Ok, let me start off with a real big I'm sorry. I'm sorry. My sister is stupid. She's really annoying and reading this over my shoulder just to annoy me. Anyway, ff.net was being really stupid earlier this week, not letting me on. And I was too lazy to type. And the really crappy part is I pretty much just realized I'm lactose intolerant. I LOVE milk! ; and cheese, ice cream, etc. It really stinks. Sorry, I'm rambling/ranting. Don't mind me. I never make much sense, ask Kim. I'm going to shut up now and let you read.
Chapter 14
Accumulations
Draco's POV
During Charms the next day Flitwick handed back our essays, giving me a funny look when he handed me mine. It was an A, but he had added a note.
Mister MalfoyThe first half of the paper is what
I asked you for. In the second half, you
made quite a few interesting points. I didn't
know you thought that about you fellow prefect.
Next time, please try to stick to the assignment.
Confused, I glanced down the page, then started mentally kicking myself. I had written about Granger, and even drawn a small doodle. Pretty? Sweet? Innocent? Aw crap. If my father found out I was in trouble with a capital T. I shoved the essay in my bag and tried to forget about it. I knew I wouldn't, but I could burn it later. The rest of the day was fairly uneventful.
*~*~*
Hermione's POV
I spent the morning trying NOT to think about Malfoy. Fat chance. Finally, I was in my last class of the day, Herbology. I think Harry and Ron were worried. Neville had answered more questions than I had. We were studying Venela Vines, harmless and useful in many potions. We would be preparing them for Snape in a few days. Today consisted of reading a chapter I had read a few weeks before. My mind kept flitting back to the previous evening, even though I was trying not to think about it. Malfoy had been awfully close. He looked really good too with a body any girl would love to have control of. His chest was well developed, not freakishly big, but nice, and a six-pack to die for. His arms were well muscled, but I had already known that from all my previous klutzy moments. The fact that he had heard me singing embarrassed me greatly. I was very self-conscious when it came to my voice. Then there was the fact he had been wearing a towel. And only a towel. I blushed now, thinking of it. I had been too upset the night before. Ron poked me, making me jump.
"Mione? Were you listening?"
"Umm, not really." I gave him a sheepish grin and he rolled his eyes.
"Well, we were discussing Snape's project. Why do you and the ferret have to test your potion and not the rest of us?"
"Probably because we're the top two students and he doesn't think we'll mess it up."
"Oh." Ron looked thoughtful. "What potion is he making you do?"
"The Leintas."
"What's that?" Harry spoke up, as usual with his questions.
"The Mind-Reading potion." Ron exploded.
"The ferret will be able to read your mind??"
"Until we take the antidote, yes."
"Who's brewing that?"
"Malfoy." Ron looked shocked.
"You trust him?" he looked incredulous. "What if he doesn't brew it correctly?"
"If he doesn't, then I have access to his head until a new antidote is brewed, which takes about a month."
"Oh." Ron looked thoughtful again.
"So, while the potion is in effect, you can read his entire mind?" Harry was curious now.
"Yes, and he can read mine."
"Memories and all?"
"I don't know, but I hope not. I don't want to know what he's done with the Slytherin whore, Pansy." The guys laughed.
"But, Mione, if you have access to his memories, you can find out if he's a death eater of not." Harry was bright-eyed now.
"He's not a death eater."
"How do you know?"
"We live in the same common room, and he does own T-shirts."
"Oh." Ron sounded disappointed. "Well, you will be able to find out if his father is a death eater."
"I'm not sure. Either way, the potion won't be ready for at least another month."
"Alright, Mione. We'll drop the subject." Harry gave me a smile. Just then, the bell rang and we headed out the door. I was limping slowly and painfully. "Mione? What's wrong? Didn't you go to the infirmary yesterday?"
"Yeah, but the potion didn't work again. I'm not sure why." Harry handed Ron his books, my bag, then he picked me up. "Harry, I'm fine. I can walk. Put me down."
"No, you can't, and no I won't. You're going back to the infirmary." We were at the castle doors now.
"Harry." He shook his head. "Ron, help me out here."
"Nope, you've been limping for awhile now. There's something wrong. You're going to the infirmary." I glared at him. "Sorry, Mione, but its for your own good." Then, muttering to himself, "I sound like my mother." He grumbled a little bit. "Mione, you're tiny. How do you lug this thing around?"
"Easily, I'm not as weak as you all seem to think I am. I am quite capable of walking, too."
"Mione, give it up. We're here." Harry set me on a bed and went to find Pomfrey. She came back with him, surprised to see me again.
"Miss Granger? Why are you back?"
"It's my ankle. It hasn't healed yet." She looked shocked. She muttered a spell over my ankle. A hologram type thing appeared over it.
"Odd, very odd." She was talking quietly to herself. "Hold on a moment dear." She walked into her office. A few minutes later she came out, Snape following her. He looked at the hologram thing, then started firing questions at me.
"How many times have you broken your ankle?" surprised, I answered.
"Once, a few summers ago."
"Sprained?"
"Over the summer and this time."
"When did it happen?"
"Sunday afternoon."
"Where?"
"Prefect bathrooms. I slipped getting out."
"And you walked here?"
"Half-way."
"How did you go the other half?"
"I was carried."
"By?"
"It doesn't matter." Harry gave me a surprised look, and Snape looked up, angry. I met his gaze evenly. He looked away first. I decided to be the innocent, so I wouldn't piss him off more. "What's wrong with it, Professor?"
"It's a magical sprain. You've had a curse on it. It won't heal until we find out which curse and brew the antidote. Every time you step on it, it gets worse."
"So I'm just supposed to sit here? I have Prefect duties and classes. The ball is ten days away, I'm not going to miss it." Snape glared at me.
"First, you won't sit here. You'll be moved to your own room. Second, I will brew you a potion for the night of the ball. You'll be able to walk and dance, but in moderation. No more than three hours on your feet, and rest often." I was surprised, but happy.
"Anything else?"
"I will brew the potion on one condition."
"And that is?"
"You don't walk until the ball, and if you do, it is to the bathrooms only."
"What about classes?"
"I believe Mister Malfoy takes the same classes you do." I nodded. "He takes fine notes. He'll act as your tutor until you can return to classes." Ron, quiet until this moment spoke up.
"But we're Mione's friends. Malfoy doesn't even like her. He calls her mu- horrible names." Snape turned on him.
"Weasley, you couldn't take good notes to save your life, and I highly doubt Mister Potter could do much better. Mister Malfoy and Miss Granger already share a common room. He will be able to bring her notes and assignments easily." Ron reddened and stepped back.
"Professor, what if I had my mum and dad send me my crutches? May I go to class then?"
"Miss Granger-"
"Professor, I am not helpless and I refuse to be treated as such. What if I go to class every other day, and swear to stay off my feet the day in between?" he sighed.
"Do you swear not to set a toe out of bed?" I held up three fingers.
"On my honor." Snape looked confused for a second, then nodded.
"Potter, make yourself useful and carry Miss Granger back to the room she is not to leave until her crutches arrive." He turned to leave.
"Professor, thank you." He raised a hand in response and stormed out the door, robes billowing behind him. I smiled. Hermione-1 Snape-0. I turned to Harry. "Alright Potter, make yourself useful and carry Miss Granger up to her room." He and Ron laughed and I giggled. Harry scooped me up and carried me through the halls. It was going to be a long few weeks.
*~*~*
Draco's POV
When I headed back to my room after classes and a quick dinner, I was surprised to hear male voices coming from Granger's room. I knocked and heard an 'Enter'. I opened the door to find Potter and Weasley sitting on her bed.
"Evening, Granger, Potter, Weasley." I was going to be courteous. The proper gentlemen.
"Hey Malfoy." Potter nodded and the Weasel glared. I gestured to them.
"Why?"
"Because my sprain isn't normal. Some idiot cursed me." I was really surprised, but didn't let it show.
"What?" she half-smiled.
"That's what I said. I'm stuck here until my crutches come, which will probably take awhile, seeing as my parents are visiting my cousin in the states until Saturday.
"Damn. Any clue who could have done it?" she shook her head.
"After I took the potion on Sunday, I fell asleep. Anyone passing my bed could have done it. The infirmary was quite full, mostly Gryffindors, and a few other people from each house." She turned to the Weasel and Potter. "That was the afternoon after Colin and Dennis started testing Squealer Sticks." Potter broke out laughing and the Weasel turned red.
"But Mione, I don't remember you coming into the infirmary."
"I was quiet. It's amazing anyone could sleep. Fred and George invented a good new product." Potter nodded.
"Yeah, and the shop is doing great. Have you ever been there, Malfoy?"
"Actually, yes." The Weasel turned to look at me, surprised.
"When?"
"Over the summer."
"No way, I was there all summer. I never saw you come in. Why would you, anyway?"
"Well, after the stunts they pulled on Umbridge last year, I figured it was worth it. And in case you have forgotten, I am the top potions student. Would you happen to remember a short black-haired boy with blue eyes? He bought two pack of fireworks and a swamp." The Weasel's eyes grew wide and his mouth fell open.
"That was you?" I nodded. "But- but I actually liked you!"
"You met Daemon." All three looked confused. "Never mind. I have work to do."
"Uh, Malfoy?"
"Yeah, Granger?"
"Snape said I would be able to borrow your notes from class until I can go back, is that ok with you?" I nodded and left the room. Closing the door behind me, I realized I hadn't insulted either of the wonder twins once. Damn. If I wasn't careful, my reputation would be irreparable. The next step would be dating Granger. I laughed to myself and started my homework.
*~*~*
Hermione's POV
After Malfoy shut my door, Ron turned to look at me, eyes wide.
"What happened to him?"
"How should I know?"
"He- he didn't insult us."
"Thank God, I'm in no position to break up any fights."
"Why didn't he this time?" Harry asked, thoughtful.
"I'm not sure. Maybe he's slipping. But speaking of time, you two should go eat, dinner is almost over."
"Alright. We'll come visit tomorrow, Mione." Harry waved and headed out the door.
"Bye Mione!" Ron followed, shutting the door behind him. I pulled out my laptop and played some solitaire. Then, around 10:30, I got bored.
~*~*~*~
Ok, so that's not where I really ended my chapter, but I wanted to post this tonight. I figured 7 pages would be good. The next chapter will be fairly long too. I can't find the sheet with all my reviews on it, so I'll put them in the next chapter. Review please!!
~K~