Chapter 6 – A new beginning

Draco did not know what to say. Hermione attempted to run to her room, embarrassed by the tears. Draco moved to block her path and, surprisingly to both of them, gave her a hug. Hermione was confused at first, but felt oddly safe in Draco's arms. Draco was just as confused.

'What's wrong?' he asked, 'why are you crying?'

'G…Gin and Cho just came up to me a…and started having a go at me. Cho said she saw me following you last night and she mu…must have thought that me and y…you are together or something.' Hermione whimpered out.

Draco laughed out loud, 'why are you bothered what that cow thinks? She's taken to calling me The Dark Arse, you don't see me crying about it.'

'It's different Draco,' said Hermione 'Ginny has been my friend for years, I can't believe she'd….'

Both of them suddenly realised they were still clutching one another and they separated. After a few awkward moments of silence Hermione said 'I'd better change for patrol duty,'

To which Draco murmured 'Yeah, I guess.'

The pair separated into their corresponding rooms and Hermione changed into a short skirt and new shirt with the top few buttons undone. Draco just sat on his bed, then went to the sofa in the common room and tried to comprehend what had just happened.

Hermione came out of her room and Draco looked at her. Her short skirt and over-showing cleavage made him hard. God she is so hot, Draco thought. 'Erm.'

'Yeah?' Hermione replied.

'Shall we go then?' said Draco.

'Erm yeah, lets walk and talk,' Hermione looked quite serious, 'Over the past 2 days we have argued and had some pretty weird moments and I'm not sure if I can handle it,' as they stepped out of the dorm.

'Okay…' Draco wondered where she was going with this.

'Well I think it would be best if… oh my word…' Hermione stopped as they turned the corner to the main stairway. Draco looked around and saw an old, deranged looking man nearly skipping towards them.

'Hermione my dear, surprised to see me?' said the old wizard.

'Tiberius, yes, what brings you to Hogwarts?' replied Hermione looking startled to say the least.

'Well, as Professor Babbling sadly left after Albus Dumbledore passed, and has not returned, guess who is teaching Ancient Runes for the foreseeable future!' Tiberius jeered excitably, appearing to only have just spotted Draco.

Draco heard Hermione curse under her breath 'Oh that's…good, does Luna know?'

'I'm just on my way to tell her and Hermione…' Tiberius moved in closer to her, 'I would try not to consort myself with any unfavourable characters if I were you, if you understand what I mean.'

And with that the crazy man moved off towards the Ravenclaw common room.

'Your friend isn't so subtle Granger,' Draco almost laughed 'unfavourable characters,'

'He is not my friend,' Hermione replied, 'more like the creepy uncle type.'

They carried on the patrol in silence until Draco said 'So how do you know the old bat then?'

Hermione recited the story of Tiberius and the night she met him. Draco almost fell over laughing when Hermione got to the part about the betrothal.

'Oh Jesus, that's the best thing I've heard in a long time,' Draco chuckled as he opened another classroom door to check everyone was in bed. Hermione heard footsteps ahead, and raised her wand.

'Lumos maxima,' she said gently. She couldn't see anything in the corridor ahead, but she was so sure she had heard footsteps. Oh I wish I had the Marauders Map she thought.

'Alright Granger?' Draco startled her as he reappeared 'look like you've seen a ghost.'

'Yes, this is the last stop.' She said, pointing at the classroom on her left, which was Defence against the Dark Arts.

'Ok then, ladies first?'

'Don't start being a gentleman now Draco, in you go…' Hermione retorted.

Draco pushed open the door saw an empty room, or was it? Draco had the funny feeling he was being watched…

'Hey, you can't see anyone can you Granger?' He asked.

'Nope, looks clear to me… you ok Malfoy, you look like you've seen a ghost,' Hermione mimicked, with a smile.

'Urgh, come on let's get back to the dorm, patrols are only meant to last an hour.'

They headed back to the dorm and almost all the way there the pair walked in silence.

'Draco, I think we should stop this bickering and oddness and just try to be civil, not even friends if you don't want, just civil.' Hermione suddenly blurted out.

'Oh yeah ok, let's see how long that lasts Granger,' Draco replied angrily, God why do girls have to be so confusing.

'Optimum ceturiai.' Said Hermione and the portrait swung open, 'well I'm glad that's over with for this week, night Malfoy,'

'Night Granger,' replied Draco.

Back in his room Draco lay on his bed and thought I wonder if she does like me, I bet she does, who could resist me… but then again, it is Granger and now she's hot every lad will be after her… so should I go for it, or should I make her want me…

As Draco wrestled with his thoughts, Hermione faced another sleepless night, she couldn't bare the dream again, so she did all the ancient runes revision she needed to so she could avoid Tiberius's lesson. Her mind drifted to the image of Draco's naked body, but tried to put her thoughts aside. He was a Malfoy after all…

Thanks for reading if you've made it this far, I know it doesn't make much sense and it is rated M because the sexier bits are coming later in the story. Please let me know if your enjoying/hating the story and how I can improve in any way.