What Binds Us Chapter 7, a harry potter fanfic

Title: What Binds Us [Chapter 7/??]
Author: Rorania
Rating: R
Warnings: Language, sexual references
Word Count: 2,926
Summary: Starts after HBP. Draco's under protection of the Order, much to the Golden Trio's dismay.

Chapter 七

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It was funny. She simply couldn't help it, but covered her mouth and tried to stifle her laughter anyway. Not that her laughter would be noted, when the room was full of it.

For there, in D.A.D.A. sat Draco Malfoy, with two large antlers poking out of his head. They had sprouted a couple of minutes ago and recently noticed. Draco was in the process of feeling his head now, while scowling at no one in particular.

"Mr. Malfoy, perhaps you'd like to go see Madame Pomfrey?" suggested a bemused Professor Longhorn.

Growling low in his throat, Draco shot his gaze to Hermione's amused one before standing and stalking out.

"Alright, alright. Fun's over," Professor said, redirecting his class to order.

At lunch, Draco caught up with Hermione as she was heading for the great hall.

"Very funny, Granger, but Pomfrey was able to take them off with barely an effort."

Hermione couldn't help but smirk at him, despite his antler-less head. She sighed dramatically as if truly defeated.

"Aw, nuts. Just have to try harder, then."

Draco smirked at her. "I'll see you later."

She continued on thinking, you won't want to…

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Over the course of the week, Draco sprouted several more oddities all over his body, a new one for each day. Each day, he'd scowl at Hermione and go see Madame Pomfrey. One was a little spruce tree from the back of his hand, another was a Pygmy Poof from his shoulder which called insults at him, and then there was a rat's tail that grew from…his behind. The day he woke up and noticed in the mirror something poking, well barely nudging, the middle of his boxers, he'd had enough. Immediately, he checked inside his boxers and his eyes widened comically. His thing was actually replaced by something he was sure never appeared on a boy above the age of four.

"Bloody fuckin' no-good Gryffindor upstart wench…" he ranted as he stormed past Blaise, out into the common room and across to pound on Hermione's door.

"Granger! You blasted Muggleborn upstart, get your Potter-lovin' ass out here!"

Hermione opened the door a peek. She squealed as he shoved open the door and stalked towards her. She clutched her robe together as she had just gotten out of her shower and it was all she wore.

"Make it stop, change it back!" Draco shouted in her face.

Hermione started to smile but his eyes narrowed dangerously so she held it back.

"Why? What happened now?" she asked, with only a little flutter of laughter.

"Your little joke actually replaced something this time." He stalked slowly towards her. "Something very important and far more prominent, with something not even worth mentioning."

Hermione followed where his gaze kept flicking. Slowly realization dawned.

She covered her mouth. "You're serious?"

Draco's brows lifted. "You wanna see?!" He grabbed the waistband of his boxers and made to pull them down.

Hermione held out a hand to stop him and looked away. "No, no, no! That's fine."

Big mistake.

Draco grabbed her outstretched hand by the wrist and yanked her towards him. She cried out as he twisted her arm behind her back.

"Change. It. Back," he bit out.

She shook her head.

He twisted her arm tighter, briefly smelling the perfume of her shampoo as it clouded his senses.

"Not until you agree to leave me alone and stop being an ass to me and my friends."

Draco couldn't think with her this close and released her abruptly. She stumbled away massaging her arm. Able to think clearly again, Draco frowned.

"Oh, so you want to negotiate. Fine. I'll stop being an ass to you, as long as you give me a chance." Hermione looked back and forth confused.

"A chance to do what?"

Draco stepped towards her. She watched him warily.

"You know there's something between us. I'm not sure what it is, but I find I can't resist it. So I can't simply leave you alone, Granger. However, your cooperation would help infinitely in finding out just what is between us and I know you can't stand not knowing everything."

Hermione frowned briefly at his assumption, but slowly thought about it, her eyes drifting away from him. She did wonder what could possibly make a bigoted Wizarding elitest like him attracted to a Muggleborn witch like herself, and if she could guarantee he get along with her and the boys, which would soothe his being around her a lot while with Harry and Ron, it wouldn't be so bad in finding out. There had to be something redeemable about him. Closing her eyes, she shook her head at that thought. It had to be this weird attraction talking. She opened her eyes and looked at the object of her contention. He stood there, hands on hips, clad in only green silk boxers. Her eyes were drawn to his chest but she forced herself to look away.

Sighing, she spoke. "Look, if you agree to get along with me and my friends; no snarky comments or insults or name-calling…then I'll give you a chance. And the antidote."

Draco said nothing, just held out his hand.

Hermione went to her desk and pulled a candy package out of her drawer and handed it to him.

"Compliments of Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes."

He looked distrustfully from her and back to the candy in his hand.

Hermione nodded at it, "I'd take it quickly before your…ehem, disappears completely."

Glowering at her, he ripped the packaging off and stuffed it in his mouth. Once he finished chewing and swallowed, he pulled on his waistband on looked down his shorts. Hermione turned away in disgust and embarrassment. Guys were so disgusting…

Draco made some sort of sound and she spun to see he was staring at her, his gaze moving down her bare legs and back up again. She clutched her bathrobe tight.

"I will see you in class, then." She said loudly.

He didn't stop his perusal of her, so she walked to the door and gestured for him to leave.

Finally, he met her gaze smirking. She gave him a warning glare. So he nodded at her as he left.

Hermione closed her door with a sigh of relief. His stare was doing strange things to her. She was pretty sure she just made a deal with the devil.

Harry apologized, though it seemed forced. Hermione accepted it anyway. She'd never let herself yell at Harry before, he probably wasn't used to it like Ron.

They were in the library now, studying. Sitting across them were Luna and Ron, who were doing more giggling and flirting than studying.

After one two many giggle outbursts, Hermione looked at them and then over at Harry, who acted as if he hadn't heard anything. Hermione sighed. He was still mad. Telling him that she was going to allow Malfoy a chance to get in her good graces probably hadn't helped.

A paper crane landed on her text then. Harry did look up to take note of that. Hermione glanced at him as she reached for it.

Unfolding it, she read:

Ditch the Dodos and meet me outside.

Hermione looked up and around. She spotted him through the stacks. She shivered as she met his intense gaze peering at her above a row of books. She shook her head slightly.

Hermione looked back at Harry.

"Love note?" Harry asked, none too happy.

Hermione sighed, gripping her wand and muttering inflamari, watching the note go up in flames.

Luna was watching the flames. "You shouldn't do that in here, it'll release juniper hoydens about the castle."

The trio all looked at her, Hermione pausing in picking up her quill.

"Gr—Hermione."

The four of them looked up to where Draco now stood next to Hermione's chair.

"Can I talk to you a moment?"

"We're studying here, Malfoy." Harry gritted out.

Draco focused on Harry. "Thank you, Potter. Had I been requesting to know what you were doing,　and were blind, I would've found that statement very useful." He looked back down at Hermione, "Please?"

Ron was stunned to hear that word out of Draco's mouth and looked at Harry in confusion, but only received a shake of the head. Harry wasn't buying it. Malfoy was bored and would only hurt Hermione.

"I'll be right back." Hermione muttered as she stood.

Outside the library doors, Hermione folded her arms.

"What do you want?"

Draco started to say something, but glanced down at her form instead. "What are you wearing?"

Hermione looked down at herself, and then back up at him in confusion. "Uh, clothes."

Draco frowned, looking skeptical. "Why are you wearing pants with your dress? I know you like layers, Granger…"

"This is not a dress," she gripped the edge of her shirt. "It's simply the style now to wear long shirts, with a belt over it."

Draco lifted his brows. "Really. I think we've been over this style issue and you before."

Hermione huffed and rolled her eyes. "Forget this…" she turned away.

Draco grabbed her arm. "No, wait. I'm-I'm sorry, okay? Please, that was just habit speaking."

Reluctantly, she stopped.

"It actually…looks nice…"

Hermione frowned and looked at him. Draco looked down and away, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"So what did you want, besides discussing my wardrobe?" Hermione asked, facing him now.

"I, uh," he scratched the back of his neck, putting on his hopeful face. "I was wondering if we could take a walk. I'd take you to Hogsmeade, but with McGonagall on the war path about that place lately, I didn't think you'd want to risk it."

Hermione opened her mouth to answer when, "Hermione?"

She spun to see Harry exit the library. Briefly, she heard Draco sigh.

"Everything okay?" Harry asked, walking towards her.

"Everything's fine, Potter." Draco stepped up to stand over Hermione's shoulder. "How bout you go back and—"

Hermione whipped her head around to give Draco a warning look. He quieted but reluctantly.

Looking back at Harry, Hermione said, "Harry, I'm fine. I'll meet you at the table in a minute."

Harry nodded slightly while catching Draco's eye behind her. The boys had a stare down moment, before Harry reluctantly turned back. Once the door closed behind him, Hermione spun to find Draco very close.

Seeing her disconcerted, Draco smirked down at her. Before she could step away, he placed a hand on her hip. Hermione looked down at it. Draco took this moment to place his other hand behind her neck. As she looked back up at him, he let his thumb brush over her jaw, his gaze following his movements, before meeting her gaze.

Viktor had looked at her like this. So had Ron. But she'd never felt like this. Heat coiling so hot, low in her abdomen, she felt like she would burst if one of them didn't do something soon.

But Harry could come back out. At this thought, she reached up to pull his head from her neck, but then Draco leaned in…

It was the gentlest kiss she'd ever received. His lips were smooth and warm and barely brushed hers. She'd allowed her eyelids to drift shut, allowing the sensations to overcome her, flitting along her nerve endings.

That's when she allowed herself to lean in and that's when the kiss grew heated. Thoughts of anyone catching them fled her mind. His mouth slanted across hers as he tried to inhale her, his hand tangling in her hair. Turning, he pressed her against the wall. His tongue flicked out to swipe her bottom lip. Hermione desperately tried to meet his tongue with hers, which he complied with readily.

Abruptly, he tore his mouth from hers, to which she cried out in protest, before she could think. Draco gripped her wrist and started pulling her along the corridor.

"Draco-w-where are we going?"

"You may be a Gryffindor but I'm not groping you out here for all to see."

Hermione's cheeks burned with shame. That's what she allowed just now; Draco could've done anything he wanted and she wouldn't have stopped him. What if Mcgonagall—what if Harry had seen!

Hermione tried to stop, but Draco was too strong, so she yanked her arm from his grasp. He stopped and looked back at her in confusion.

"I-I just can't, I'm sorry. I'm…I'm not myself with you." Hermione spoke, folding her arms around her middle, hugging herself.

Draco stalked two steps towards her. "Maybe this is you. There's more to you than books and cleverness, Hermione."

Hermione stared up at him in wonder, as he repeated words she had spoken so long ago. Harry had not refuted her claim to books and cleverness. Then again, he was facing the prospect of meeting a treacherous Snape and who knew what other kind of danger at the time.

Looking up in Draco's gaze, though, she could see he believed it. Even if only a little bit. And when had he started calling her by her given name? Everything was so unclear.

"Yes, but even so… I'm not your pull in the closet for a quick snog type of girl."

Draco smirked. "We could explore the possibility it's another dormant side of you."

Hermione grinned despite herself, and looked down.

"Ah, see? It might have some merit." Draco added, wiggling his brows at her.

"No," she laughed. "It's simply that you're quite bearable when you flirt."

Hermione rolled her head up to smile at him.

"Does this mean you'll agree to…" Hermione gave him a warning glance, "…A walk?" he finished.

Hermione smiled and nodded. "Let me finish today's assignments with the boys and I'll meet you in the common room."

"Alright. Need help?"

Hermione looked at him in surprise, her brows raised.

Draco grinned. "Nah, your right. That was going a little bit far for me." He backed away down the hall, still smiling. "Enjoy your droll academics."

"Enjoy your slothful respite," Hermione rejoined, grinning back.

Draco stuttered a laugh. "Right."

Hermione watched him disappear before turning back to the library. She stopped short when Harry stood before her, his face accusing.

Hermione frowned and shook her head at him. "What?"

"He'll only hurt you."

Hermione sighed. "If that is so, it's my right to allow him to. This has nothing to do with you, Harry." She walked past him and back into the library.

Later…

"Hey."

Draco turned from the lake to see Hermione approaching him.

"I got your note," she said, breathless from the walk through the bitter cold. There was no snow yet, but it was freezing just the same.

Draco turned fully towards her, hands in pockets and smiled. Hermione's brows lifted in surprise. She'd never seen such a genuine smile without even a hint of malice grace his face before. More stunning was the effect it had on her.

Hermione crossed her arms, hugging herself. It was the first time she was attracted to him and it had nothing to do with magic.

"Potter likes you."

Hermione was startled from her thoughts at that. "H…w-what?"

Draco nodded, as if discussing the weather. "Oh, yes. He simply doesn't know it. Never one for brains, Potter."

Hermione frowned. "Hey…"

"You were always his brains. Now that he fancies you, who's to tell him so?" Draco continued over her protests.

Hermione was still frowning. "Harry does not fancy me. Ginny…"

"--Whom he can't have, is now interested in Blaise, which is probably for the best, since he doesn't have a death wish and is Head Boy to boot." Draco added, casually, strolling towards her. "Strangely, enough, Potter can see that and lo and behold, his best friend, who is no longer the love interest of his other best friend, has grown up pretty nicely and no matter how hard he pushes, you won't leave him no matter what danger he faces. In other words," Draco stopped before her, his tone light, though his gaze was otherwise, "you're perfect for him."

Hermione shivered and it wasn't entirely from the cold.

"No, I'm not," she finally answered.

Draco quirked a brow at her as if he didn't know why. "And why not?"

Hermione searched side to side before opening her mouth to respond. Right then, Draco reached behind her head and quickly brought forth a red rose to her view.

Caught at a vulnerable moment as she was, Hermione was touched by such a gesture. She took the rose, before looking up to meet his gaze. Draco was glancing at her from beneath his lids, looking vulnerable as well.

Hermione took a step closer, her head lifting up to his. Draco met her halfway, his mouth covering hers. At first it was slow, before Draco reached a hand up to her neck and slanted his mouth across hers. Hermione let a small moan escape as she felt him massage her neck. Draco stepped in bringing her against him then, wrapping his other arm around her waist.

Hermione pulled her lips from him, gulping in air. Draco did the same, resting his forehead on hers. She glanced up at him and he met her gaze.

"It's too fast," she said finally, her gaze apologetic.

Draco nodded. He stepped away after a moment, releasing her. Hermione almost wished he hadn't, as her chills returned. Then he reached his hand out for her to take.

She smiled and took it, as they walked back towards the castle. They both knew why she'd never be perfect for Harry.