Friends,

Thanks so much to all of you that take the time to read this. I'm currently trying to crank out a chapter while I listen to the Les Miserables soundtrack… and cry over it for the millionth time. If anyone was wonder how long it would be until it got really juicy…. I'm not entirely sure. Since this wasn't a smutty one-shot… It wouldn't make sense for them to get right to business. But I'm excited for it! So we must both be patient. I think it should be sometime soon. At any rate, here is a bit more drama for you.

Love,

SweetSlytherinPrincess

Locomotive

Chapter XVII

He stood in the middle of the common room. Gazing around at the objects strewn about. In his rage, he had flipped the coffee table, the small teacups crashing to the floor. He knew they had drank it together. Two cups, one stained with lipstick.

Lipstick? Since when had she worn lipstick? Rage surged through him as he rages about the room. He slipped books from the shelves and tossed them violently across the room as he made his way towards Hermione's room.

He easily unlocked the door, opening it wide to find most of her room in proper order. The only mess being in the corner on her desk. He strode over and realized immediately that the mess was a mass of papers. Her drafts. Looking over them, he cursed and threw them to the floor.

The red-head could barely think. Why in the hell would a school let a boy and girl live in such close quarters? He didn't give a damn what Malfoy claimed, he knew in his heart Hermione must have been persuaded somehow into this foolishness. It was only months ago that she returned to Hogwarts. Had he asked her that day her feelings for the ferret, she should have responded with disgust. And now…. This? Ron Weasley shoved his hands through his hair and suppressed a scream. He loved her. He'd always loved her. But a pompous git gives her attention while he's away and suddenly he felt his sanity slipping out of reach.

Her heard voices – two voices. Laughing. Happy. And then came the turn of a doorknob, then their footsteps started down the hall. Ron's heart pounded, his body beginning to shake. A few seconds seemed like years, but then he saw her. Her hair tamed, her face girlishly done up. Very rarely had he ever seen her this way. She froze at the sight of him, the bundle of bright purple roots dropping from her hands to the floor.

Malfoy groaned, reflexively taking a step in front of the petrified young woman. His posture straightened and he stared fiercely at the red-head, almost as a warning.

"Good to see you." Ron spoke, his voice harsh and wavering. Hermione blinked, she could already feel her eyes welling with tears. Her heart felt like it was exploding, and her knees seemed to be giving in from beneath her. She managed to nod.

"I see you've made yourself at home." Malfoy said, nodding at the complete destruction that was the common room. Ron huffed and neared them.

"Mind if we have a moment." Ron's voice was tight, and he stared at Hermione with burning intensity.

"That won't be necessary." Malfoy replied, his tone laced with poison. The two men stared at each other, fists clenched and jaw tightened. Hermione let out a shaky breath and stepped forward, resting a soft hand on Malfoys shoulder.

"It's okay." She whispered. Ron's eyes followed her movement and he was repulsed at their intimate gestures. "We can talk in my room…" She nodded her head for Ron to follow, and he intentionally smacked his shoulder roughly against Malfoy's as he passed.

And then Malfoy was alone, hearing the soft click of her door shutting. He grimaced, unsure if he should be worried. He hoped not, but there was still an aching knot in his stomach. He faced the room and pulled his wand out, slowly but surely putting the room back into place. The table stood upright, the tea cups following and landing perfectly in place again. The books shot back onto the shelf and the chairs scooted back into place. His favorite black leather chair taking its place before the fire place. He moved, and sat in it, shooting flames into the pit. With another flick of his wand, a glass shot forward and filled itself with expensive firewhiskey. Malfoy frowned as he stared into the fire, sipping on his drink as he waited. His ears perked for any sign of foul play.

Once within her room, Hermione seemed to gain a bit of confidence. The door shut behind her and she faced her friend head on. Despite all the show, his face was now a broken picture of confusion.

"Care to explain?" Ron said, his brows knitted together.

"Ronald…" Her voice broke, and she wanted to comfort him. Hold his hand. "You are my best friend. I don't want that to change."

"Clearly…" Ron grumbled sarcastically under his breath.

"Ron! Please just understand… My heart it just… it just chose this." She searched for the right words, but came up empty handed. Ron scoffed and began to laugh, pacing the room.

"Hermione. He is evil! A lying snake! You honestly believe whatever shite he is feeding you? Since day one he had been working against us. He was working for Voldemort! And now, all of a sudden, he is some prince charming to you?!" Ron's voice bellowed, and Hermione's anger began to rise.

"You haven't seen what I've seen!" She retorted.

"Oh! Do tell!"

Malfoy could hear them shouted. A small smirk on his face as he refilled his glass. Hermione threw her hands up in the air in frustration.

"Ronald! It doesn't matter if he's lying or not. I'm free to make my own choices. And this is what I choose." She felt a sudden burst of confidence. "I have seen a part of him that was hidden before, and my heart chose this."

Suddenly Ron's voice was dark, and he neared her, backing her against the wall.

"What? What is it? Don't tell me…" He voice was soft then, but as he studied her face, he couldn't contain his roar. "He's had you hasn't he?!" He took hold of her wrist tightly, and she cowered.

Malfoys eyebrows raised at the sound of Ron's accusation.

"No! But it doesn't matter. That has nothing to do with it! Get off me!" Hermione jerked her arm away and fought the urge to bring it down across Ron's face. Malfoy tenses in the seat, ready to burst in at any moment.

"It doesn't matter? I see." Ron backed from her.

"Ron. If you loved me, you would accept and respect my choices." She said, and he stared at her with a deep brokenness.

"Hermione. I love you. Please don't do this." His voice was soft and pleading.

"I love you too…" She began. "I always will. But we are not together. You are my best friend. And that's how it will remain." She reached forward to hold his hand but he snatched it away and cursed at her loudly. He pushed past her and threw the door open – nearly pulling it off the hinges. Hermione chased after him and threw her arms around him in an attempt to stop him from going after Malfoy, but he dragged her weight along with him as he stormed into the common room.

Malfoy lazily looked up at him over his shoulder, standing slowly.

"Face me like a man Malfoy!" Ron bellowed, shaking Hermione off of him, letting her collapse to the floor. Tears fell from her mocha eyes. Malfoy stood, setting his empty glass on the table. He walked carefully towards Ron and stood so close that their bodies were nearly touching.

"What is it Weasley? You seemed to have so much to say. Where did it all go? Are you finished here?" Malfoy glanced around and raised his brows. Ron huffed and pushed Malfoy at the shoulders, but this time Malfoy didn't budge. The morning before would not be repeated.

"Keep your hands off me." He spat, whipping invisible dirt from his shoulders.

"I don't know what you said to her to make her so delusional… but she will come around. You'd better keep your slimy wanker away from her in the meantime – you hear?"

Malfoy couldn't resist a laugh.

"The woman will do whatever she pleases. Now get out of here before I alert that there is a trespasser on school grounds." He smiled then. And Ron turned away, and grabbed his broom from the corner as he prepared to make his leave. As he opened the window, he turned to Hermione, who remained crumpled on the floor.

"This is really what you choose?" He asked sadly. Hermione stared up at him, tears staining her cheek nodded, and shuddered at his reaction.

"Have it your way then. Don't expect anything to ever be the same." He stepped out the window and was gone. The only sound in the room now was her soft sobs and the crackling of the fire. Malfoy let her be a moment, understanding that this was all very hard for her. But after a few minutes passed, he knelt down before her and scooped her up, bringing her with him over to the black chair. He sat, cradling her in his lap.

"Don't cry, love. It's alright." H smoothed her hair and she slowly clamed.

"What have I done? What have I done?" She murmured. Her heart felt ripped apart. And at this moment all she wanted was to put it back together.

"You've done what was needed to be done. He loves you. He is hurt. He will always be your friend. I promise. He was a fool not to fight harder for you. And he'd be more of a fool not to value what you are willing to give." Hermione shuddered at his words.

"Don't worry. I am here." He cupped her face in his hand and pressed his mouth to hers, tasting her salty tears. Suddenly a fire lit within her. He was gentle, but she deepened the kiss. Hungry for affection. She leaned up and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, shifting so that she straddled him.

He looked up at her in surprise, but she was lost in herself, her mouth attacking his. Her tongue darted out - coaxing him to follow suit. And his did, his hands grasping her waist as he shifted his middle to grind against her core. She moaned, and his ears drank in the sweet sound.

"Draco…" She said breathlessly, tears still beading on her lashes. He kissed a hot trail down her neck, lust pulsing through him. She leaned her head, opening herself up to him.

"Draco, I'm scared." She said softly, pulling apart the top few buttons of his shirt. He looked up, confused.

"What are you doing?" He questioned, watching her. She was shaking. "Hermione?" He said carefully. But she simply continued down and let her small hands roam over his chest. It was hard and defined. She sighed at the feel of his skin, and his manhood jerked beneath her. Why had she suddenly gotten this way? So bold?

A deep moan escaped him as her lips met his skin. She sucked there, and made a move to lift her blouse – but he grasped her hands quickly.

"Love… you're not thinking clearly. That's a poor choice, because after a certain point I have little self-control."

"I don't care."

"Yes. You do. You've had a stressful day. You're a bit out of your wits right now." He cursed himself for stopping her. His whole body yearning to take her. But he couldn't. Not like this. Not when her mind was clouded.

He stood then, scooping her up with him as he carried her to her bedroom. He lay her down, slipped off her shoes and jeans, shuffling to grab a pair of soft pajama shorts. He slipped them up her slender legs, and pulled the blanket up over her. Her tired eyes remained closed and she snuggled into the mattress.

Malfoy smiled, shaking his head at her before making his leave.

"Stay. Please." She said sleepily, her arm pulling the blanket aside for him. He stared. Unsure if he should comply. Despite his caution, he unbuttoned the rest of his shirt and slipped out of his trousers, leaving him in only his briefs. He moved, and slipped in beside her – overcome with warmth. He was careful not to let their bodies touch. Though it wasn't long before she rolled towards him, resting her head on his chest, wrapping her leg around his and letting herself drift to sleep.

He sighed with an annoyed, lustful groan.

"You're going to be the death of me."