A/N: Sooo another chapter. I would love some review's please! I think my spelling is getting better (crossesfinger's) and sorry about how this chapter kind of end's perhaps a little abrubtly but I wanted to get it up for you guy's ;) Also I just posted a oneshot yesterday, it's a little diffrent but I hope you'll like it :D
Anyway's update's might be a little slow up until probably the 10th of december because up until then I have final's... :(
Thank you guy's so much, and enjoy !
-Fille
ONE MONTH LATER.
Hermione sat in the great hall as she watched the owl's fly in with the morning poat. Ginny sat herself beside her looking very sleepy indeed.
"Morning 'Mione. How was last night, did you go out?" She said pouring herslef a glass of orange juice.
Hermione thought back to last night. Draco had taken her for a meal in Hogsmead and then given her a pair of beautifull moleskin gloves with fur lining, then they had taken a walk through the town in the snow and he had walked her back to the common room and kissed her goodnight.
"It was lovely thank's, we went to that new place Le ragout, I had the chicken soup. It was nice."
She looked down the table at Harry and Ron who were sitting not too far from them, both of them too sleepy to pay any attention to Ginny and Hermione, and whisperd to Ginny;
"I'll give you details later." And nodded towards the two boys.
When Hermione had sat the three of them down, Harry, Ginny and Ron to tell them she was officially going out with Draco, both boys had gone catatonic. They had almost strolled down to Syltherin tower to personally beat up Draco. It had taken about an hour and forty minutes of Hermione retracing what had been happening with her and Draco and her telling them the real reason why Blaise and Goyale had been expelled about a month earlier. Ron had grumbled a lot whilst Harry had been a little hurt at being the only one not knowing the real reason Hermione and Ron had broken up.
At first Hermione had been careful not to mention Draco's name around them but she had begun to find that impossible as she and Draco spent more and more time together. When she had mentioned it the first few weeks both boys had shared a look that had made Hermione immediately stop talking. There had been one incident about two weeks ago when Draco had been waiting for her outside her potions lesson which she shared with both Ron and Harry. She had been a little late so both boys had been a little ahead of her going out. From what she had gathered, Ron, as he was walking by Draco had slammed his shoulder into Malfoys who had yelled at him to 'Watch it Weasel King.' Ron apparently had retorted with and by the time Hermione came out all three boys were snarling at each other and dodging each other's jinxes. Hermione of course had told all three off and made sure nothing of the sort would happen again. Both boys had been very wary of their relationship but by this time they were starting to ease up a little.
The rest of the school however was a different story, Draco's sudden 180° personality change had been the talk of the school these past weeks, but Hermione knew he had always been this way deep down. He had just never had a chance to show it. She had noticed a lot of sideways glances and jealous whispers since their relationship had become more know, especially ones from Pansy Parkinson. Hermione was used to her snide comments and hateful glares but she had come to find that they had doubled in quantity and Pansy's flock of followers seemed to be there each time Hermione walked alone through the corridors to cast mean glances or whisper something about her.
As Hermione stood after finishing her breakfast she noticed Draco standing by the door to the entrance hall, obviously waiting for her. He had a letter in his hand and looked grim.
"Morning."
Hermione said taking hold of his hand as he led her out of the entrance hall. He didn't say anything but pulled her aside and kissed her. Hermione taken aback kissed him but couldn't help notice the slight dampness to his cheeks and his apparent desperation.
"Draco what's going on?" She asked pulling away but keeping her arms around him.
Draco looked down and Hermione was rather frightened at the cold look in his eyes, the way his jaw muscles were clenched.
"My father was found last night, dead." He said his eyes looking straight into hers as he said the words, as hard and cold as ice.
"Oh, I'm so sorry Dra..." She began hugging him. He grabbed her shoulder's pushing her a back.
"Don't be. He was scum my father was. My mother's on the run now, from who I don't know she didn't say. Nor did she say how my father died. All I know is that he is as much to me as the dirt on my shoes."
"Draco don't say that. He loved you; he just didn't know how to show it sometimes." Hermione said stroking his cheek. Draco closed his eyes content.
"He did Hermione, he used to love me, and my mother. But these past few years I don't know who he loved. But I damm well know it wasn't me."
Hermione didn't say anything, just hugged him close watching as he clenched his fist crumpling up the letter from his mother.
"So, do you have to go to a funeral or something of the sort?" Hermione said after a short silence.
"No, but I'm going to go back this weekend. I know we're allowed quick visits since we're all qualified." He said as they started heading up the stairs for their DADA lesson.
"Oh, I see. Well today's Thursday so does that mean you'll be leaving tomorrow?" She said. She hated the feeling of Draco going back to the mansion alone. Especially if it meant for him possibly burying his father alone.
"Yes. I was thinking about going tomorrow after dinner." Draco said not looking at her.
They walked the rest of the way in silence, both deep in thought. As they sat down at their usual desk Professor Smor entered.
Hermione noticed throughout the lecture that she was noticeably more scatterbrained and a little frazzled. Her hair looked matted and she was noticeably thinner. But as the lesson ended Hermione decided to sum up all her courage and ask Draco what she had been thinking about since the start of the lesson.
"Would you mind if, I mean can I, come with you?" She said a little hesitant.
"Where? Back to the Manor? No, I don't think you'd like it." He said.
"Please Draco, I can't stand the thought of you there alone, what if something were to happen?"
"Nothing's going to happen love."
"But it could, beside's I know I wouldn't sleep well with you gone, not knowing where you are and stuff. Do you really want to make me sleep deprived?" She said looking up at him as he sighed and gave her a slight smile.
"Do you honestly want to?" He said looking wairy.
"Ofcourse."
"We'll see, but just make sure you alert Smor, your head of house and I'll alert Slughorn.I'd like to go tomorrow after dinner, if that's okay wth you?"
Hermione smiled to herself and let go of Dracos hand.
"Sure, I'll see you at lunch okay?" She asked "See you." He said as they shared a short kiss before going off to separate lessons.
Draco felt empty inside. He walked around the corridors, bumping into people without thought, not knowing when or what his next lesson was. Finally he found a stone bench and sat himself down his head in his hands, his shoulders shaking. This had been exactly what he hadn't wanted Hermione to see, his break down. No one could see this, and thankfully the corridors were deserted. He stood up suddenly, wiping his face on the sleeve of his robes shaking his head. He didn't care about the fall of his parents. He didn't give a damm about them, just as they didn't give a damm about him. But the little voice at the back of his head was saying something entirely different, but he pushed it away.
As he slowly made his way to the common room he thought back to one year previously, he had been at school, and every single day had been terrifying. He had been made torture a few younger students, as well as his classmates from other houses. He had probably been among the most hated student's of the school and had felt it. Then around Easter things took a turn when the golden trio came to his house. The memory's from that night were too awful to think about. Draco had blacked out from loss of blood after his aunt, in her fury had sliced his arm open right above his mark. He had woken up a few hours later, in his room with bandaged, but with no word of comfort, no acknowledgement. He thought about his change, the day he had woken up with a completely clean forearm, the feeling of ease and finally being free. How he had sworn to himself never to utter the word mudblood aloud from the time he had kissed Granger.
As he entered the common room he noticed it was empty, which was unusual. So he took one of the leather armchairs by the fire and put his feet up. After sitting there for a while planning his trip back the Hermione he heard the bell go off. He however made no effort to get up and go to class, he would explain to Slughorn later and would be excused. Suddenly he felt a pair of hands close over his eyes, run down his face and over his chest.
"Hi Draco." A husky voice whispered as Pansy sat herself in his lap.
"Go away Parkinson." He said pushing her away. She stuck out her bottom lip and leaned in closer.
"I know you don't mean than Drakey, forget the mudblood for a li..."
Within a second Pansy was on the floor with Draco towering over her.
"DON'T YOU EVER CALL HER THAT!" He screamed at her as she straightened up cowering slightly under the look in his eyes.
"I have no feelings for you Parkinson, understood? You are nothing to me. You never were anything to me, nothing more than a shag now and then and not even a good one." He spat the words at her as he turned to go.
"DRACO!" She screamed.
"You're going to hurt her, I know it you know it. We all do, it's just a matter of time!" She yelled as he slammed the door to the stairs walking up them taking them two at a time, his adrenaline pumping.
Draco sat down on the foot of his bed fuming, he stood up and started pacing he could hear Pansy having a fit downstairs but he probably couldn't have cared less. He decided to go see Slughorn and ask to be excused for the remainder of the day and tell him about his weekend trip.
Hermione sat in the Gryffindor common room with Ginny, both of them curled up in two separate arm chairs across from the fire. They had this period off and were waiting for the bell to ring so they could go down to lunch.
Hermione had just finished explaining to Ginny why she would be leaving with Draco for the weekend.
"But 'Mione do you honestly think it's okay, I mean I know Malfoy seems better, but still it IS Malfoy. Do you really trust him?" Ginny asked.
Hermione got a little angry at this and replied perhaps a little to hotly.
"Yes I do Ginny, and you know what I think it's right insensitive to be bringing this up now, think of what he's going through. Plus we've been dating for a month now and you've had your doubts this whole time and see what's happened? Nothing. I fully trust him and I think you ought to start giving him the benefit of the doubt."
"I'm sorry Hermione. I don't know him to well. Maybe I shouldn't be so quick to judge." Ginny finished lamely although Hermione didn't believe her one bit.
"I'll see you later Gin, I'm going to go have a quick word with Smor." Hermione said and headed for the portrait hall.
"I'll see you later. But 'Mione, do you want me to tell the guy's you're going?" She asked. Hermione sighed inwardly; she had been dreading the guys finding out because she knew they would disapprove strongly.
She came to Professor Smors door and knocked, she heard a frail voice call her in. The Professor was sitting at her desk looking thoroughly beaten down. Hermione again took note of her dirty unkempt hair, the state of her clothing and shaky manner.
"Oh, Miss Granger. What could I do for you?" She asked.
"Oh erm, I would just like to inform you of a trip I am taking. I will be gone from Friday 17:00pm until Sunday 17:00pm."
"Well I see. That's perfectly all right as long as your studies don't suffer."
"I'll make sure they don't Professor. Is that all then?" Hermione asked hoping that the conversation would end soon.
"Almost. Where did you say you were going again?" Smor asked looking up from her notes, straight at Hermione.
"I didn't, but I am going with Mr. Malfoy to his house. You see he just got note of his father s death and he needs to go and make arrangements for the funeral." Hermione said. That last bit had been a lie, because as she was speaking she realised that she didn t even know the reason for Draco's departure.
"Very well then. Come to my office before you set off and straight after you come back so I can make note of it, understood?"
"Yes Professor."
Hermione exited the office and decided to head to the entrance hall. As she was making her way to through the mostly empty corridors she turned a corner and almost slammed into someone.
"Oh, sorr..." Her apology faded as she saw who it was.
Pansy stood before her, her eyes red and swollen.
"Oh it's you mudblood. Pansy said her voice low and harsh. Hermione could see cold fury in her eyes.
"Pansy." Hermione said, and took a side step preparing to leave. As she turned her back on Pansy she heard the girl mutter something. She spun around and caught the full force of the spell straight in the chest.
She screamed.
It felt as if her veins had turned to ice. Ice so cold it pierced her all over, she was sure she would die from this pain for it was so great, it did not how ever last long, for a mere second maybe two. Then it was over and Hermione slumped forwards, feeling the rush of air in her face as the ground cam up to meet the side of her face, and all she could hear was the echoing bang as her skull hit the cold stone floor.
Draco Malfoy stood by the entrance hall doors watching the student s eat dinner. Where was Hermione? He had waited almost 20 minutes for her. They had made plans to have a quick dinner at their separate tables then meet here and go find some deserted class room to talk. Draco was seriously planning on leaving for the manor without her because he was so afraid of what she might say when she saw the way he lived. When she would finally see what a monsters his family had been. That made him think to his father again, wondering where Luscious body might be. He assumed his mother had not been the one to find him. Probably some ministry worker, his mother was the only one left to him now. His only family, not that he had given a rat s arse about his family these past few years since he had been having to look out for himself about 90% of the time. He turned at a tap on his shoulder.
It was the weasel girl.
Malfoy, you need to come with me to the hospital wing. She said sounding way to serious for Draco s liking.
What is it? He said, careful not to drawl the words to her or to sound mocking as this was one of Hermione s close friends.
Hermione is there. I don t have all the details Draco just come on. She said and turned away from him walking though the entrance hall. As soon as the words fully registered in Draco s mind his legs were out of his control. Taking long quick steps through the entrance hall and up the marble staircase, turning swiftly left and following the corridor through the west wing to the Hospital wing. He could hear the Wesley girl panting slightly to keep up with him, but neither of them said anything. He threw the doors open and prepared to march in but stopped dead as he saw the little gathering around Hermione s bed. There was the Longbottom kid, Potter, Weasley, that strange blonde girl that had been kept in his cellar all that time, Draco could not do any more than glance at her from the painful stab of guilt in his stomach. He decided that at crucial moments like this it was best to shove aside all differences. He took a few steps towards Hermione s bed where she lay, apparently sleeping.
What happened? He asked a little sharp. Weasley stood up looking him straight in the eye, they were almost the exact same height Draco noted.
She was found in a corridor just about 15 minutes ago. She was unconscious and had been so for about 6-7 minutes before the 3 rd year found her. He recited.
Unconscious? Why? Did she faint? Draco asked examining Hermione. She had a small bruise on her right cheekbone but otherwise looked as if she could be sleeping.
Like I said Malfoy, we, don t, know! Weasley said in a mocking tone. Draco could feel anger boiling in his veins at carrot top s tone, he decided however that Hermione was the priority and his problems with the weasel should wait, but not be forgotten however. Hermione whimpered in her sleep and Madame Pomfrey rushed over batting them away with her hand. She had a wet cloth in her hand and started to pat Hermione s forehead. After a moment of this in which everyone remained completely silent, Hermione started to come around. Opening her eyes and blinking a lot. Her lip s parted slightly in surprise at her welcoming party, and she looked around the room obviously wondering where she was.
Hello Mione! You re in the hospital wing. It s all right don t worry, how are you feeling? Do you remember what happened? You were found unconscious in a corridor somewhere near the D.A.D.A class rooms. It annoyed Draco greatly that it was the weasel that was giving her these words of comfort not him. He stepped forwards making sure Hermione could see him.
Let s not over load her with information Mr. Wesley. Madame Pomfrey said.
Everyone just take two steps backwards, you re crowding her. The matron said briskly. They all stepped back, all except Draco who was still looking at Hermione s face.
Madame Pomfrey stood over Hermione, and said. Now tell me dear, what you recollect from the passing events. Draco watched as Hermione opened her mouth and her lips parted.
eeer, I remember, let s see... She paused and screwed her eyes shut, concentrating.
Well I went down to talk to Professor Smor, and after that I was going to meet Draco for dinner. I went down to the entrance hall, wait no! I didn t, I never made it that far, because uh because, I ran into someone. Pansy, yes, we both turned a corner and smacked into each other. Then I made to leave, and I thought she had said something, she looked upset. Anyways I turned around and all of a sudden, all of a sudden... Her voice trailed up and she shivered.
What was it Mione? Ron said, he was getting on Draco s very last nerve.
It was pain. Hermione said. I don t know what happened but all I could feel and think was, pain. That s the last thing I remember. She said looking up at all of them, giving them a weak sort of smile.
Draco could feel anger rushing through him, his adrenaline kicked in and he clenched his fists, he couldn t think, he couldn t say anything. Pansy fucking Parkinson had done this. He knew it, and she would not be getting away with it, Draco would make sure of it. Then something occurred to him, Pansy was weak, she was a coward, and what would she be most likely to do?
Draco was running as fast as he could, sprinting down the staircase through the many corridors in the dungeons, he flew through the portrait hole of the Slytherin common room and grabbed some second year girl by the upper arm. He literally dragged her to the girls staircase making her stay put on the last step as he raced up. After quite a lot of experience Draco had realised that if there was a girl on the staircase before him it would not prevent him going up it. He ran up the stairs taking them two and sometimes three at a time until he reached Pansy s dormitory. He knew where it was naturally after having spent some time here with the girl, and even some nights. He threw the door open his eyes flying straight to the bed in the right corner. Before he even thought about it he had shouted Impedimenta! Pointing his wand at Pansy, who froze and tipped over sideways.
He could tell what she had been doing, and it was just as he had expected. Pansy s trunk was open and piled with things inside it, she had obviously been trying to make a run for it. Draco walked over to her where she lay on the floor in a rather awkward position, he could see the cold hatred in her eyes, and perhaps a little fear, for good measure he reached over to her night stand and took her wand pocketing it. He then turned and walked out of the room leaving her there, frozen in place.
Hermione looked to the double doors as they flew open and Draco entered. He walked straight to her bedside and kissed her forehead lightly.
Sorry love, I had to make sure Parkinson didn t get away. I got to her dormitory just in time, she was almost finished packing.
He said looking over to where McGonagall stood speaking to a third year girl that apparently had found her. Hermione gave him a weak smile as Draco leaned closer to her whispering to her.
I ll never let anyone hurt you, I am so sorry this is all my fault. He said shutting his eyes as she stroked his cheek making shushing noised. Ron cleared his throat obviously uncomfortable with their whispered exchanges and close contact. Draco straightened up and walked over to McGonagall starting to explain why he had run out earlier and why.
Madame Pomfrey, can I leave the hospital wing? I mean obviously I m fine now, well actually I wouldn t mind getting some dinner as I m a little hungry. She said smiling at Madame Pomfrey, trying to make her believe that she was fine.
Well, Hermione dinner s finished but if you d like I ll take you down to the kitchens and you can get something to eat. Ron said looking at her with raised eyebrows. Hermione saw Harry give him a funny look. Draco s head whipped round, as Ron spoke and Hermione could see the hint of anger in his eyes. Ron however didn t notice, he was still gazing at Hermione.
Oh thanks Ron but actually I think I ll ask Draco to take me as I need to have a chat with him. Hermione said and looked up at Madame Pomfrey.
So can I leave? She asked shifting her leg s out of bed trying to show the matron that she was fine.
Yes you can, Miss Granger. But you should take this potion, take half of it before bed and half before you go to bed tomorrow. That should help with your bruising, you hit your head pretty hard and there s not much else I can do about the bump. Madame Pomfrey said handing Hermione a small glass vile that contained a light blue solution that bubbled slightly.
I will. Hermione said brightly then she stepped behind the curtain that the matron had gestured to so she could get redressed with some privacy. When she stepped out she headed straight for the door, where Draco was waiting calling out:
I ll see you guy s in the common room To the other s as she and Draco left together.
As they walked through the corridors she felt Draco s big strong hand take hers, she twined her finger s with his and sighed.
How are you doing? She asked, referring to the incident that they had found out about this morning. She heard Draco take a deep breath beside her, and then let it out in a big gush.
Better I think, I must say having to worry about you in the hospital actuallt helped a little." He said grinning down at her and giving her hand a little squeeze.
"Ha! Well, I talked to Smor and got permission and everything, so we're all set for tomorrow yeah?" She said.
"Well, I have permission to go but..." He paused as he reached a hand and tickled the pear in the giant portrait of a fruit bowl.
"We'll talk about it later." Hermione whisperd as they walked into the kitchen's and were greated by a sworm of houself's. Their squeeky voices shouting, "Hermione!" "Miss Granger!" "Oh the girl is here, that friend of Harry, Potter!" Hermione blushed a little and greated the one's she recognized.
She felt a little sad too, as the last time she had visited this place there had been another elf here, Dobby.
"One plate of pork chops with roated potatoes and the grape salad, please. Oh two a glasses of pumpkin juice, if you wouldn't mind." Draco said, ordering Hermione's favorite meal. This was one of the thing's she loved about him, he was so considerate for her. He knewby now most of her like's and dislikes, and even some of her fears, hopes and dreams.
"The food shall be ready in about 7 minutes, where would you like to wait?" A tiny female house elf wearing what looked like an oversized theme park shirt, tied to fit it's tiny body and child's wellies. Hermione beamed at her, this was one of the elves that had been like Dobby, she got pay and day's of. Though not many of the houself's were like that though, most of them choose to serve the school for free, although none of them were inslaved.
"Thank you so much dear, err we'll wait in the class room that's just down the hall if that's okay?" Hermione said watching the houself's eye's grow wide and her smile strech across her face at the endearment on Hermione's lips.
"That's brilliant." The houself said beaming at them.
They went back out to the corridor and two an empty unused classroom where they sat down together opposite each other at one of the empty desks.
"So, I've been meaning to talk to you about this trip we're taking. I'm not to sure if it's such a good idea, Draco." Hermione said looking him in the eye and feeling a little guilty.
"It's just, it seems to obvious for you to return to your old house, if it was someone, you know bad caused you're father's death well then maybe they'll be waiting for you when we get there. Perhap's we should wait a couple of day's, you know just as a precaution." She finished looking up into his stromy grey eyes.
"Hmm, I agree with you, on some levels. I don't think that there'll be any one waiting. But I do agree with you on the fact that it is a little obvious to return straight away to the manor, which is why I think I should go. I'm not really know for being obvious am I? Plus, I still don't even know what caused my father's death, for all the god dammed shit anyone's told me he could have tripped over his own feet. We're not even sure there's any one that I need to be looking out for. " He said giving her a bit of a smirk.
Hermione got a little annoyed, realising what he was also hinting at.
"Why don't you want me to come Draco?" She said a little bluntly, and a little sadly.
Draco looked away from her.
"Just because, this isn't something you need to be apart of." His word's seemed cold, distant he would not meet her eyes and when Hermione tried to take his hand's in her's he moved them away.
Hermione stood up, not knowing what she was doing, or where she was going, she walked around the little desk toward's Draco, taking his face into her hand's and looking into his eyes.
"Don't lie Draco, I know you're good at it, but not that good. Is this because you're ashamed of me?"
She could feel a lump in her throat as she said what she had been so worried about ever since they started seeing each other.
"No!" Draco said, straight off, he put his arm's around her and pulled her into his lap.
"Don't you ever think that! It's not you I'm ashamed off. It's me, I don't want you to see what I can be like, what I was like. My family, their disgraceful and hateful. It's just something I don't want you to see." He finished.
"Why is this even an issue, Draco? I've known you for almost 8 years now, and I know your past, and what your family's standard's are. Don't you ever worry about me not liking the you in the past, because that's not what count's. The boy two or three years ago, is very hard to find within the man you've becaume. I see glimpses of him every now and again, but I like it, it's a bit comforting I guess." She said giving him a light hearted smile, she streched up and kissed him. It was a long passionate kiss, both of them feeling weak, and needing the comforting arms of each other.
A/N; OH MY GOODNESS! because i wrote some of this in word and some of it in notepad it seem's allot of my " " have been erased out! gaah I don't know what to do!