A/N: Well, hello readers. If any of you are still with this story, may the Lord Bless your soul. Seriously, I really don't deserve it. Let me explain. I struggled with this chapter. I think it's because I had a great many directions that this story could go and I really couldn't decide which way I wanted it. That made it really difficult to write. Tie that in with the fact that this story is a comedy (and like drama is my niche), I veered WAY into the drama side... and I'm still not sure if I'm okay with that. Nevertheless, I have a plot line completely set now, so future chapters should come much more regularly. Anyway, enough rambling. Enjoy :)
Disclaimer: The lovely Jo Rowling owns these characters. This plot is mine. All mine.
**To my reviewer 'Karaaaaa', two things. First, thank you for your review! They're always welcome and I appreciate it! Second, I would have done this in private, but your review was anonymous, so I couldn't reply, but I have to say... Draco and Harry first met on the train. I'm not wrong. That's where they met in the books. Yes, in the movie they met in the castle, but I follow the books. They're what's canon to me. ;)
** Chapter Ten - Just Couple Things**
Blazing sunlight awoke Hermione from a short but restful sleep. She sat up, rubbed her eyes and blinked, waiting for them to focus on the time on the clock. A minute or so later, she read 6:02. Oh, good. They hadn't overslept.
She looked over at Draco who was lying on his stomach, his arm hanging over the side of the bed, still fast asleep. Wanting to let him rest just a little longer, she decided she'd have a shower and come back to wake him then.
She quietly got off of the bed, picked her shirt up from the floor and slid it on. The door to her room was just to the right of the bed, where Draco was sleeping. She tiptoed around the bed as quietly as she could but as she reached the door she felt his hand on her ankle.
He sleepily mumbled, "And where do you think you're sneaking off to?"
She smiled. "I'm not sneaking. I just didn't want to wake you. I'm going to have a quick shower, okay?"
"Mmmkay." he sleepily replied. "Hey, do your parents actually know I'm here?"
"My mum does. I don't know if my dad does, though."
"So, I definitely shouldn't go downstairs?"
Hermione laughed, "Probably not until I'm with you. Unless you want to just leave from here."
His eyebrows furrowed. "Why would I want to do that?"
"I don't know. I just thought maybe you wouldn't want to deal with my dad after Friday night."
"Hmm. Okay."
"Okay." She bent down, kissed him on cheek and headed for the bathroom.
Hermione had just stepped into the shower when she heard the bathroom door open and close.
"Hello?" she said aloud.
"It's me." Replied Draco.
She stuck her head out from behind the shower curtain. "Are you alright?"
"Fine. I'm just wondering—Hermione, do you want me to leave now?"
"Not particularly. Draco, something's wrong. What is it?"
He shrugged. "It maybe seemed like you wanted me to leave from your room or it seemed as if you didn't want me to go downstairs at all."
Hermione frowned. "No! That's ridiculous. I'm sorry if it sounded that way, but I really was trying to give you an option. I want you to do what you want to do, not what I tell you to do."
He looked hesitant, like he didn't believe her. "Really?" he asked.
"Really." She stared at him for a few seconds and then shook her head as if trying to get rid of a bad thought.
"What was that all about?"
She bit her lower lip. "This." She said, gesturing back and forth between them. "This is peculiar, right?"
He tilted his head in confusion. "Umm, I'm not sure if 'peculiar' is the word I'd use. 'Different' is a word I might use. Why?"
"I don't know. The status quo has always been 'Draco is mean and I hate him' and even when we were doing our fake relationship show for my parents it was still 'You hate each other and fight all the time and play pranks on each other.' Now, the status quo changed and I don't know what to do, I don't know what to say, I don't know how to act. I spent all this time trying to get you to be my friend, but I guess I never took a minute to think about what I'd do when I finally got there. That's just me, but there's you, too. You're defensive, Draco and you're mean and you have moments where you're nice but you never let your vulnerability show for long before you purposefully go in for the kill. I mean, you said it yourself last night 'you can't expect me to change that quickly' and you're right, I can't. So what's to stop you from just biting me in the neck like a snake and slowly watching me die?"
Hermione stood there, breathing hard and letting the hot water hit her back.
Draco cleared his throat and said, "Holy shit, Hermione. You're clearly freaking out so do you want me to address any of the things you mentioned or should I just let you finish showering?"
She didn't answer him so he turned to leave, but as he did so she shook her head no.
He let go of the door handle. "Okay, I guess you want me to talk. Umm, where to start? Merlin, it's too early for this." He turned the faucet, splashed some water on to his face and dried off with a towel. He stared at Hermione for a second and said. "Fuck this, I'm just going to say it. Hermione, the only thing about your so called status quo that changed is that we went from fake-dating to actual dating, so I'm a little confused as to why you don't know how to act around me now. Act the same. That's the Hermione I started to like, albeit a little less after you went off like that, but still. If I started to like you when we were fake dating, then why would I want you to act differently now?"
She opened her mouth to speak but he put his hand up to shush her.
He continued, "As for what you said about me, that's the second time you've brought that up in the less than eight hours that we've been together, Hermione. Do you know what that tells me? That tells me that that's going to be your topic. We fight, Hermione. It's what we do and that's okay. I'm fine with that, but this can't be your thing to fight about because if it is, this is how's it's going to go down. We're going to hang out and eat dinner together and study together and do all the couple things that we should, but at the end of each night when we get back to our common room, you're going to tell me that you're scared. You're scared that it's too good to be true and you're scared that something's going to go off in my head like a switch and I'm just going to turn into an asshole again, but I'm going to deny it and tell you it's not true and I'm going to ask you what else I have to do to prove to you that I'm different and it'll go on and on and on. Then one day, it'll actually happen. I'm going to turn back into an asshole and it'll be because you spent the entire time waiting for me to fuck you over and you'll realize that it's your fault that we broke up because you didn't believe I could be a decent human being and you spent the whole relationship letting me know that. So, you need to find something else to fight about, because I don't need another person in my life tearing me down especially when that's the one person who should always have faith in me."
Hermione didn't know what to say. Draco had just handed her ass to her on a silver platter.
"I'm sorry." She whispered, "I'm so embarrassed. I shouldn't have said anything—are you mad?"
Draco's expression softened. He walked over to her and laid a soft kiss on her lips. "I'm not mad, I just went a little Slytherin on my delivery. Just give me a chance, okay, Hermione. That's all I'm asking for."
She pecked his lips. "I won't bring it up again. I promise."
He smiled his thanks and then turned to leave.
Hermione still felt badly and she wanted the uncomfortable feeling between them to go away so she asked, "Want to join me in the shower?"
He turned back around, "Not that it isn't a terribly tempting offer, but I think I'll just wait until you're done."
"Okay. We're okay, right?"
Draco nodded. "Fine."
She smiled softly at him and watched him quickly exit but she couldn't help but feel like she had really hurt his feelings. Maybe she shouldn't have worded it the way she had, but she still thought her feelings had validation. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, she and Draco dating was weird. Not only was it weird, but also to those outside of both their inner circles of friends, it was completely out of the blue. She decided she'd revisit the topic with him later.
She quickly finished showering and let Draco have his turn. They spent the next twenty minutes getting ready in silence.
When they had finished Hermione said, "Alright. I'm just going to go downstairs and let my dad know that you're here. Come down in about ten minutes, okay?"
Draco sighed, "Okay, but is it really that big of a deal? I mean, I asked if I should sleep on the couch last night and you just rolled your eyes and dragged me up here."
"It's not that. They won't care about that."
"Then what is it?"
She paused. "I was going to tell my dad to apologize for Friday night."
"No, Hermione." He was very stern.
"Why not? He was so out of line saying what he did."
"That may be true, but he doesn't know why and there's no way in hell you're telling him."
"Of course not, Draco, but putting your relationship with your father aside, he was still out of bounds. He was basically attacking you about why you hadn't told your family about me."
He shook his head. "I'd really prefer you didn't."
She groaned. "You know, now that we're actually dating, it's even more important to me that he make things right. I don't want you to hate him."
He smiled. "I don't hate him. I mean, I suppose he just did what any normal father would do."
Hermione didn't like it but she conceded. "Are you sure? I really don't mind talking to him."
He nodded. "I'm sure." He then playfully punched her arm and said, "Thanks, though. I appreciate the thought."
She giggled at him. "What was that?"
"What?"
"The arm punch. You just punched my arm."
He flushed, embarrassed. "Well, I just acted on impulse. I didn't know what else to do." He then caught sight of the mischievous smirk she wore on her face. "Oh, you're teasing."
She nodded and then held out her hand to him.
He took it and squeezed, then said, "And you wonder why I have trust issues."
She chuckled and asked, "Shall we?"
"Let's go."
They walked hand in hand down the stairs and into the sitting room, where an array of delightful smells met them. Hermione looked on the small kitchen table and saw a spread of peach scones, bacon, poached eggs and butter.
She smiled and looked over at Draco. "I think my parents want us to stay for breakfast. Hungry?"
He smiled. "Famished."
"Go ahead and sit. I'll go let mum and dad know we've come down."
She then walked into the kitchen and saw her mum setting a tray of tea. Her father was leaning on the counter, sipping his own cup, eyes fixed on the morning paper.
"Good morning, mum. Good morning, dad."
"Good morning, sweetums." Answered her mum. "Did you and Draco work everything out?"
Hermione instantly felt her cheeks flush. She chuckled nervously and replied, "Yes. We're perfect now. Thanks for letting him stay."
At that moment, Draco appeared in the kitchen doorframe holding a roll of parchment.
"Pardon my intrusion. Hermione, I've just received an owl. Professor McGonagall would like to see us when we get back to Hogwarts."
Hermione's mouth dropped open. "How does she know we're here? It's nowhere near 7:30 yet!"
Jean cleared her throat. "I wrote your school last night. You shouldn't be abusing your Head Girl and Boy privileges like you did and if you weren't supposed to be here last night, your professors should know."
Draco chuckled. "That's where you get it from."
"What does that mean?" Hermione asked, indignant.
He smiled broadly. "I just mean that you do have a tendency to strictly adhere to the rules set before you, no matter whom it might affect, or irritate, for that matter."
"Yes. A quality in me that has been sorely lacking as of late." She quipped.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"That there's a direct correlation between the time I've spent with you and the increased number of detentions I've served."
He smirked and took a step towards her. "Are you saying I'm a bad influence?"
She nodded and closed the gap between them. "The worst."
He lifted her chin with his finger and said, "Oh, come now, Hermione. Even you have to admit, not all of my ideas are bad ones. Sometimes, breaking the rules is completely worth it."
He flashed her a devilish wink, referring to the previous evening.
Hermione instinctively pressed herself against Draco, getting ready to attack his mouth. Before she could, Jean cleared her throat. Clearly, both Hermione and Draco had forgotten that they were in the kitchen.
They jumped apart quicker than you could say 'inappropriate' and both turned an unflattering shade of red.
"Still in the honeymoon phase of your relationship, I see." Jean joked.
"Mom!" squealed Hermione.
"What, dear?"
"You're making Draco uncomfortable."
He laughed. "I'm fine. She's right. We are still in that phase."
"Draco! These are my parents! What is wrong with you?"
He smirked, "Oh, far too many things to list, darling."
Hermione shook her head, and then changed the subject. "Well, shall we have a leisurely breakfast, then? Prolong the arrival of our punishment."
"Sounds good."
Jean was the first to leave the kitchen. Hermione made to follow, but Draco stalled her by placing his hand on her wrist. His eyes flickered over to Ted, who still stood reading the paper, then back to Hermione. He gave her a significant look.
She mouthed to him "What?"
He whispered, "I'm going to talk to him."
"Are you sure?" she whispered back.
He nodded, squeezed her hand and walked over to Ted.
Hermione left the kitchen, however, instead of heading into the dining room, she hid behind the doorframe to eavesdrop on the conversation.
Draco's voice drifted to her ears.
"I just wanted to clear the air after what happened on Friday, sir."
There was a short pause that felt a lot longer than it actually was. Hermione knew her father well and assumed he was probably staring Draco down while considering what to say.
Draco's voice continued, "I understand very completely where you're coming from and I understand why it seems like I'm ashamed to date her, but, believe me, I'm not. She's—amazing. I'm in awe she puts up with me, to be quite honest. I just can't tell my father and Hermione knows and understands why."
Hermione's breath caught and her insides got all tingly. Draco, surprisingly, was a complete sap.
She focused again when she heard the familiar sound of her dad's voice. "—question for you is this. What are you going to do when this becomes serious? You really can't hide something like, a marriage, for instance, from your family. I know you said that you're not sure where this is going, but I heard the way you just described my daughter. Those are deep feelings, whether you want to admit it or not."
Oh no. Ted didn't know that he and Hermione had just started dating and she was afraid that question was going to scare him away.
"Honestly, sir, if it got that serious, of course I'd tell them, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there. Alright?"
"Alright. You understand, I just love Hermione, don't you, son?"
"I understand."
Hermione smiled. She turned around and knocked on the doorframe, before peeking in. "Are you guys ready to eat? Mum and I are waiting."
"Yes, muffin." Her dad replied.
He headed out of the kitchen, leaving the two of them behind.
Before Draco could say anything, Hermione walked up to him, grabbed both sides of his face and gave him a long, hard kiss.
When the kiss ended, Draco smirked and said, "You were listening at the door, weren't you?"
Hermione hugged him tightly and with her head against his chest, she whispered, "Thank you."
He kissed the top of her head. "Yeah. Don't get used to it, though."
One hour later and Draco and Hermione were walking up the hill to Hogwarts, panting heavily.
"God, I feel like a mammoth. You're mum just wouldn't let me stop eating."
"Right? I swear it's an absolute miracle I wasn't morbidly obese growing up."
"To be fair, of all the things that were wrong with you as a child, obesity would have been the easy fix." He chortled.
His chuckle was ended by an abrupt kick to the shin.
"OUCH!"
Hermione crossed her arms. "You deserved that."
"Teasing, Granger. Jesus!" Draco stopped. "Wait a second, I need a break. I think you bruised my shin. Good grief."
They paused and Hermione sat on a nearby rock. "So, I have a question."
Draco was leaning over, rolling up his left pant leg, and examining his shin. "Shoot."
"What are we going to tell people? Or are we going to tell people?"
He stood up straight. "You mean, are we telling people about us?"
"Yes. Am I allowed to tell Ron, Harry, and Ginny or are we keeping this a secret?"
He looked at her. "I feel like this is a trap and I'm afraid for the safety of my other shin. Why do I have to decide?"
She laughed. "No, you're not in trouble. This is your decision because of your, you know, situation."
"Oh, you mean my dad. Hmmm. Well, I think that if we keep it a secret we can't do anything together, which completely defeats the purpose of being a couple. So, yeah, I think I'd like to tell people."
Hermione looked down and blushed.
He walked over to her and lifted her chin with his finger. "What?"
"Nothing. You're just full of surprises, Draco Malfoy."
"I'm trying. Now, let's go. It's going to take us twice as long to get back since you decided to maim my leg." He stuck out his tongue at her.
She stood from the rock and laughed. "Oh, shut up, you big baby."
She outstretched her hand to him and they walked hand in hand the rest of the way to the castle.
When they reached the doors, Hermione gave Draco a look that said 'here we go'. He simply smiled in reply and pushed the door.
Hermione wasn't sure what she was expecting. Outrageous stares, clapping, whispers sweeping through the crowd, however, the reaction in reality was quite lackluster.
In fact, the only one in the entryway at that moment in time was Filch's cat. She certainly didn't give two rat-tails that Draco and Hermione were now dating.
She was, however, perfectly aware of the fact that no students should be entering at that time of day and she immediately darted away to alert her cranky human counterpart.
Draco said it first, "Filch will be out soon, then."
Hermione laughed, "What're they going to do? Give us more detentions? Big deal."
Draco's mouth dropped in surprise. "Wow. I am a bad influence."
She nodded. "Told you. Let's see if we can make it to the Great Hall before someone shows up."
They started walking towards the (at the moment) nauseating smell of food wafting from the Great Hall when they heard a stern voice from behind. "To my office, please."
Neither of them had to look to know it was Professor McGonagall.
Hermione, despite what she had said moments ago, had a sinking feeling in her stomach. She really was tired of getting into trouble.
They reached McGonagall's office and all had a seat. She stared at them from behind her pointy, black spectacles and said, "I've lost count of how many times I have had you in here this year. Despite the punishment that's been administered, you continue to break the rules. Now, would one of you care to explain why you spent the night outside of school property without prior permission?"
Hermione was going to tell McGonagall the whole story, she was, but at that same moment, Professor Snape walked by and she caught a glimpse of him through the crack in the door.
The image of Draco imitating Professor Snape by the Black Lake swam into view and Hermione was unable to contain the laughter that ensued.
She looked over at Draco, who was staring at her with an amused smirk on his face. He was, no doubt, wondering what was so funny.
She tried to tell him more than once but the second she opened her mouth, the image would float back into mind's eye and she would start laughing all over again. Draco had started laughing with her simply because she couldn't stop laughing, which just made it funnier.
This continued for a good five minutes before Professor McGonagall slammed her hand onto her desk and loudly said, "That's quite enough! What on earth has gotten into you?"
At that moment, Professor Dumbledore stepped into the office and answered, "I believe, for once, our Head Boy and Girl are getting along, Minerva."
Professor McGonagall's lips thinned into a tight line. She answered quite sarcastically, "Yes, but never mind the amount of school rules they broke to get there. It's most definitely not their job to set an example for the other students here or anything."
Draco snorted and quickly looked down as McGonagall shot him a glare.
He mumbled a quick sorry and shot a sideways glance at Hermione who smiled at him.
Dumbledore smiled, as well. "Quite right, Minerva. However, I think it better for them to have broken a few rules in order to become friends than for them to have not broken rules and stayed enemies. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Well, I suppose we have been trying to get them to promote inter-house unity."
Hermione's spirits lifted higher. Perhaps they wouldn't have to deal with consequences for staying out all night at all.
She asked, "So, we're not in trouble, then?"
Dumbledore chuckled, "Oh no. I think Minerva would have a conniption if I let you off of the hook that easily. You did, after all, stay overnight off of school grounds, which is a very serious offense. At this point, detention is a bit redundant. I think, no more Hogsmeade weekends until the end of term and a letter home should do."
Hermione looked over at Draco, who had stiffened by her side.
She quickly said, "Is the letter home really necessary? My mum was the one who told you in the first place. What good will that do anyone?"
Minerva answered, "Yes, it is. For two reasons, one Draco's parents do not know, and two, your parents are to be informed how the situation was dealt with. Now, I really hope the two of you stop behaving like children and that these ridiculous pranks stop." Noting the look of shock on Hermione's face, she answered, "Oh yes, I saw that flyer about your teeth floating around the school." McGonagall looked over at Dumbledore. "I'm satisfied."
He nodded, "Very well. Would the two of you like to join me for a quick stroll around the halls? I think we have a bit more time before lessons start today."
Hermione nodded and looked over at Draco. She could tell he was in a mood now that his parents were going to find out they'd been out all night together. There wasn't anything she could do, though. He wouldn't let her tell anyone that could help.
They followed Dumbledore into the corridor and had only gone a few steps when he turned around and asked, "Who'd like to tell me what's going on here?"
Hermione looked at Draco who had his arms crossed and was leaning against the wall. He had a look of complete irritation on his face. Okay. I guess that meant she was answering.
"What do you mean, Professor?"
"Between the two of you? Something has changed since the last time we spoke."
Dumbledore was right. A great deal had changed since Draco had manipulated her Potions essay and Hermione didn't even know where to begin.
She chose her words carefully. "That's correct, sir. A lot has changed. Last time we spoke, I wasn't sure how to describe our relationship, but now, well, it's just that. A relationship."
Dumbledore's eyebrows rose. "You mean you're a couple?"
Hermione glanced at Draco, who rolled his eyes. Now, she was mad.
"Yes, for the time being. Who knows how long that'll last, though." She snapped.
Dumbledore smiled kindly. "I beg your pardon. I should not have pried, but that took me by surprise."
Hermione didn't believe him. "Really, sir?"
"Yes. I will openly admit, I chose the two of you as Head Boy and Girl, because I knew that under the right circumstances, without the outside influences of peer pressure and the like, that the two of you would be very good friends. I wanted that kind of example in our school. I did not, however, predict a romantic relationship. I'm pleasantly surprised."
Draco replied, "Glad to know that nothing that happens in my life is by choice. I'm always part of someone's plan. That's great."
Dumbledore smiled again. "A valid emotion, Draco. I apologize for interfering. Excuse me."
With that, the old wizard turned round the corner and disappeared.
Hermione rounded on Draco, "This, Draco! This is exactly what I was talking about this morning. Do you realize how much of a dick you're being right now?" He didn't answer her so she continued. "Look, I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt right now and tell you that I get why you're mad. I know we were both expecting more detentions and not a letter home and I know you're going to have to deal with that, but if you won't let me tell anyone that can help, it's not really fair for you to be mad at me about it. I mean, we did break the rules."
He just looked at her.
"Well, aren't you going to say anything?" He continued to stare at her with a blank expression on his face. "Fine, I'm going to go to class. You just stay there and be an ass, I don't care."
He shrugged and said, "Fine. Now that we've got that cleared up."
Hermione was raging. She screamed in frustration and stormed away.
Literally less than twenty-four hours into their relationship and he was already doing exactly what she was worried he would do. Clearly, when she had expressed her concerns last night and this morning, they had gone in one ear and out the other.
Normally, she wouldn't care. She'd be able to go about her business without giving two figs about what he was doing or how he was acting. Now, because of their new relationship, pouty and sulky Draco was most definitely something she would have to deal with.
She walked into the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, took her seat and waited for Ron and Harry to arrive. Not long after, her two best friends waltzed in.
"Hey, Herms. Missed you at breakfast." Ron said.
"Right-O. Gin noticed that Malfoy was missing, as well. Wouldn't be for the same reason, would it?" piped Harry.
Ron answered him, "Probably. Dinner went better than expected, I'd wager. A little too tired to wake up early, eh, Hermione?"
Harry said, "Oh, you still think she has a thing for him? No. She's just being her. She just wants to get on with him."
Harry and Ron both looked over at Hermione and her face said it all.
Ron said quietly, "Want to fill us in?"
Hermione sighed, "Right now, not really. I'm quite furious with him at the moment but yes, we're together."
Ron puffed up like a peacock. "I knew it. I just knew you were into him. Hermione is all about the D. Draco, that is."
Hermione chuckled, "Yes, well, perhaps not my cleverest decision, but we'll see how it goes. Harry?"
He shrugged. "You don't need my approval, Hermione. He's a git. You know I'll always think that, but maybe you see something I don't."
"That stings."
"It's the truth."
"Harry, can't you just try to like him?"
"Is he going to try to like me?"
"I can ask him to."
"Fine, but like I've said, you don't need my approval."
She sighed, "This coming from the boy who hid the fact that he proposed to his girlfriend from his two best friends because he was afraid of how they'd react. Harry, I support you and Ginny and I think it's great that she's making you wait until she graduates, but I'd have been equally as happy if you two had gotten married yesterday. So, please don't tell me that friend's approval doesn't matter. You know it does."
He frowned. "That's fair, but Hermione, I'm afraid he's going to hurt you. I can just feel it. It's what he does."
"I have the same fear, Harry, honestly, but I've already talked to him about that. I love that you're concerned, but please, can you say it's alright, what I'm doing?"
He sighed and then smiled. "Fine. Can't imagine what you see in him. He's a right ugly little bugger if you ask me, but if you're happy, I'm happy."
"Brilliant." Came the voice of Professor Lupin.
During their conversation, none of them had noted the time, or the fact that the entire class had gone silent and was listening to every word spoken. Now, looking around, it was painfully obvious.
Lupin continued in a tone absolutely soaking in sarcasm, "Now that we've gotten Harry's approval of Mr. Malfoy, who seems to be missing this morning, would it be alright with the three of you if I start my lesson?"
The three of them sunk low into their seats and nodded, feeling quite as little and insignificant as they had when they were first years.
An hour later and all of the students were filing out of their classrooms and heading to their next lessons. Hermione watched as the news of her relationship with Draco spread from student to student with rapid speed.
It wouldn't be long before it got back to Draco that the whole school knew. She wasn't sure if this is quite what they meant when they'd decided that they were going to tell people. This was just one more thing for Draco to be upset about. Today was turning out to be quite a day.
Hermione sighed and continued down the corridor to Advanced Ancient Runes and decided she would find Draco at lunch and clear the air.
The rest of the morning passed with ease and before she knew it, one o' clock rolled around. She walked into the Great Hall, bustling with chattering students, and scanned the room for a tuft of bright, blonde hair. He was nowhere to be seen.
Maybe he was in their dormitory. She turned around and slammed straight into Ginny.
"Oh, gosh, Gin. I'm so sorry! Have I hurt you?"
Ginny quickly scanned her body and shook her head. "No. Right as rain. Are you alright?"
Hermione nodded. "Just fair. Looking for Draco. You haven't seen him, have you?"
Ginny shook her head again. "Not since Friday, actually." She paused, "So, you guys are dating?"
She sounded slightly hurt. Hermione touched her friend's shoulder. "I would've told you, Ginny, but the news spread so quickly, I didn't have time."
Ginny nodded, "I get it. I would like to hear how everything happened, though. You know, like how your dinner and treasure hunt went and things."
Hermione smiled, "Well, Draco doesn't seem to want to be found, so let's go have a chat now."
Ginny nodded excitedly. They settled in the quietest corner of the Gryffindor table they could find and Hermione told Ginny everything that had happened since her dinner with Draco by the Black Lake.
It took Ginny a minute to digest it all. "Wow. So, you really do like him, then?"
Hermione nodded. "Perhaps I didn't realize until he asked me, or maybe it was just that I'm afraid of what's going to happen and so I didn't entertain the idea. I'm not sure."
"And now?"
"Now, he's being just like I thought he would be! When something doesn't go his way, he turns into a complete sod and honestly, I'm not sure I can handle his incessant mood swings."
"But" Ginny prompted.
Hermione sighed, "But, he's hilarious, Ginny and he has a good heart—and Merlin help me, he's so ridiculously hot."
Ginny nodded. "Yes, and Hermione, you haven't even been in a relationship a full day yet. It's fair to both of you to try, and, please don't be angry with me when I say this, but you really can't expect Draco to change so fully in such a short time. You have to know that he is a complete sod and so you can't be so hard on him when he reverts and ends up acting like one, too."
Hermione chuckled. "That's what Draco told me this morning."
Ginny nodded. "He's right."
Hermione smiled. "So, are you and Harry alright now? Seems like you two worked everything out."
"Yes. I think he's got used to the idea of waiting until I've completed my seventh year. I think we'll both still be ridiculously too young, but relationships are about compromise, right?"
Hermione laughed. "Harry's just used to acting immediately. Once he's decided something, he likes to just get on with it, you know?"
Hermione and Ginny smiled at each other and then hugged.
A nice chat with her best girlfriend was definitely what she needed to get through the rest of the day. She'd especially keep Ginny's advice in mind and give Draco as much slack as she could manage. He definitely needed it.
Hours later and Hermione was settling into an armchair in her common room and was about to get started on her Arithmancy homework when she noted the time. It was already 10:00, time to patrol the hallways and she still hadn't seen Draco since their fight. Just one more thing left up to her because of his irresponsibility.
She sighed in frustration, put down her supplies and headed out the portrait hole. She started a very long way away, near the entrance to Professor Trelawney's classroom and slowly made her way around the castle.
It was a dead, slow night, no students out of bed and really nothing to report. However, when she made it to the third floor corridor she saw a shadow pass by a few meters away.
She quietly followed the figure trying to figure out if it was a student, a teacher, a ghost, or some other variety of life form (honestly, who knew in this castle?).
As it turned the corner, she caught a flash of green robe. It was a student out of bed and a Slytherin one, no less.
"Oi, Slytherin. This is the Head Girl. Stop there."
The student stopped, turned around and took a bow.
"Well, hello, Miss Granger. You've caught me."
"Blaise?"
"With pride!"
Hermione put her hands on her hips. "What are you doing out of bed?"
He smirked, "Extracurricular activities."
"I swear, you Slytherins think you're all that and a bag of chips, don't you?"
"Well, that Hufflepuff sixth year I just left certainly does."
Hermione was shocked, "Who?"
He raised his eyebrows and said, "You know, I can't actually remember her name. It started with an L, though."
"Unbelievable."
He smirked again. "Yeah, that Hufflepuff sixth year said that, too."
Hermione just stared at him in disbelieving astonishment.
"So, am I in trouble, or what?" he asked.
"Of course you are! House points. I'm going to take house points."
"Well, that's not really fair. I'm sure you and Draco are doing it like bunnies so by that standard, Gryffindor and Slytherin should be in a negative."
Hermione flushed. "That's not why. You're out of bed after hours!"
"That's not really fair, either. You and Draco also live together. When else am I supposed to do it?"
She fought a smile. "Sweet Merlin, you really are a Slytherin, aren't you?"
He winked. "Through and through."
Hermione sighed in defeat. "So, you heard about me and Draco, huh?"
He nodded. "I thought you were just trying to apologize to him for that thing your dad did. What happened?"
Hermione got defensive. "Why does everyone keep asking that? Is it really that ridiculous of a concept?"
Blaise became serious. "Sorry, Hermione. I didn't mean it that way. Maybe I'm just trying to wrap my head around it."
"You think it's a bad thing?"
Blaise shrugged. "I wouldn't say a bad thing. I just, how do I phrase this delicately? I don't want you to cause more trouble for him than he already has. Other than that, I think you're great."
Hermione tried not to be offended. "Why exactly do you think I'm going to be trouble?"
He chuckled, "You're just so different from the type of girl he normally pursues. I think you're actually friends and that's dangerous. I don't think he's ever been friends with someone he's been with before."
Hermione's brow furrowed. "Pardon my ignorance, but I guess I'm still failing to see the problem here. Why does the fact that Draco is my friend make this dangerous?"
"He cares about you. That makes him vulnerable."
With that he turned and started to walk away.
Hermione yelled after him, "You're not getting away scot free just because you're my boyfriend's best friend. Twenty points from Slytherin!"
"Worth it!" he yelled back as he turned the corner.
Hermione continued patrolling the remaining hallways pondering what Blaise had said. Honestly, to her, it didn't matter. As long as Draco was okay with the relationship, so was she.
Ten minutes later, she waltzed back into the common room and her eyes met Draco sitting on the sofa.
Relief hit her, closely followed by a wave of fury. "Where on earth have you been? I have been trying to find you literally all day!"
He leaned his head back against the back of the couch. "Not now, Granger."
"No. Now. Absolutely, now! Look, I know I said this morning I wouldn't bring it up again, but Draco, what the hell happened today? You were fine and then Dumbledore said he was writing home and you turned into a surly, moody, complete ass! And then you just disappeared. Where did you go?"
"Where do you think I was, Hermione?" he growled.
"Who the hell knows!" she replied. "Paris? London? Knowing you, it could have been anywhere!"
He didn't answer her. In the silence, she calmed herself down and walked over to sit next to him.
She put her hand on his knee and said, "Look, I know you're afraid of what your dad is going to do when he gets that owl, but Draco, please don't shut me out. I don't want a boyfriend who doesn't communicate with me."
He closed his eyes and said, "I didn't skip lessons today, Hermione. I was pulled out of school."
Hermione paused. "Fuck." The word came out hardly above a whisper. "What did he do?"
Draco sighed in frustration. "Hermione, can I be honest with you? I really hate that you keep drawing attention to this. Please, just leave it alone and let me deal with it. I swear, I've had more negative encounters with my dad this term than I've had in literally five years and it's because you've been involved in my life! Just butt out."
Hermione took her hand off of his knee, stood, and walked to her room.
That was completely uncalled for. How could he put all of the blame on to her like that? This is exactly why she was hesitant to get involved with him. It was easier to hate him and play funny jokes than it was to go through this kind of emotional turmoil. Then again, the only reason she felt this way was because she cared.
A quiet knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. "Hermione. Can I come in?"
She walked closer to the door and snapped, "I'm tired."
"Please, Hermione?"
She didn't answer.
"For Merlin's sake, Granger, I'm not going to apologize to a door."
She swung open the door and fired off at him. "Fine. What's your excuse this time? I'm relatively certain I've heard them all already."
"Ugh. You know what, I don't even think you're going to accept my apology if I give it, so why bother?"
He stormed off up the other staircase to his room and proceeded to slam the door.
She yelled after him, "You deserve what you get sometimes!"
The second the words left her mouth, she wished she hadn't said them and even more so, hoped Draco hadn't heard.
No matter how big of an ass he was, he certainly never deserved anything his father did to him.
However guilty she was feeling, though, it wasn't enough for her to ask him for forgiveness. Besides, she wasn't even sure if he'd heard her and still furious with him about how he'd behaved today and what he'd told her on the couch.
"I guess we'll just work it out tomorrow." She said to herself.
Mentally exhausted, she crawled into bed and slowly drifted to sleep.
Hermione awoke with a start. She'd been having a very strange dream involving Professor Lockhart and the dueling club he'd started in the second year. She and Draco had been partnered and they'd been firing spells at each other, but nothing was happening. The next thing she knew, she was in Dumbledore's office, Draco was doubled over in laughter, and she watched in horror as Dumbledore proceeded to snap her wand in half, saying, "You failed me, Miss Granger."
That's when she had awoken. She glanced at the time and read 2:17. Only an hour after she had gone to bed. She yawned loudly, rolled over and let out a blood-curdling scream. As she had rolled over, she came face to face with a sleeping Draco and clearly she wasn't expecting him to be there.
He awoke immediately and started screaming as well. It took them a few minutes to stop and when they finally did, Hermione spoke first.
"Draco! What the hell? Why are you in here?"
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I couldn't sleep so I came in here about fifteen minutes ago to talk, but you were already asleep. I was going to wake you up, but you looked so peaceful. I guess I dozed off."
Hermione grabbed her wand and muttered lumos. The room illuminated. "Okay. What did you want to talk about?"
"I wanted to say that I'm sorry, Hermione. I really shouldn't have blamed you for my dad."
Hermione smiled softly. "You know, I think I got so upset about it because Blaise told me the same thing, so when you said it, it stung."
"He did?"
She nodded. "I asked him for ideas about what kind of things to get you when I was putting together your treasure hunt. He told me then that you'd gone almost an entire year without an incident at all until I came along and then he told me to leave you alone."
Hermione read his expression and continued, "Don't be angry with him, Draco. I'm the one that brought it up."
He nodded, "Well, regardless of what both Blaise and I said, don't believe it. It's my fault, really. I've been sloppy this term what with writing that stuff on the wall and getting myself into trouble. I was basically asking for him to find out."
Hermione's mouth dropped open in shock.
"What?" he asked.
"Are you serious, right now? Are you actually blaming yourself?"
He didn't respond.
"You are. Well, Draco, that's entirely inaccurate. It's not your fault. It's him. He's choosing to react the way he does."
"But, if I didn't provoke him—"
"No!" She cut him off. "Remember what you told me by the Black Lake last night? You said that nothing is going to stop him from doing whatever he wants. It's. Not. Your. Fault."
He nodded and then asked, "So, are we okay now?"
She stared at him for a second. He looked especially hot at that moment in time. He was wearing green boxers and a black v-neck t-shirt. His chest hair was slightly poking out and the hairs on his head were mussed from sleep.
Hermione sighed. "Well, that's just not fair."
He tilted his head. "What?"
"I'm still slightly angry with you, but to be honest, you look so damn hot right now that I kind of—" she paused.
Draco smirked and sat up so that his face was an inch from hers. "Kind of what, Hermione?"
She blushed and her breath quickened. Very suddenly, he pushed her down so she was lying on her back and straddled her.
"You know, Granger, if you want me, all you have to do is ask."
She smirked at him. "Eh, what the hell? A little angry sex never hurt anyone."
She grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him down, connecting their lips. His right hand was holding him up, but his left hand moved down to the hem of her shirt. With an interesting series of twists and turns, he was able to take it off of her.
He sat up and smiled down at her naked upper half. "You know, I quite like the fact that you were in your pajamas. I didn't have to deal with a bra. Useless things, those are."
She laughed as he bent back down and placed soft kisses from her breasts down to the band of her underwear. He looked up at her and smirked as he pulled them off of her and placed his head between her thighs.
Hermione inhaled sharply as she felt his tongue flick quickly against her clit. Then he did it again, and again, and again. Her back arched into him, her breath quickened, and she cried out as she reached orgasm.
"Holy shit, Draco." she said.
She barely noticed him get off the bed, quickly step out of his boxers and climb back on the bed. Before she had completely come down from her orgasm he flipped her over so she was on her stomach and slammed into her.
She cried out each time he thrust into her. His pace became quicker and his movement became rougher as her second orgasm began to build. His breathing became heavier and she could tell he was close, as well. Next thing she knew, he had pulled out almost completely and with one intense and powerful thrust, he cried out and let his own release consume him. Seconds later, Hermione's second orgasm hit her in wave after wave of pleasure.
She felt Draco collapse on top of her and then quickly pull out and roll off of her. They just sat there next to each other for a few minutes and let their breathing stabilize.
Finally, Hermione said, "Wow. You really took control with that one."
Draco chuckled and then asked, "Bad?"
Hermione snorted. "No. Fucking amazing."
"Good." He then reached out and pulled her towards him so that she was cuddled up against him, her back against his front.
She felt him kiss her shoulder. "Are you still mad at me?"
She sighed, "No, but don't get the idea that any time we fight, we can just have sex and it will be all better again, okay?"
"Hey!" he said in mock defense. "You initiated this, not me. You're just mad because you can't resist my good looks, darling."
She playfully elbowed him in the ribs knowing full well that he was right. "Don't flatter yourself."
He chuckled. "Can I ask what you were still mad about? I apologized for what I said."
"It was this morning, Draco. When we were in McGonagall's office."
"What about it?"
"Well, when I'd voiced my concerns about us dating, that's what I was worried about. Yes, I know I need to learn to not be so hard on you, but I also need to know that every time something doesn't go your way, you won't revert to being an ass and secluding yourself. If you're upset, Draco, be upset, but don't take it out on me! Talk to me about it."
He sat up. "That's just it, Hermione! I don't like talking about it. I don't like bringing attention to it!"
She rolled over to face him. "Why? That doesn't make any sense!"
He scoffed. "It does, though. Hermione, I don't like talking about it or being open about it because, once I do, it's all that person thinks about or talks about when I'm around. It's like they don't see me anymore."
"That can't be true."
"Oh, really? Well, let's look back over the last two days and think about the conversations we've had. What does it always come back to?"
Hermione thought back and realized he was right. "Oh. And that bothers you."
He nodded. "I know from you it's not pity. I know that you care, but please, Hermione, please, can we not talk about it?"
Hermione stared at him for a moment before answering. "Okay, Draco. I won't bring it up. I promise, but you have to promise me something, too."
"Okay."
"You have to promise me that you won't shut me out when you're angry or upset. I don't know if I can handle that."
He nodded. "I promise, I'll try."
He lay back down next to her and asked, "So, what did you do today?"
"Well, I told Ron and Harry about us in D.A.D.A. and—"
"Oh!" he interrupted, "That reminds me. I need to tell Blaise."
She chuckled nervously. "Well, no, you don't actually."
"Why? Are you breaking up with me already?" he joked.
"No. It's just, Harry and I sort of got into it when I told him and the whole class sort of heard and you know how news travels at this school. Basically, the whole school knows. Are you mad?"
He sighed. "About the whole school knowing, not really, but I think I'm going to have a word with Potter, though. What's his deal?"
"About that, I told him that you would try to get along with each other. Can you, please?"
"Dating you means I'm going to be hanging around with Potter and Weasel, doesn't it?"
"Don't call them that and yes, it does. We come in a package together."
"Sweet Merlin, what have I gotten myself into?" he teased.
She said, "Fair is fair, though. I'll hang out with Blaise, too. What about Crabbe and Goyle? Are you still friends with them?"
"Yeah." He sat up suddenly. "Oh no. I've just realized. Pansy will know about this now."
Hermione sat up as well. "Yes. Were you not going to tell her?"
"Of course I was. I was just going to put it off for as long as I could."
Hermione glared at him.
"It's not like that, Hermione. She's crazy! It's not a conversation I fancy having is all."
"Fine." She said. "I'll pretend like I believe you."
He opened his mouth in surprise. "Hermione Granger! Are you jealous?"
"No!"
"Well I never thought I'd see the day!"
"I'm not jealous."
"Yes, you are."
"No, I'm not."
"Admit it!"
She shook her head. "Not going to happen."
"So, you don't mind if I still hang out with her, then?"
"You wouldn't!"
"Admit that you're jealous and I won't."
Hermione pouted. "Fine. I'm jealous. Are you happy?"
He smiled in triumph. "Giddy."
"Can you blame me? You had sex with her less than a week ago."
He raised his eyebrows. "And you weren't jealous then?"
Hermione thought back to when she'd seen them together on the couch. "Yes, I was actually. I think I knew I liked you but didn't want to admit it."
He smiled. "I mean if you want the truth, I was only playing with Pansy to keep my mind off of you."
Hermione laughed.
"What's so funny?"
"You've got a talent there, Draco. You can make the most horrible thing sound flattering. I can't believe I'm about to say this but poor Pansy!"
"No, none of that now. She always knew there was nothing between us. It was always just physical."
"Really?"
He nodded. "Yeah. Haven't you ever just been with a guy? You know, just because? Like a one night stand?"
Hermione blushed, "Yeah, but only once and I don't think it really counts. He ended up being my boyfriend."
Draco's brow furrowed. "Who?"
She laughed and swatted his arm playfully, "You, you dimwit!"
He ran his fingers through his hair. "Oh, I suppose that doesn't count, then. Really? No one else?"
Hermione shook her head. "Ron's the only other person I've been with and we were in a relationship. Why? Is just completely random sex something you did often?"
He rubbed his neck as if he was embarrassed. "Try always. I've never dated anyone, Hermione. I just have sex."
She whispered, "But… you asked me to be in a relationship."
He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers in a soft kiss. "Right. You're the only person I've ever wanted to be with."
She didn't know what to say. She reached out and rubbed his cheek with her thumb. "When did you become so sweet?"
He shrugged. "Maybe I've always been this way and I just needed the right person to bring it out of me."
She leaned in and gave him a small peck on the lips. "There's too much cute happening for so late at night. Come on, let's go to bed."
She put out her wand and snuggled up against Draco's chest.
"Good night, Draco. Tonight was—perfect."
He chuckled sleepily. "That's good. I'm sure one of us will mess it up soon enough." He kissed her forehead. "Goodnight, Hermione."
A/N 2: Okay. So they're all lovey dovey. If you feel so inclined, I love feedback, so review. I know, I legitimately don't deserve them, but the button is there if you feel like being nice. I mean, it's there if you feel like being rude, as well. Whatever tickles your fancy.