The next morning Hermione woke up at her usual time and headed for the bathroom when she opened the door she was met with hot, steamy air. The shower was running and she could see the pale silluoette of Draco. She closed her eyes and tried to feel her way back to the door. But she didn't make it there, she tripped on the purple rug and smacked her elbow on the cupboard instead.
Draco opened the shower door and lazily wrapped a towel around his waist. Hermione was still on her stomach on the cold tiles, defeat evident in the way she had her head hung low.
"You are quite clumsy," Draco said grabbing her by her wrist and dragging her from the ground.
"I know," Hermione said huffily yanking her arm out of Draco's grasp.
"I got up early because I have some extra work for Potions. I'm sorry if it inconvienanced you," Draco said and Hermione shrugged.
"Fine, are you done now," Hermione said and Draco chuckled.
"Yeah, go ahead and get all dolled up," Draco said and Hermione gave him a disturbed look.
"I'm not going to get dolled up," she said forcefully and he just smiled.
"Whatever," he said and he went to the door that entered into his room and opened it.
"By the way Hermione, you look very sexy when you're flustered," Draco said evilly and Hermione turned her back on him so he wouldn't see the astounded look on her face.
"Get stuffed, Malfoy," Hermione said evenly, as though she was making the statement that it was warm when the sun was out.
"But Hermione that would hurt," Draco whined and Hermione turned to stare at him.
"You really have gone around the twist, you know," She said rolling her eyes.
It was a Hogsmeade weekend and Hermione was looking forward to it with anticipation. Harry and Ron had promised her a day free from worries. She would see if they delivered on their promises. They walked through the chilly air, their cloaks drawn around them, the only warmth provided from their light conversation. Hermione's teeth began to chatter and Harry moved them down the path faster.
The Three Broomsticks was right ahead of them, the windows fogged with condesation. Hermione grasped the door handle and pulled. Laughter and warm air met them. Hermione walked steadily in to the pub her eyes adjusting to the somewhat dimmed lighting.
"I'll go get us drinks," She volunteered. She watched for a moment as Harry and Ron nodded silently and walked to a table near the back. She turned and walked to the bar, rubbing her hands together to bring feeling back into her fingers. Rosemerta smiled graciously at Hermione when she noticed her.
"What can I getcha?" Madame Rosemerta asked wiping her hands off on her apron.
"Three butterbeers, please," Hermione requested and Rosemerta went off to get them.
Hermione stood there, feeling a bit self-concsious, she looked at the people around her shyly. Madame Rosmerta was back in a moment with overflowing mugs, she set them on the bar and Hermione fished in her pockets and pulled out a shiny galleon. She gave it to Madame Rosemerta and then balancing the three mugs carefully, made her way over to Harry and Ron.
Unfortunately they had chosen a table very near where Draco and his cronies were sitting. Ignoring their hoots and jeers, she sat beside Harry handing him his butterbeer. The other two she set carefully on the table. Harry drained his so fast that Hermione laughed at him.
"Thirsty, Harry? Or do we need to go find you something stronger," Ron joked.
"I'll go have Madame Rosemerta fix you another mug," Hermione said and she quickly scooped up Harry's empty glass and walked towards the bar.
Nervous energy was pulsing through her veins and she couldn't understand why. She just couldn't sit completely still though. Madame Rosemerta gave her a quizzical look as Hermione handed her the empty mug. When she brought it back full again she stopped Hermione from paying her.
"This one's on the house," she said kindly and Hermione gave her a grateful smile.
She was just making her way back to her table when Draco stepped infront of her. He was the last living creature she wanted to deal with at the moment. And that was saying something.
"Get out of my way," she demanded putting the butterbeer close to her chest, protectively.
"Aren't we polite today," Draco said and Hermione shook her head.
"I'm just tired, leave me alone," Hermione said as patiently as she could muster.
Hermione sensing that she wasn't going to get by him, set the butterbeer down on a nearby table. Surpisingly Harry and Ron hadn't noticed she was being harrased by Malfoy yet, but if they did, there most likely would be a fist fight.
"Hermione, when are we going to get together," Draco asked sweetly grabbing her wrist and pulling her close to him.
"Never," Hermione spat trying to release his grip on her.
Draco didn't say anything he bent his head closer to Hermione's and she froze.
"Hermione, my how beautiful you are," he whispered before he put his warm lips on her neck.
Hermione was both appalled and pleased. His lips were so soft, but this was, Draco Malfoy and she hated him. He let go of her and she stumbled backwards from him. But he didn't move out of her way.
"You are disgusting," Hermione said rubbing at her neck as though burned.
Draco laughed.
"I at least can get a girlfriend, Hermione. You just surround yourself with guy friends. They don't see you how I do. Come on you know you liked it," he said beguilingly.
"You think I can't get anyone?" Hermione said rather shrilly and Draco nodded, smirking for all he was worth.
"Fine, we'll see about that," Hermione said and she pushed past Draco, grabbed the butterbeer and stomped over to where Harry and Ron sat.
Draco didn't know what she was going to do, she had never backed down from a challenge before, but he didn't expect her to prove him wrong right then.
Hermione set the butterbeer down in front of Harry. Then giving Draco one last glare, she turned back around, leaned across the table, grabbed Harry's tie and pulled his face close to hers. If Draco could have seen it, he would have bet that Harry's face was completely shocked. She kissed him, their lips molding together in passion.
Without thinking, Harry reprocated her actions. When they pulled apart, Harry was gasping for air and Hermione gave Draco a self-satisfied look. He had to admit he was jealous, who wouldn't be, Harry had just gotten some tongue action in front of a large crowd, with the girl Draco had laid claims to. It was completely sickening.
"Hermione, I think we need to talk," Harry said after he had recovered, both his breath and his voice.
"Fine," Hermione said following him outside, but not before giving Ron a sympathetic look, for the red head looked like he might cry.
"What was that," Harry asked a bit angry with her for doing something like this.
"I'm sorry, Harry. That was completely stupid. I just wanted to make Draco mad, or jealous or whatever. I just want him to leave me alone," Hermione said exhasperated with her recent actions.
"Oh, I thought you'd lost your mind," Harry said jokingly.
"Before you ask, let me clarify my feelings for you. You are my best friend, that is it," Hermione said slowly.
"I didn't ever think differently until you pulled me across a table and kissed me infront of most of the kids from our school," Harry said lightly and Hermione smiled out of embarrassement.
"I'm sorry. I've probably ruined both our reputations," Hermione said biting her lip.
"No, it's alright. I've gotten used to it," Harry said shrugging.
"Oh Harry, you are wonderful," Hermione said giving him a hug.
"I do what I can," Harry said sheepishly pushing his hands into his pockets.
"Ron isn't going to be very happy though," Harry said and Hermione looked downcast for a moment.
"I'll tell him it was all just a mis-understanding," Hermione said and Harry laughed.
"Good luck with that one," Harry said and Hermione nodded.
"I know."
"Ron, can I talk to you," Hermione began carefully. Ron eyed her warily and Hermione could see the hurt in his eyes.
"I guess," Ron said defeated with one pleading look from Hermione.
"I'm so sorry, Ron. I know that what I did today couldn't have made you feel good at all. It was stupid. I just wanted to make Draco mad. I wasn't thinking at all. I've talked to Harry and he knows that we are just friends. I guess what I'm trying to say is that me and Harry are just friends. Nothing has changed," Hermione said swaying back in for in nervous anticipation.
"You're wrong, everything has changed, Hermione. I like you, you know that. Now everytime you're with someone else it's going to feel like a bludger straight to the chest," Ron said seriously.
"Ron, I don't know what to do," Hermione quavered.
"Just promise you won't go kissing Harry ever again," Ron said and Hermione snorted.
"Oh, that I can do," Hermione said.
Draco was resting his tired body on the sofa one late Sunday afternoon when Hermione came storming into the common room. For once, Draco knew that source of her anger was not him. He hadn't talked to her since she had made that horrible and very public display with Harry.
She went into her bedroom, slamming the door behind her. Draco didn't move, but he could hear her pacing her bedroom before she threw her door open once again and came out to sit dispairingly in an armchair.
"Rough day I take it," Draco cautioned, waiting for her to chew his head off.
But as Hermione had been doing all year long, she dissappointed him.
"Yes," Hermione simply said and she sounded calm enough.
"Can I ask what happened."
"No."
"Oh."
"That Parvarti Patil is a dim-witted prat, I can't believe her," Hermione said after a few moments of silence.
Draco remained silent, Hermione wouldn't like him butting in with his opinion anyway.
"She came up to me today at lunch and told me that I was a brazen hussy to go after Harry when I know that Ginny has liked him for years," Hermione said her voice rising somewhat.
"That's preposterous," Draco said rather pompously and Hermione looked at him coldly.
"You and Harry could never date. Nor could you and Ron. They are too familiar and dull for you," Draco said matter-of-factly.
"They are not," Hermione said indignantly.
"Come on, all they talk about is Quidditch. They're not the most intelligent conversationists either," Draco said and Hermione just stared at him blankly for a moment.
"Well, perhaps. Quidditch isn't everything," Hermione said and Draco guffawed.
"Only a girl. Quidditch is the best sport in all creation. But even I have to admit that it get's redundant to keep prattling on about it," Draco said and she smiled.
"Draco, I don't know you anymore. Who are you and what have you done with the real Draco?" She demanded quite seriously.
"I locked him in my trunk start of term. Come off it, I'm the same as I've always been," Draco said stretching his limbs like a cat and yawning quite contentedly.
"No, you're not. You've matured. Otherwise you would have laughed when Colin snorted milk through his nose this morning," Hermione pointed out and nodded.
"Well, yeah. I couldn't stay eleven my whole life, I'm no Peter," Draco said and Hermione looked at him with scandalized eyes.
"What did you just say," Hermione asked and Draco shrugged slightly.
"Just that I had to grow up at some time," Draco said and Hermione shook her head.
"No what you said after that."
"I'm not a Peter," Draco said raising an eyebrow quizzically.
"Yes, that's it. What do you mean," Hermione questioned.
"I'm not like that boy in that story. You know Peter Pan," when he was met with a surpised look he puffed out his chest.
"Come on, I thought you were a book-worm. Don't tell me you haven't read the classic novel, Peter Pan," Draco said rolling his eyes and Hermione looked heated.
"Of course I have, what English child hasn't? But it's a muggle book, by a muggle author. I thought you hated muggles and everything to do with them," Hermione said huffily.
"Don't go around the twist about it. I can read whatever I like. I'm not that predjudice," Draco declared airily.
"Right, so calling me Mudblood for most of our time here has just been your way of, what? Making friends?" Hermione said annoyed with him at this point.
"No, no. I really can't stand you. That's pretty much it," Draco said sweetly and Hermione, who had turned quite red, stared at him with her mouth open.
What a contradiction!
"Then why are you suddenly trying to be mates with me," Hermione asked and Draco laughed.
"Mates? Now doesn't that sound funny."
"Be serious."
"I can't."
"Fine, whatever I am going to go do my homework. Don't bother me," Hermione said and she stood up and went into her room.
But Draco couldn't help annoying her at least one more time. He crept over to her door on tip-toe and opened it quietly. Hermione was on the bed with all her work scattered around her. She was muttering under her breath, probably memorizing potion ingredients.
"Hermione, would you mind helping me move something," Draco asked and Hermione looked up at him through narrowed eyes.
"Why?"
"Because I can't do it on my own," Draco shot back nonchalantly and Hermione took the bait.
"Fine, but make it quick," Hermione said as she hopped off her bed and followed Draco to his room.
Draco opened his door and with a sweeping gesture motioned for Hermione to step inside. He went in after her and closed the door behind them.
"Finally," Draco said striding across the room towards Hermione.
"What do you mean," Hermione said nervously, she eyed the door.
"Hermione, I've wanted you alone, without distractions all month. Now go sit on the bed." Draco directed.
Hermione balked at this comment.
"What!" She nearly shrieked.
"You heard me," Draco said and Hermione crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him.
"I will not, you told me you needed help," She said accusingly.
"I lied. Come on, Hermione, it will be fun," Draco said giving her a puppy-dog look.
"What will be fun," Hermione asked although she had a vague idea about what he was talking about.
"Well in what order do you want them? There will be sucking and licking and maybe some bitting," Draco said.
Hermione could have been knocked over by a feather. He was dispicable. And now he was making lewd comments about what he wanted to do with her.
"Get your mind out of the gutter, Granger. I brought some strawberries and chocolate up from the kitchens." He said and he went to his desk and grabbed the tray.
"See."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"And everyone thinks your a goody-toe-shoes. I can fairly guess what you thought I was talking about," Draco said and Hermione blushed.
"Don't! I know what I was thinking, you know. Let's drop it." Hermione said tucking her hair behind her ears and going to sit on Draco's bed.
"Fine," Draco said sitting down beside Hermione and then put the tray containing the chocolate and strawberries on both their laps.
"So how is your lover," Draco asked and Hermione raised a quizzical eyebrow at him.
"Who?"
"Potter, of course," Draco said darkly and Hermione laughed.
"Draco, you said so yourself, there could never be anything between me and Harry. We are just friends," Hermione said.
"What was that kiss about then," Draco asked and Hermione colored.
"Draco, please. Not now," Hermione said rubbing her head as if in pain.
"Hermione, you did it in front of everyone in the pub, I have the right to an explanation," Draco pouted.
"That kiss was a mistake," Hermione conceded, blushing a bit.
"Oh, really?"
"Yes, I was confused, and angry. Angry at you, in fact," Hermione said.
"Little old me got you that fired up? I'm shocked, I thought you were above pettiness," Draco teased.
"Apperantly not," Hermione sighed heavily and grabbed a strawberry.
"Well, why's Harry not following you around like a puppy dog," Draco asked and Hermione shook her head at him.
"You aren't going to let this go, are you," Hermione said and Draco smirked.
"No, not until, I know why."
Hermione sighed and answered him, "Harry likes Ginny."
"Oh, and how does that sit with you," Draco asked dipping a strawberry and taking a big bite of it, while looking thoughtfully at her.
"It's not really any of my business. Harry can like who he wants, I don't have romantic feelings for him," Hermione said and Draco sighed.
"Ahh, not for him, but for who," He asked and Hermione glanced at her feet.
"Why do you want to know," Hermione asked and he laughed.
"Because how else am I supposed to know what's going on with you. I would never know just talking to you. You shut me out, and I have to live with you and see you sitting in your chair and staring off into space, and I want to know what's in that mind of yours," Draco said truthfully and Hermione looked at him oddly.
"I didn't know you cared," She said stalling.
"I'm not as emotionless as you like to think. I do occasionally think of other people than myself," Draco said and Hermione smiled.
"That's nice to hear."
"Stop trying to change the subject, Granger," Draco said and she sighed losing her cheery demeanor.
"I'm really confused as to what I think anymore, to tell you the truth. I liked someone this summer, but he didn't feel the same as I did, and now... he's gone missing and all I can think of is the days we spent together. It's pathetic," Hermione said looking downcast as she bit her strawberry and looked past Draco to something he couldn't see.
Draco sat there, thinking on what she'd said and he couldn't help feeling bad. Muggles disappeared everyday, but ones that were close friends to someone who was muggle-born was a far shadier deal. He didn't even want to think about his father at that moment, because he knew the man wasn't innocent when it came to things like this.
"Is there anyone you like at this school," He asked absentmindedly and Hermione looked like she was thinking it over.
"I'm not sure anymore," She said and she shrugged taking another strawberry and sucking it into her mouth.
No matter how much Draco prodded she'd never open up that much to him.
"What about you?" Hermione asked and Draco laughed.
"All girls throw themselves at me, and I can only stand that for so long. I want something new," Draco said.
Hermione raised an eyebrow and then started to laugh.
"What," Draco demanded.
"Typical Malfoy behavior. You only do what will annoy other people and confuse them," Hermione said shaking her head in merriment.
"I can't help being unpredictable," Draco said.
"Not to me," Hermione said and Draco jokingly gave her a stern look.
"Well, someone had to figure me out, sooner or later. It had to be you, no one else is as observant or nit-picky about everything that goes on around them. I guess I'm not that surprised. Or angry. You are not a Slytherin and so you will not use such things against me," Draco said.
Hermione's face lost it's charming smile and she looked at him deadly serious.
"I won't?"
Draco felt his insides flip. She wouldn't dare.
"You won't." He said with a tone of pleading underlaying everything.
Hermione lost her hard edge, and giggled.
"I won't use these things against you. Not unless you gave me an extremely good reason."
"And that would be?"
"If you harmed someone I loved, or betrayed me. Then you better hope you could find a big enough rock to crawl under, because I would make certain you were ashes," Hermione said.
He smiled at her threat.
"Well alright."
She stood and shook out her skirt.
"I really do have some studying to do. See you tomorrow," She said taking her leave.