Quick note: I just got a full time job, so this story won't be updated quite as often as before. I will try not to let it go longer than a week though.

CH 6 Blue Balls

Draco stood frozen in the front yard for a good ten minutes before anyone came for him. He tried with all his strength to get out of the body-bind while his lust crazed mind envisioned the many things he would to do Hermione once he was free.

This was torture on a new level. His entire body prickled with excitement and remaining still was unbearably painful. He craved Hermione and he could concentrate on nothing else.

His eyes were shut, being frozen mid-kiss, so he pictured Hermione's perfect nipples and a little drool trickled from his mouth. He contracted his leg muscles in an attempt to run and find her. Finite Incantatum he willed but the spell did not end. Perhaps sheer need would be enough to do some wandless magic. Finite Incantatum, he repeated over and over in his mind.

"Finite Incantatum," came a female voice.

As soon as Draco heard these words he lurched forward to go find Hermione, but was stopped dead in his tracks as his eyes snapped open to find the pudgy face of Vincent Crabbe leering at him.

"Aaah!" Draco shouted as he fell backwards on the ground. "What the fuck is that?" he asked as he took in the picture that Pansy held up to his face.

"Oh, it's just Crabbe trying to be sexy," she responded casually. Draco tried his best not to barf at the moving picture of a shirtless Crabbe sucking his pointer finger and moving it down to his nipple while winking and making air kisses.

"Why did you shove that in my face?" he asked as he stood up and brushed off his robes.

"To cool you off, of course!" Pansy replied. "I heard Patil and Brown talking about how you and the mudblood were out here snogging, so I came to see for myself." she smirked. "Then, when I saw you frozen, I 'accio-ed' this picture to calm you down so that you wouldn't make another mistake with Granger…It's bad enough that the whole school thinks you're dating, you don't need to make it worse by sleeping with her."

Draco's body began to recover from the stimulated state as his mind unclouded for the first time in half an hour.

"And why do you care what I do?" Draco asked, remembering that he hadn't told anyone how far he and Granger had actually gone.

"Because we're friends!" she huffed, "Or had you forgotten?"

Pansy put the moving picture in her bag and looked Draco up and down. "Not everyone is going to be as forgiving as I am about this whole 'affair with a mudblood' thing," she stated matter-of-factly.

"I AM NOT HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH HER!" Draco yelled, his face red with anger. Not five minutes ago it was red for an entirely different reason.

"Then why were you kissing her again?" Pansy wanted to know. "You told all of us that the only reason you kissed her in the first place was because you were bewitched, but now you've gone and done it again! What are people supposed to think?"

"Look Parkinson," Draco started, "I hate the fact that I keep being seen with Granger, but it is not my fault," he insisted. "Apparently lust potions have side effects and relapses are among them,"

"Really?" she laughed. "So you're saying that at any given moment you could find yourself being completely hot for Granger?"

"Yes, something like that," he replied in an irritated tone. "There doesn't seem to be much I can do about it," he grimaced as he remembered shamelessly nibbling on Granger's ear merely fifteen minutes ago.

"Well," thought Pansy, "Now that I know, I can try to help you...Maybe when you start to have a relapse, you can let me know and I can petrify you myself!" she suggested, "No! Even better, I'll shrink you to the size of a leprechaun and carry you away! Oh wait, No! I'll transfigure you into the sweetest little kitty so you can't do anything stupid!" she laughed hysterically as she envisioned a horny little blonde kitten humping her leg.

"Are you finished?" Draco interrupted annoyed. "Because as much fun as it is listening to you ramble on, I have better things to do," he announced as he turned to head into the castle.

"Yeah, like shagging Granger?" she asked still laughing.

Draco ignored her and continued on his way for a few meters. What am I going to do? he wondered. He hated the thought of falling victim to the lust potion any time his teenage hormones got the best of him. He was suddenly overwhelmed with the idea of not being in control of his own body and he wanted to tell someone that he had already slept with Granger and feared he would do it again. He paused and looked at Pansy who had stopped laughing and was now just smiling at him.

Pansy was about as good a friend as Draco could hope for in a house like Slytherin. Although she had mocked him, she usually had his best interest at heart. Deciding that she was the most trustworthy person to tell, he walked back to her.

"Pansy, I need to tell you something," he said as he grabbed her hand and began dragging her inside.

Draco took one step up the front stairs of the castle and stopped abruptly.

"What's wrong?" Pansy asked at the pained look on Draco's face.

"Blue balls," he groaned as he let go of her hand and readjusted himself in his pants.

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Meanwhile, in the Gryffindor common room, word spread quickly about Hermione's extracurricular activities. By the time she had returned from class, everyone already knew about her and Draco. She saw Parvati and Lavender talking animatedly to a couple of fifth years and she narrowed her eyes at them. Those bitches! she thought as she listened to them spread their exclusive new gossip.

Hermione turned away from the girls and noticed Ron sitting with a displeased look on his face. I better go smooth things over, she decided as she moved to sit next to him.

"What's going on with you and Malfoy?" he asked as soon as she sat down. "You told me that you're not together, but then I hear you were kissing in the front yard for everyone to see?" he said in disbelief.

"He kissed me!" she defended. "He just ran up to me and kissed me. I don't know why, but I can promise you that I didn't want him to do it...There really isn't anything going on with us and the fact that I petrified him and left him out there should be proof of that," she argued.

"You petrified him?" Ron asked with a chuckle, apparently accepting Hermione's story.

"Yes! I didn't want to stand there kissing him, did I?" she smiled, "Although, it doesn't seem to matter since Parvati and Lavender have already told everyone that they saw us together," Hermione sighed. "Now everyone is going to think I'm dating him again!"

"They won't think you're dating him if you are already with someone else," Ron suggested. Ever since the school couldn't get enough of Hermione's love life, Ron had decided that it was time to take her off the market.

"But I'm not dating anyone else," she reasoned.

"You don't actually have to be dating anyone," he supplied, "you could just get someone to pretend to be your boyfriend."

"Yeah, and who's going to do that? You?" she asked rhetorically

"Of course I would, Hermione," Ron said smiling, "if it would help you."

She pondered his offer for a few moments. "Well, I suppose that could work. But I wouldn't want to put you out. I mean, what if you decided that you liked someone? She'd think you already had a girlfriend," she worried.

"Don't worry about that!" Ron laughed. "I am not going to like anyone else," he said and then blushed deeply after realizing what he'd said.

A moment passed before anyone said anything.

"This is going to be for pretend isn't it?" Hermione asked; her heart beating fast at the uncomfortable turn in the conversation.

"It doesn't have to be," Ron whispered as he turned and looked directly at Hermione.

Is this really happening? she thought as she stared back into Ron's hopeful eyes. She had liked him since third year, but she wasn't sure if she was ready to take that step from friends to lovers. She wished that her life wasn't so mixed up at the moment.

"Hermione, I like you…a lot," Ron said, interrupting her thoughts. "I think you like me too, and I know that you are stressed out about this whole Malfoy thing, but I think now would be the perfect time to try us out."

Hermione had the distinct feeling that he had rehearsed this. She sat silently for a few moments, before giving Ron a dazzling smile and saying, "I totally agree."

Ron looked relieved and laughed a little. He swung his arm around her and pulled her to rest on his shoulder. I can't believe she said yes, he thought excitedly.

The couple stayed in that position for a long time until they both drifted off to sleep.

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"Can we have the room?" Draco asked Blaise Zabini, who was sitting in the seventh year boys dormitory.

Blaise nodded and left Draco and Pansy alone.

"So what did you want to tell me?" Pansy asked wondering what was so important that Draco would bring her all the way up into his room.

"Remember that day with Granger last weekend when she and I kissed in the Great Hall?" he asked.

"Uh, yeah," Pansy said with a look that said 'Obviously!'

"Well, I know I told you that's as far as it went, but that's not exactly true."

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"I mean that after we left breakfast, we sort of…went to these empty stables and shagged like rabbits!" he proclaimed.

Pansy gasped at this confession. "You had sex with her?" she asked shocked.

"Yes, but it's not like I planned it!" Draco complained. "It was the potion! And now I am worried about these relapses. It could happen again at any time! What am I going to do?" he worried.

Pansy was silent for a long time. She sat looking out the window, contemplating all aspects of his situation.

"I don't think there is anything you can do," she stated after a while. "Have you researched a possible antidote for lust potions?" she asked.

"No, but I don't think there is one," he said. "Snape would have told me if there was; he actually seemed worried when he told me about the relapses."

"I bet Granger set this whole thing up," Pansy said accusingly. She turned around to meet Draco's eye and at his surprised expression continued, "Just think about it. A stupid muggle with no power or status happens to be the one that you get drugged to sleep with. I bet she wanted to get pregnant so that you'd have to marry her," Pansy spat.

Draco's face paled. What if she's pregnant! he worried. The thought that Hermione could have gotten pregnant never even crossed his mind.

"I bet you two didn't use a contraceptive potion, did you?" Pansy asked with an air of certainty. Draco shook his head, not able to speak at the frightening thoughts that were now running through his mind.

"Wait, if she wanted to get pregnant, then why would she have frozen me today when I relapsed?" Draco wondered. "Wouldn't she want to sleep with me again?"

"She's probably already pregnant, Draco," Pansy said like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "It's just a matter of time until she comes to you demanding that you 'do the right thing'" she said.

"You're wrong," Draco announced. "She is best friends with Harry Potter and she hates me. There is no way that she would want to have my child," he assured himself.

"Just keep telling yourself that," Pansy said. "But don't be surprised if you find yourself at the ministry signing a marriage contract in nine months," she warned.

It was common knowledge that a pregnant witch could legally force the father of her child to wed her. This was done under an outdated law that was still on the books but hardly ever used. Every now and then, however, a story would pop up in the Daily Profit about a poor witch wedding a famous wizard under the "Family Protection" act.

"She's not pregnant. She hates me," Draco muttered as he laid down on his bed and put his pillow over his face. Pansy took the hint and left him alone. He laid there thinking for a long time, trying to convince himself that Hermione Granger would never do such a manipulative thing. She is way too righteous, he reasoned, but it was no good. The seed of doubt was already planted in his head. If she is pregnant, I am going to kill her! He thought.

After an hour of debate, he decided that tomorrow he would find her and force her to take a pregnancy test. He nodded his head with resolve and, realizing there was nothing else he could do tonight, got up to head to dinner.

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Hermione woke at the sound of students mulling around the common room. She looked at the clock above the fireplace and noticed that it was time for dinner. She turned her head and smiled at the sight of Ron still sleeping with his head back against the couch and his arms firmly wrapped around her stomach.

"Ron," she whispered. She knew that he didn't like to miss meals. "Ron, wake up! It's time for dinner," she said a little louder.

Ron stirred and then opened his eyes. He looked disoriented for a moment but then smiled as he remembered where he was. "I'm not hungry," he said as he squeezed Hermione tighter.

"What?" Hermione said laughing. "I don't believe I've ever heard you say that before!" she mocked.

"Ha ha," Ron said. "It's just that I don't want to leave this couch," he amended as he began laying down, pulling her with him.

"We have to go to dinner," she said as she adjusted her body so that she was lying on top facing him.

"Why?" he asked as he moved a hand up and down her back. "Can't we just stay here? We can always get something from the kitchens later." He suggested. "This is the only time that we will get to be alone."

It was so strange for Ron to be acting so confident. She was surprised at how comfortable she felt with him.

"I suppose we could skip it, just this once," she conceded as she moved to rest her head on his shoulder.

He stopped her before she could complete the move. "Good," he said as he reached behind her head and directed her into a soft kiss.

Oh my God, I am kissing Ron! Hermione thought as she shifted upwards for better access.

His kisses were gentle and a little awkward, but all in all enjoyable. Hermione was just starting to get into the spirit of things when Ron reached down and cupped her bottom.

Woah, he is not shy, is he! Hermione thought as she bent one knee up by his side. She found herself comparing this kiss to the many that she had shared with Malfoy. She didn't like Malfoy…not in the least, but his kisses were amazing. She knew that the potion had created the passion between the two of them, but she still couldn't help remembering how great it had been.

She remembered a warning she once read in 'Witch Weekly' about lust potions. The article had said never to take one, even with a lover, because it ruined all future sexual encounters, since they couldn't possibly measure up. Hermione was starting to wholly agree with this advice as she kissed Ron and thought of Malfoy.

All of a sudden, she started to get a little aroused at the memory of Malfoy's touch. She began to move in synch with Ron's caresses and sighed into his mouth.

"Let's go up to my room," came a voice that was not Malfoy's.

"What?" Hermione asked, being torn from her fantasy.

"Come on," Ron said as he started to stand up.

"No, I don't think that's a good idea," Hermione protested as she pulled her hands out of his grasp.

"Why not? Aren't you enjoying yourself?" Ron asked confused.

"Yeah, I am," Hermione started, "but I'm not ready for anything more than kissing right now," she finished lamely.

"That's not what you're body was saying a minute ago!" Ron stated, clearly annoyed.

"Ron, I just don't trust myself to go up to your room!" she objected.

"Why? It's not like you're a virgin any more. What's the big deal?" he shouted as he stood with his arms crossed.

"I can't believe you just said that!" Hermione shouted back standing up to stare him straight in the eyes. How did this become a fight? she wondered.

"Hermione, you had sex with Malfoy, but you won't do it with me?" he yelled. "At least I care about you!"

"That is not fair and you know it!" she responded with tears in her eyes. "I have to go," she added as she wiped her eyes and ran out of the room.

"Wait, Hermione…" Ron started after her, but she was already up in the girl's dormitory with the door shut.

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After the shortest relationship in history, Hermione spent the remainder of her weekend studying and avoiding Ron. She knew it was stupid to hide from him, but she just didn't feel like facing him yet.

On Monday morning, Hermione went to Potions, as usual. The class was extremely long and boring up until the last twenty minutes.

"Now we will begin testing the Veritaserum that you completed last week," Snape said. "Please find your sample and wait for further instructions."

Once the class had complied, he continued. "When I tell you, everyone will place two drops on their tongue and remain silent. Be careful not to take more than that as it will take longer to wear off and your fellow classmates could take advantage of your induced honesty," he paused for dramatic effect. "This two drop dosage, however, should wear off in about fifteen minutes, so let's begin." Everyone in the class took the eyedropper from their sample and dropped the prescribed amount onto their tongues.

"Note, that I will only ask you fairly non-incriminating questions to determine the success of your potion. None of your answers will get you in trouble," Snape said as he rose from his desk.

He began walking around the room looking down his nose at students as he passed. He stopped in front of a Ravenclaw's desk and said, "State your name."

"Anthony Goldstein," the student replied.

"Who is your favorite teacher at Hogwarts?" Snape asked.

"Professor Flitwick." Goldstein answered without having to think.

"And why is that?"

"Because he lets me take Hogsmeade trips whenever I want, even if it isn't a scheduled weekend," he replied confidently.

"Is he supposed to do that?" Snape sneered.

"No" Anthony said quieter. Snape looked at the boy for a few moments.

"Who is your least favorite teacher?" he continued.

"Hagrid," Anthony said quickly.

"And why is that?" Snape grinned.

"Because he is an oaf, and I never learned anything useful in his class."

Snape nodded and marked something down in his book and moved onto the next person.

Things went on pretty much the same way for the rest of the questioning. He asked what people thought about Potions class or when they last cheated on their homework.

Snape had just finished questioning the class when a knock was heard on the door. "Stay in your seats and be silent!" he warned as he left to talk to McGonagall who was waiting in the hall.

Hermione was surprised that all of the students had seemed to brew a working potion. But I guess that is to be expected in a NEWT level class, she reasoned. She was also surprised that Snape had not used his position to embarrass anyone. He had asked some questions that were kind of awkward, but he never commented on the answers given. When he questioned Hermione, he'd asked what she thought of his outfit. She had told him that it belonged in a morgue, not a classroom and he didn't even take any points from Gryffindor.

As soon as the door shut behind Snape, the class started to murmur.

"Who's under the influence of a working Veritaserum potion right now?" Daphne Greengrass from Slytherin asked.

"I am," said all eight students in the class.

"Oh really, in that case, who cheated on this assignment and brought some from home?" Draco asked.

"I did," said all of the Slytherins.

Hermione glared at them. She couldn't believe that they would be so lazy! Don't they want to know how to brew it successfully so they can use it at their Death Eater meetings? Hermione thought sarcastically.

"Who likes cock?" came the voice of Michael Corner.

"I do!" shouted all of the girls in the room and Terry Boot from Ravenclaw. Everyone laughed at this revelation and with that, the flood gates were opened. Everyone in the room immediately broke out a jumble of silly questions and hysterical laughter at the answers.

"Who is the sexiest professor?" Blaise asked.

"Snape!" said most of the girls. The guys in the room made a face at this.

"What did you expect?" asked Padma Patil. "It's pretty slim pickings around here. Who else is there? Flitwick?" The boys seemed to understand her point as they laughed and asked each other their own stupid questions like "How many girls have you been with?" and "What's the most dangerous thing you've ever done?

Draco, who was sitting in front of Hermione, turned around and met her eyes.

"Are you pregnant?" he asked in a whisper.

"What?" She asked, unsure if she heard him correctly.

"I asked if you're pregnant!" he said a little louder and then quickly looked around to make sure that no one else heard.

"Of course I'm not pregnant!" she whispered back, an angry scowl on her face.

"How do you know?" he responded. "Let me cast a pregnancy detector spell on you."

"No! There is no need." Hermione said loudly. She too realized her voice level and immediately dropped it down again. "I know that I'm not pregnant because I got an ECP (emergency contraceptive potion) from Pomfrey right after we were together," she whispered urgently. "Now stop talking to me, it's making me horny…" and with that she gasped and slapped her hand over her mouth. Damn that Veritaserum!

Draco laughed and said, "I always knew you wanted me," as he turned around and joined the conversation going on in the rest of the room.

"Who here has ever shop lifted?" a girl asked, followed by the affirmation of most of the class. They were still playing the "ask silly questions under the influence of Veritaserum" game.

"Who here has kissed someone in this room," Draco asked as he, Padma, Blaise, Terry, Hermione, and Daphne said "I have," in unison.

"Who here has slept with someone in this room?" Blaise asked with an evil glint in his eyes.

Draco and Hermione were the only ones to respond.

"I have," they said together.

The rest of the class went silent.

Food for thought: Is the term "blue balls" strictly American and therefore something Draco would never say? I didn't find it on "A Dictionary of Slang", which usually has any British slang term that I need. If anyone has any insight, please share :)