyed her lips to noticed her bottom lips was slightly caught between her teeth in that way she did that drove him crazy.

Before he realized what he was doing, his right hand left the desktop and found its way cupping her left cheek. The only movement she made was letting her bottom lip out from between her teeth thus allowing them to part.

"Last question," she whispered softly in a breathy voice that made him shiver lightly. "Are you…?"

Even without finishing the question, he knew just what she was asking and that right there was the line he stopped at. Pushing the questions aside for a moment, he gave in. Moving his right hand slowly from her cheek to the nape of her neck where he pulled her head closer towards his, allowing his lips to brush against hers. Half expecting her to push him away, Draco hesitated before continuing. Gently he then traced the outline of her jaw and then back to her lips while his left hand made its wait to her hip.

Draco's lips tingled for the mere touch of her skin meeting them and inhaling quietly he pushed his lips against hers, just wanting to feel them. Her lips were warm, damp, and just as soft as her remembered from the last time. The demand to taste her swelled as he opened his mouth against hers, gently sucking that damned bottom lip of hers between his teeth. Nibbling upon her lip, she moaned lightly into the kiss as he enjoyed the taste of her minty toothpaste.

His heart thrummed, echoing in his ears while he squeezed his eyes tightly while tangling his fingers inside her curls. The kiss melted as he pulled her against him, ignoring the scream of a sharp pain in his chest. Untangling his fingers from her hair, he brushed his fingertips against her the side of her neck and down her the length of her clothed arm.

Draco then reluctantly pulled away bit by bit, the only sound was that of his and her panted breaths. Once he opened his eyes to see Granger already looking up at him through half lidded eyes and flushed cheeks, he exhaled. Unsure of what came over him, he backed away and with one last look, he lifted his brows up and down once at her before heading out of the classroom.

One thing was for sure, he was bad at avoiding or refusing Granger…

'So much for putting her off until later…' he thought clenching his jaw as he made his way towards the room of requirements.