A/N: Hey you! Voila! The next chapter. Hope you guys like it as always.
R/R!!
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Only the plot.
*~*~*
A week has passed and all in Hogwarts was back to normal. The students were again making the castle sound like a playground, the professors were piling on the homework and Hermione was already beginning a project that was given but not due in a couple of weeks.
"Everything really is back to normal huh, mate?" Ron asked Harry over a game of wizards' chess.
It was a Saturday and everyone was taking a well-deserved day off. They've all been "working" so hard. Everyone was just lounging around the common room.
"And it's only the first week!" Ron had cried that afternoon.
"I think I'm gonna go to the library. See you all later." Hermione announced.
"How come? Can't you study here?" Harry asked, watching Hermione grab her bag and head for the portrait.
"You know me Harry. I can't concentrate when there's too much noise."
she answered just as she stepped out.
Hermione made her way to the good old library. Her sanctuary. The place where she goes when nothing else in the world makes sense. And right now is a pretty good time to go.
When Hermione told Harry she couldn't concentrate, she wasn't lying. But it wasn't the noise that bothered her. Nope. Honestly, she wished it were noise that was the cause for her lack of concentration. But no, it was that incident that happened a little over a week ago.
"Why can't I get that bloody memory out of my mind. I should've forgotten about it by now." She thought, confused. Hermione was getting quite frustrated.
"For all I know it could've been one of the Creevey brothers." Hermione was talking to herself. A technique she claims works fine when you have too much things or thoughts to sort out. Voicing out your thoughts just help you organize your mind.
"But neither of the Creevey brothers are from Slytherin." A voice in her head stated. Hermione growled in frustration.
When she got to the library, she thanked all the gods for making it quite empty. But still she wanted to be completely alone so she went straight to the secret room Madame Pince had given her. It was her own little library.
"Such a place can be so helpful at times. Like this one." She said under her breath.
As she walked in and closed the door, blocking whatever noise the few students were making, she couldn't quite point out the reason why she felt a little odd. It seemed as though there was something there that she was missing. Right in front of her, something familiar but she just couldn't put her finger on it.
And then it hit her like Quaffle. It was the smell. That expensive cologne she discovered when she snuck in the compartment. It was a weak smell but there it was.
"He was here." She thought. "He was in here? But nobody knows this place but me. That's what Madame Pince told me."
Her eyes went wide. It was like a light bulb lighting up above her head. "Madame Pince!"
Not wanting to attract attention from anyone, she casually rushed to find the librarian, not even knowing why she's so wrapped up about finding this person. At last Hermione found her sitting at one of the tables in the far back of the library.
"Madame Pince." whispered Hermione not wanting to anger the old bat. Everyone knew how easy she lost her flaming temper.
"Ah Miss Granger. I was wondering when you'd come and visit. It's been a week! It doesn't necessarily take this long for you to come around here." said the gray-haired wrinkled woman with a pleasant smile.
"Oh. Sorry, but I actually have a question. That is if you aren't busy." said Hermione.
"Well child, it is after all only the first week. It'll still be a couple of days before stolen, missing or disappearing books will be reported my way." Said Madame Pince.
"Right. Yes. Well it's about that isolated room you let me borrow since fifth year. You told me that you, some of the professors and I are the only ones who use it. But there was someone there today. They must've left just as I came in." said Hermione.
"Oh please don't be suspicious or curious." She pleaded with fate.
"Ah yes miss Granger. Yes, yes I know what you're talking about. Now don't worry because you are still permitted to use it however you will not be the only one this year. Another student has asked me if there was a way I could help him with his studies. Like you miss Granger, he also can't concentrate in his common room. So, knowing you to be a very fair and generous person, I offered him the room you use." the woman answered. But that's not exactly what Hermione was looking for.
"Err...yes and this student. Who is he?" she asked. Trepidation crawling up her spine.
As Hermione asked her question, a look of concern and curiosity crept up on the face of the woman standing in front of her.
"Uh-huh. Please do understand this miss Granger. As a member of the faculty, I do not play favorites. I know most students believe I favor the smarter ones, those who actually come here. Meaning you. But the only reason I gave you that room was because I know you needed it and that you wouldn't use it for what some students would." She started to explain. " What I'm saying is that you would not particularily like the student I've given access to your room."
"Please just tell me professor." She was beginning to not want to know.
"Very well. It's Mr. Mafloy." The librarian finally answered. She was watching the student in front of her intently to see what her reaction will be.
"Malfoy.Malfoy.Malfoy.Malfoy?" Her brain almost couldn't grasp it. Why in the world would he, Slytherin prince who is a self-proclaimed sexy, intelligent and overwhelmingly talented pureblood, ever help or even touch a stupid, pathetic filthy mudblood? Of course that's from his perspective.
To her and the rest of the world, it's just the complete opposite. But still, it doesn't explain. Coming back from her complicated world of thoughts, she closed her eyes, shook her head lightly, bid Madame Pince good-bye and lead herself out of the place. The world is getting more and more strange.
As she was walking down the hall, she saw something that stopped her in her tracks. It was a glimpse of platinum blond hair heading back to a corridor that she's never been to.
It was Draco Malfoy. He was walking in front of her, about 100 steps away. She had just gotten at the top of the staircase that he climbed down moments before when she suddenly had to stop and hide herself behind one of those weird almost creepy statues.
The book Malfoy was holding slipped from under his fingers and he had bent down to pick it up. The opened book in his hand must've interested him because he stopped walking all together and simply stood there reading.
It was then that Hermione took the time to give Malfoy a thorough look. The whole over and around look you do when you're checking a person out. She was not disappointed.
He had definitely grown. The thought that came to Hermione instantly was "Did he look like that last year? And if he did how did I miss that. Sure I'm not like Lavender or Parvati when it comes to boys but I like them just as much as the next girl."
Draco Malfoy was no longer that pointy sharp-faced little git. His features had a somewhat softer look in them but still very masculine. The summer, it seemed, had smoothed over the raw edges of his face. He was still pale but it gave him a sculpture look instead of making him look creepy, all white. His hair looked bleached, as though he was out on the sun all holiday. His pale, creamy texture and his yellow/white/blond hair brought out his gray eyes. No matter how many times before had Hermione tried to deny how nice his eyes truly are, there was absolutely no way she could think of them otherwise now. They were so gray but with blue specks around the edges. They were so alluring.
As for his body, she had no doubt it'd be nice. She knows for a fact that you can't be in a Quidditch team and be physically unfit. Strong and masculine. Built with muscles but not too much that it would make his body look like a bunch of rocks piled on top of each other.
Then she looked at his hands. They were her favorite parts of the body. For guys mostly. She has this thing, a hand or foot fetish, she remembers someone calling it that. She likes people better when they have nice looking clean hands. If they have long and dirty nails, it's a complete turn off. And Malfoy's hands, whether she liked it or not, were the sexiest hands she'd ever seen. They were big and slender. So strong looking.
Waking up, once again from one of her reveries, she suddenly realized that Malfoy was gone. He was nowhere in sight.
"Boo"
Hermione's heart almost stopped. She was so surprised that she shrieked and lost her balance. She was at the top of the staircase and was about to fall over.
But someone wrapped an arm around her waist and supported her upper back. She automatically wound her arms around the person's neck. And when she looked up, she almost let go.
Chocolate brown eyes locked on icy gray. She gasped softly. This was just how it felt before.
Malfoy lifted her up and dropped her on the floor in a not so gentle way. He smirked, gave her a look over and began walking away.
"Wait" said Hermione. She was confused. How did he get behind me? Did he see me staring at him? Why didn't he let me go?
"Why?" answered Malfoy coolly, though he stopped walking and turned to face her. She knew this was going to end up in another cruel round exchange of words.
"Because I need to ask you a question." She replied in a calm voice.
Malfoy raised his eyebrows and looked down at her. "And what makes you think I'm gonna answer you, Granger?" he asked.
Normally, Hermione would have a good retort to say back but this time she didn't. She didn't know why he would answer her. They hated each other.
"A simple civilized conversation with you truly is out of your reach isn't it Malfoy."
He sighed deeply. "Listen you pitiful do-gooder sickeningly polite Gryffindor, I don't have time to answer your pathetic questions. We get enough of them in class if you didn't know." He said quite rudely.
"Just answer Malfoy. Why did you save me just now?" she finally asked a bit forcefully before getting back on her feet.
"Why? Would you rather I let you fall, break your neck and die? 'Coz if so I could just throw you down if you want me too." He took a step toward her as though he was actually about to.
She took a step back. "Don't play stupid Malfoy, though you do it real well. Look, I know you; you're evil, cruel, heartless and cold. You wouldn't save anyone let alone a Mu- muggle born."
Hermione had to bite her tongue. She was about to call herself a Mudblood. She didn't want to bring the word up because crazy enough, Malfoy hasn't called her that since fourth year.
"I don't get it Granger. Who is stupid enough to ask someone why they saved them. What does it matter as long as you're not hurt?" he was giving her a look of confusion and pity. As though she was going nuts.
"You saved me twice. The first time was at the express. I was about to trip but you helped me up. Why?"
"I'm not as heartless as you and your little Gryffindor cronies may think. I could be a gentleman when I want to be." Malfoy replied. He smirked and looked her up and down. Like a predator sizing up his prey. She consciously pulled her skirt a little lower.
Hermione couldn't stop herself from snorting to his answer. "You a gentlemen? You've lost your bloody mind." She started chuckling but stopped almost immediately seeing what her laughter had done to him.
Malfoy was now giving her the coldest look she'd ever received. Even from him.
"Keep laughing Granger. No wonder Potter doesn't look at you twice." He growled.
This definitely stopped Hermione from laughing.
"What are you talking about?" she asked a bit too quickly.
"Everyone knew about your little crush on your so called best friend. You fancied him and you probably still do. But the sad thing is, he didn't even notice that your heart was breaking." It was obvious he was enjoying this.
"I do not you mean. But that's not even the point. Why are you changing the subject." Hermione just wanted to talk about something else. Even though her feelings for Harry had changed then, from romantic to brotherly, she was still a bit sour anytime she thinks about it. Because it all ends up to: do Harry and Ron find me attractive? Does anyone?
"Touched a nerve didn't I Granger. You're a pathetic excuse for a witch."
"If I'm a pathetic excuse for a witch then why didn't you just drop me instead of saving my filthy arse?" she retorted.
"Fine. I saved your filthy arse because I scared you and if you had fallen I would've had to bring you to the hospital wing and obviously not wanting to touch you any longer than I have to, I saved you. And I knew you would've told those dim-witted professors that it was me anyway. I don't want a detention this early in the year. So there. Are you happy? It wasn't you I was saving, I was saving myself." He explained and smirked knowing Hermione had thought he was doing it for her.
"But at the Express train, it was my-..." she began but was cut off by Malfoy.
"Yes about that. I told you, I'm not as heartless as you think. I do have a conscience you know." And with that he started to walk away. "Oh and by the way my sacred pristine Gryffindor, I didn't even know it was you. It wasn't until I realized that it was your bushy head I was saving."
Hermione was left alone in the corridor. How could she have been so stupid. Of course Malfoy wouldn't willingly help her. What was she thinking. And why does she even want to know why.
"You know why. Because you felt something when he touched you. There was something about the way he felt when you were close to him. "
"I'm starting to hate that voice." Hermione muttered to herself.
*~*~*
Sooo...what did y'all think? You're gonna start to see a little more of the character's personalities. One of my goals is to really keep them in character and not change them too much and of course to write a good story. I'm totally new to this and I could use all the help I can get. But I hope I'm not too bad. lol. Hahaha I know I'm asking for a lot (your suggestions and criticism and all) but they'd be greatly appreciated. Bye. For this chappie, I hope Draco was cruel enough and Hermione scared but still confident. (And I hope she wasn't too curious about this secret "guy") *sigh* well as I said...your opinion. Also, do you think I'm going to fast? Need I slow down a bit or stall?
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Only the plot.
*~*~*
A week has passed and all in Hogwarts was back to normal. The students were again making the castle sound like a playground, the professors were piling on the homework and Hermione was already beginning a project that was given but not due in a couple of weeks.
"Everything really is back to normal huh, mate?" Ron asked Harry over a game of wizards' chess.
It was a Saturday and everyone was taking a well-deserved day off. They've all been "working" so hard. Everyone was just lounging around the common room.
"And it's only the first week!" Ron had cried that afternoon.
"I think I'm gonna go to the library. See you all later." Hermione announced.
"How come? Can't you study here?" Harry asked, watching Hermione grab her bag and head for the portrait.
"You know me Harry. I can't concentrate when there's too much noise."
she answered just as she stepped out.
Hermione made her way to the good old library. Her sanctuary. The place where she goes when nothing else in the world makes sense. And right now is a pretty good time to go.
When Hermione told Harry she couldn't concentrate, she wasn't lying. But it wasn't the noise that bothered her. Nope. Honestly, she wished it were noise that was the cause for her lack of concentration. But no, it was that incident that happened a little over a week ago.
"Why can't I get that bloody memory out of my mind. I should've forgotten about it by now." She thought, confused. Hermione was getting quite frustrated.
"For all I know it could've been one of the Creevey brothers." Hermione was talking to herself. A technique she claims works fine when you have too much things or thoughts to sort out. Voicing out your thoughts just help you organize your mind.
"But neither of the Creevey brothers are from Slytherin." A voice in her head stated. Hermione growled in frustration.
When she got to the library, she thanked all the gods for making it quite empty. But still she wanted to be completely alone so she went straight to the secret room Madame Pince had given her. It was her own little library.
"Such a place can be so helpful at times. Like this one." She said under her breath.
As she walked in and closed the door, blocking whatever noise the few students were making, she couldn't quite point out the reason why she felt a little odd. It seemed as though there was something there that she was missing. Right in front of her, something familiar but she just couldn't put her finger on it.
And then it hit her like Quaffle. It was the smell. That expensive cologne she discovered when she snuck in the compartment. It was a weak smell but there it was.
"He was here." She thought. "He was in here? But nobody knows this place but me. That's what Madame Pince told me."
Her eyes went wide. It was like a light bulb lighting up above her head. "Madame Pince!"
Not wanting to attract attention from anyone, she casually rushed to find the librarian, not even knowing why she's so wrapped up about finding this person. At last Hermione found her sitting at one of the tables in the far back of the library.
"Madame Pince." whispered Hermione not wanting to anger the old bat. Everyone knew how easy she lost her flaming temper.
"Ah Miss Granger. I was wondering when you'd come and visit. It's been a week! It doesn't necessarily take this long for you to come around here." said the gray-haired wrinkled woman with a pleasant smile.
"Oh. Sorry, but I actually have a question. That is if you aren't busy." said Hermione.
"Well child, it is after all only the first week. It'll still be a couple of days before stolen, missing or disappearing books will be reported my way." Said Madame Pince.
"Right. Yes. Well it's about that isolated room you let me borrow since fifth year. You told me that you, some of the professors and I are the only ones who use it. But there was someone there today. They must've left just as I came in." said Hermione.
"Oh please don't be suspicious or curious." She pleaded with fate.
"Ah yes miss Granger. Yes, yes I know what you're talking about. Now don't worry because you are still permitted to use it however you will not be the only one this year. Another student has asked me if there was a way I could help him with his studies. Like you miss Granger, he also can't concentrate in his common room. So, knowing you to be a very fair and generous person, I offered him the room you use." the woman answered. But that's not exactly what Hermione was looking for.
"Err...yes and this student. Who is he?" she asked. Trepidation crawling up her spine.
As Hermione asked her question, a look of concern and curiosity crept up on the face of the woman standing in front of her.
"Uh-huh. Please do understand this miss Granger. As a member of the faculty, I do not play favorites. I know most students believe I favor the smarter ones, those who actually come here. Meaning you. But the only reason I gave you that room was because I know you needed it and that you wouldn't use it for what some students would." She started to explain. " What I'm saying is that you would not particularily like the student I've given access to your room."
"Please just tell me professor." She was beginning to not want to know.
"Very well. It's Mr. Mafloy." The librarian finally answered. She was watching the student in front of her intently to see what her reaction will be.
"Malfoy.Malfoy.Malfoy.Malfoy?" Her brain almost couldn't grasp it. Why in the world would he, Slytherin prince who is a self-proclaimed sexy, intelligent and overwhelmingly talented pureblood, ever help or even touch a stupid, pathetic filthy mudblood? Of course that's from his perspective.
To her and the rest of the world, it's just the complete opposite. But still, it doesn't explain. Coming back from her complicated world of thoughts, she closed her eyes, shook her head lightly, bid Madame Pince good-bye and lead herself out of the place. The world is getting more and more strange.
As she was walking down the hall, she saw something that stopped her in her tracks. It was a glimpse of platinum blond hair heading back to a corridor that she's never been to.
It was Draco Malfoy. He was walking in front of her, about 100 steps away. She had just gotten at the top of the staircase that he climbed down moments before when she suddenly had to stop and hide herself behind one of those weird almost creepy statues.
The book Malfoy was holding slipped from under his fingers and he had bent down to pick it up. The opened book in his hand must've interested him because he stopped walking all together and simply stood there reading.
It was then that Hermione took the time to give Malfoy a thorough look. The whole over and around look you do when you're checking a person out. She was not disappointed.
He had definitely grown. The thought that came to Hermione instantly was "Did he look like that last year? And if he did how did I miss that. Sure I'm not like Lavender or Parvati when it comes to boys but I like them just as much as the next girl."
Draco Malfoy was no longer that pointy sharp-faced little git. His features had a somewhat softer look in them but still very masculine. The summer, it seemed, had smoothed over the raw edges of his face. He was still pale but it gave him a sculpture look instead of making him look creepy, all white. His hair looked bleached, as though he was out on the sun all holiday. His pale, creamy texture and his yellow/white/blond hair brought out his gray eyes. No matter how many times before had Hermione tried to deny how nice his eyes truly are, there was absolutely no way she could think of them otherwise now. They were so gray but with blue specks around the edges. They were so alluring.
As for his body, she had no doubt it'd be nice. She knows for a fact that you can't be in a Quidditch team and be physically unfit. Strong and masculine. Built with muscles but not too much that it would make his body look like a bunch of rocks piled on top of each other.
Then she looked at his hands. They were her favorite parts of the body. For guys mostly. She has this thing, a hand or foot fetish, she remembers someone calling it that. She likes people better when they have nice looking clean hands. If they have long and dirty nails, it's a complete turn off. And Malfoy's hands, whether she liked it or not, were the sexiest hands she'd ever seen. They were big and slender. So strong looking.
Waking up, once again from one of her reveries, she suddenly realized that Malfoy was gone. He was nowhere in sight.
"Boo"
Hermione's heart almost stopped. She was so surprised that she shrieked and lost her balance. She was at the top of the staircase and was about to fall over.
But someone wrapped an arm around her waist and supported her upper back. She automatically wound her arms around the person's neck. And when she looked up, she almost let go.
Chocolate brown eyes locked on icy gray. She gasped softly. This was just how it felt before.
Malfoy lifted her up and dropped her on the floor in a not so gentle way. He smirked, gave her a look over and began walking away.
"Wait" said Hermione. She was confused. How did he get behind me? Did he see me staring at him? Why didn't he let me go?
"Why?" answered Malfoy coolly, though he stopped walking and turned to face her. She knew this was going to end up in another cruel round exchange of words.
"Because I need to ask you a question." She replied in a calm voice.
Malfoy raised his eyebrows and looked down at her. "And what makes you think I'm gonna answer you, Granger?" he asked.
Normally, Hermione would have a good retort to say back but this time she didn't. She didn't know why he would answer her. They hated each other.
"A simple civilized conversation with you truly is out of your reach isn't it Malfoy."
He sighed deeply. "Listen you pitiful do-gooder sickeningly polite Gryffindor, I don't have time to answer your pathetic questions. We get enough of them in class if you didn't know." He said quite rudely.
"Just answer Malfoy. Why did you save me just now?" she finally asked a bit forcefully before getting back on her feet.
"Why? Would you rather I let you fall, break your neck and die? 'Coz if so I could just throw you down if you want me too." He took a step toward her as though he was actually about to.
She took a step back. "Don't play stupid Malfoy, though you do it real well. Look, I know you; you're evil, cruel, heartless and cold. You wouldn't save anyone let alone a Mu- muggle born."
Hermione had to bite her tongue. She was about to call herself a Mudblood. She didn't want to bring the word up because crazy enough, Malfoy hasn't called her that since fourth year.
"I don't get it Granger. Who is stupid enough to ask someone why they saved them. What does it matter as long as you're not hurt?" he was giving her a look of confusion and pity. As though she was going nuts.
"You saved me twice. The first time was at the express. I was about to trip but you helped me up. Why?"
"I'm not as heartless as you and your little Gryffindor cronies may think. I could be a gentleman when I want to be." Malfoy replied. He smirked and looked her up and down. Like a predator sizing up his prey. She consciously pulled her skirt a little lower.
Hermione couldn't stop herself from snorting to his answer. "You a gentlemen? You've lost your bloody mind." She started chuckling but stopped almost immediately seeing what her laughter had done to him.
Malfoy was now giving her the coldest look she'd ever received. Even from him.
"Keep laughing Granger. No wonder Potter doesn't look at you twice." He growled.
This definitely stopped Hermione from laughing.
"What are you talking about?" she asked a bit too quickly.
"Everyone knew about your little crush on your so called best friend. You fancied him and you probably still do. But the sad thing is, he didn't even notice that your heart was breaking." It was obvious he was enjoying this.
"I do not you mean. But that's not even the point. Why are you changing the subject." Hermione just wanted to talk about something else. Even though her feelings for Harry had changed then, from romantic to brotherly, she was still a bit sour anytime she thinks about it. Because it all ends up to: do Harry and Ron find me attractive? Does anyone?
"Touched a nerve didn't I Granger. You're a pathetic excuse for a witch."
"If I'm a pathetic excuse for a witch then why didn't you just drop me instead of saving my filthy arse?" she retorted.
"Fine. I saved your filthy arse because I scared you and if you had fallen I would've had to bring you to the hospital wing and obviously not wanting to touch you any longer than I have to, I saved you. And I knew you would've told those dim-witted professors that it was me anyway. I don't want a detention this early in the year. So there. Are you happy? It wasn't you I was saving, I was saving myself." He explained and smirked knowing Hermione had thought he was doing it for her.
"But at the Express train, it was my-..." she began but was cut off by Malfoy.
"Yes about that. I told you, I'm not as heartless as you think. I do have a conscience you know." And with that he started to walk away. "Oh and by the way my sacred pristine Gryffindor, I didn't even know it was you. It wasn't until I realized that it was your bushy head I was saving."
Hermione was left alone in the corridor. How could she have been so stupid. Of course Malfoy wouldn't willingly help her. What was she thinking. And why does she even want to know why.
"You know why. Because you felt something when he touched you. There was something about the way he felt when you were close to him. "
"I'm starting to hate that voice." Hermione muttered to herself.
*~*~*
Sooo...what did y'all think? You're gonna start to see a little more of the character's personalities. One of my goals is to really keep them in character and not change them too much and of course to write a good story. I'm totally new to this and I could use all the help I can get. But I hope I'm not too bad. lol. Hahaha I know I'm asking for a lot (your suggestions and criticism and all) but they'd be greatly appreciated. Bye. For this chappie, I hope Draco was cruel enough and Hermione scared but still confident. (And I hope she wasn't too curious about this secret "guy") *sigh* well as I said...your opinion. Also, do you think I'm going to fast? Need I slow down a bit or stall?