TITLE: Experience 8

Author: Angeldevotee AKA Snarky

RATING: R

PAIRING: DM/HG, HP/HG

SUMMARY: Love triangle between Harry/Draco/ Hermione. Virginal Hermione decides to let Malfoy seduce her and enlists Harry's help!

DISCLAIMER: Only the plot is mine. Harry, Hermione, Ron, Draco and the rest all belong to JKR. sniffle

Hermione and Ron walked down the staircase together. She had hurriedly thrown on her school uniform and robes. Hermione felt like she was on overdrive. Harry's very vivid dream last night had taken her by surprise. She knew that he had a crush on her but she never imagined that her best friend could be so passionate. Hermione wasn't quite sure how she felt about that.

Meanwhile, Ron kept sneaking looks at her. "Um, are you okay, Hermione?"

She swallowed reflexively. "Fine, why do you ask?"

"You just seem. . .off," Ron said, giving her a once over.

"Nope. Just fine." Hermione was grateful to see the Great Hall come into view. She picked up the pace and so did Ron. They finally reached their table to find Ginny, Harry, and Parvati already seated. Hermione and Ron took seats on either side of Parvati. Hermione hoped that when they both had their mouths full of food, there would be no opportunity to ask embarrassing questions.

But she underestimated Ron's concern for her.

Ron scooped some scrambled eggs onto his plate. "Hermione, did you have a bad dream? I had to knock on your door forever. And you were making these strange little noises. Like you were moaning or something." His brow furrowed. "I think you said 'Harry' a couple of times."

Hermione nearly choked on her toast.

Harry coughed loudly.

"Were you having a nightmare about Voldemort? Were you asking Harry to save you?" Ron persisted.

"Um . . ." Hermione stalled, thinking of a plausible lie.

Ginny patted Harry's back. "Are you okay?"

He hid his face in her shoulder and she tenderly stroked his hair.

Hermione couldn't look away from Harry and his girlfriend. "Actually, you're right, Ron. I had a dream about Harry, well actually. . .I had his dreams." She smiled at everyone.

Harry was seized by another coughing fit.

"Professor Trelawney is making us share each other's dreams. We made these dream catchers and it keeps your dreams in beads that you can share with another person. Harry's was very interesting," Hermione drawled, catching Harry's eye.

"What was it about?"Parvati asked curiously.

Hermione and Harry continued to stare at each other. "Oh, about flowers. . .and other things."

Ginny frowned.

"Harry had a dream about flowers?" Ron asked incredulously. "Ohhh. . .what a scary dream. Did the big bad flower come after you, Harry?" he teased.

Harry glared at him. "Yes, a big flower with big spider on it. Oh wait. . .no, that's your phobia."

Hermione flushed as Harry met her eyes again.

"What else happened?" Ginny asked, watching the byplay between Harry and Hermione.

"Oh, um, Harry took something from me." Hermione couldn't resist kidding him. . .or was it flirting?

A flush crept up Harry's neck but his eyes were locked on hers. "Ah no, if I remember it right. . .you gave it to me."

"That's right, I did." Hermione didn't want to look away.

"Took what?" Parvati asked.

Hermione ignored the question. "And Malfoy was there too."

"Ugh!" Ron said, wrinkling his nose in disgust. "That really is a nightmare!"

Ginny asked, exasperated by the behavior of her boyfriend and his best friend. "What did you take from her, Harry?"

Neither Harry or Hermione would answer her.

After breakfast, Hermione caught up with Harry in the hallway. There were only a few students around them because classes started in fifteen minutes.

"Hi there," she said, biting her lower lip. "Can I talk to you?"

"Sure," Harry said, ducking his head. His nervousness was killing him. He told himself that it was just Hermione. They'd had a million little conversations in the hall. It was no big deal. He followed her into a corner of the hallway. They were obscured by a large statue and the meager light from the torches created a dim space that felt protected. "What's on your mind?"

"Um, about the dream-"

"Hermione, I'm sorry about that. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I can't help what I dream about."

"You're sorry about it? You didn't want to, um, have. . .the dream?" Hermione questioned, feeling a little hurt.

Harry's eyes widened. "Oh no! Not that I. . .I didn't mind. . .you know."

"I think that's my line," Hermione said, grinning at him.

It made Harry's heart beat faster. "You're so beautiful, Hermione." It came out before he could stop it.

She blushed. "Thank you." Hermione felt beautiful when he looked at her that way. Or when Malfoy looked at her in a very different way. . .woah! Malfoy. "Um," she paused to lick her lips.

Harry followed the movement with his eyes.

She pressed his dream bead into his palm. "I think you should probably put this some place safe. We don't want it to fall into the wrong hands." She noticed the look on his face. "Um, Harry, we're obviously attracted to each other. But we already know that it can't go any farther, right?"

"Are you sure about that, Hermione?" Harry asked, his voice dropping a little. He looked around them, noting the empty hallway. Excellent. He moved a bit closer, putting one arm on the wall over her head. "I have experience too."

"Harry-"

He bent his head and brushed his mouth against hers. "You won't regret it, Hermione. I'll be-"

"Harry," she interrupted. "Malfoy and I. . .um, the other night. We-"

"Did you sleep with him?" Harry demanded.

"No, I didn't! But, even if I did, that's my decision, Harry," Hermione reproached.

Harry took in a several calming breaths and backed away from her. What the hell was wrong with him? He felt so possessive of her. "I'm sorry, Hermione," he said finally.

"It's okay," she reassured him. "I know you don't like him but I do."

"No, you want to sleep with him. Believe me, it's not the same thing."

"You slept with someone you didn't like?" Hermione asked curiously.

"That's not the point, "Harry said quickly. "I just don't want you to regret it." And he knew she would. Malfoy would only end up hurting her.

"I won't," Hermione said definitively. "Draco's charming, funny and-"

"What did. . .what did you do with him?" Harry asked tightly.

"I don't think I should tell you that," Hermione said as she stepped away from the statue. She was a little frightened by his jealousy but she was also a little thrilled by it. It was proof positive that he didn't just see her as a friend and he wasn't just concerned about her welfare.

Harry's blood was boiling just imagining the two of them together. "Hermione, I-"

"We'll talk later Harry, " she promised as she stepped from behind the statue.

Harry sagged against the wall, feeling like an utter prat.

Later that afternoon, the three friends were standing in the field behind Hogwarts once more as Madame Hooch bellowed orders into the megaphone. This was their second lesson in physical self-defense. She had spent the better part of an hour instructing them on more techniques.

"I hope they don't make us partner with Slytherin again," Ron said, rubbing his shoulder. "The last time I ended up in the hospital wing."

Harry gave Hermione a sly smile. "I liked it better when we partnered with each other."

Hermione's mouth went dry at his obvious teasing. No wonder so many girls had a crush on Harry. "I guess it wasn't so bad," she whispered. Ack! She really was flirting with him.

Madame Hooch spoke with Sonorous, "Find an opponent from an opposing House!"

Everyone groaned except Hermione. She was busy searching the crowd for Malfoy. And she found him sauntering towards them with an indolent smirk on his face. He nodded at each of them in turn. "Weasel, Scarhead," he said before his eyes stopped on Hermione. "Granger."

Hermione was having the hardest time keeping an impassive expression. She cleared her throat. "Need a partner, Malfoy?"

"As a matter of fact, I do. . .but not you," Malfoy smiled at her crestfallen look but his features hardened as he looked over the top of her head to see Harry who was glaring at him. "I thought Scarhead and I would have a go."

"Why not, Malfoy?" Harry returned. "I kick your ass on the Quidditch field often enough. Might be fun to literally do it here."

Hermione still stood between them. "Stop it! This is ridiculous, you-"

But they lunged at each other and Ron pulled her out of the way. "Leave them alone, Hermione, this has been coming for a long time."

Hermione struggled in his grasp. Poor Ron thought this was just because of Harry's long standing feud with Malfoy. He had no idea that this particular argument was about her. "Let me go! I have to stop this." He didn't release her. "Madame Hooch! Madame Hooch!"

But she didn't hear Hermione's cries over the din. The field was full of sparring partners and the sound of grunts and groans filled the air. She couldn't even see them from her vantage point on the right side of the field.

Harry and Draco circled each other. Malfoy reached out and shoved Harry who stood his ground and pushed back. "That's all you got, Malfoy?"

"Not even close, Potter. I thought I'd give you another scar or two. Just tell me where you want them," Draco said angrily.

Harry took a swing at Malfoy but missed when the other boy backed away. "Why don't you just leave her alone?"

"You're missing the point, Potter. She doesn't want me to leave her alone." Draco punched Harry in the jaw.

Harry's eyes rolled back in his head but he managed to stay on his feet and moved away from Draco. "She doesn't even like you. You know that, right? She just wants a quick shag and she thought you'd do."

Draco was unperturbed -outwardly at least. "Suits me fine. It's not like I have a girlfriend or anything."

Harry took a swing at Malfoy and socked him in the eye. "What the hell are you implying, Malfoy?"

"Do you need me to use smaller words?" Draco taunted.

Ron stared at Hermione questioningly but she looked away. "Let me go, Ron. I have to get Madame Hooch."

Ron released Hermione and she began fighting her way through the crowd to Madame Hooch. Ron turned his attention back to Malfoy and Harry. It almost sounded as if Malfoy was accusing Harry of cheating on Ginny. Ridiculous! Harry loved Ginny. But who were they talking about?

Harry punched Malfoy in the stomach, bringing the other boy to his knees. "You're not good enough for her!"

Malfoy glared up at him, blood seeping from his mouth. "Maybe not but I'm a hell of a lot better than you!" Draco swept his leg under Harry, bringing him to the grass as well.

"Stop it this instant!" Madame Hooch screeched as he came up to the group. "This is about self-defense, not beating the tar out of each other." Harry and Draco were both sporting black eyes. They had various scrapes and bruises as well. She glared at both of them. "I'm very disappointed in you both. Go to the hospital wing. I'll mete out your punishment later." She swept away from them in a flurry of robes.

Harry and Draco sneered at each other. "This isn't over, Potter," Draco snarled before he began the long trek to the infirmary.

"I hope so, Malfoy!" Harry called as Hermione and Ron helped him to his feet.

"What were you two going on about?" Ron asked as they began walking back to Hogwarts.

"Nothing," Harry said tightly.

"You're an idiot," Hermione reproved.

"Oh yeah?" Harry grated out. "Well, I'm not the only one."

"What's going on?" Ron tried again. "What are you two not telling me?"

Harry looked at Hermione who was silently pleading with her eyes and then turned to Ron with a smug expression. "Hermione's mystery man is Malfoy."

Ron grimaced. "He is?" He looked Hermione over carefully before turning back to Harry. "Is she under a spell or something?"

"Not unless you call 'lust' a spell," Harry returned, eyes flashing.

"Lust?" Ron said, looking a little green. "For Malfoy?"

Hermione was trembling with rage. "You promised me you wouldn't tell!"

"That was before I knew you were actually serious about this thing!" Harry shouted.

"What thing?" Ron queried, mystified by their anger and the hidden messages they seemed to be sending each other with their eyes.

"I'm sure Harry can tell you all about it, Ron," Hermione snapped as she headed back to the school ahead of them. "That's what he's good at!"

Madame Pomfrey was pacing in front of the window. She had twenty-seven injured students and ten beds. Most of them had minor bruises and cuts but a few had more extensive injuries that needed her attention, including three or four broken bones. She really wished Madame Hooch had taken more magical precautions to prevent injuries.

Madame Pomfrey managed to triage all the students. The less serious ones were sent to the back room. She placed both Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy in the storage room since they were also waiting for Madame Hooch. Neither of their injuries were serious. She stuck her head in to check on them and found Ginny Weasley sitting on the end of Potter's cot.

"Miss Weasley? Could you patch these two up for me? All you need to do is put on some that herbal salve." She gestured to a large round container. "And bandage it."

"Of course," Ginny said, shooting an uncertain look at Draco Malfoy who sneered back at her.

Hermione came in just behind Madame Pomfrey.

"Miss Granger, could you assist Miss Weasley in bandaging them up? " she asked..

"I'd be happy to," Hermione agreed readily.

"I'll just see to the others," Madae Pomfrey said before she bustled out of the room.

"You can bandage Malfoy," Ginny asserted, grateful to be released from her duty where he was concerned.

The storage room was stacked with various medical supplies both magical and mystical. There were several wire racks that contained bandages, ointments, and creams . Other shelves held herbs and spices that could be used to make medicines. The cots were situated against opposite walls and tucked into the corners.

Hermione smiled down at Malfoy. "Guess you're stuck with me." She had been headed straight to her room when she decided that she should probably check on Draco. Unfortunately, he'd been put in the same room with Harry.

Draco's eyes had brightened up when she came in the room - especially when he noted that she hadn't said a word to Potter. He leaned back on the cot and put his arms behind his head.

"I'm all yours, luv." His smile was downright sinful.

Harry snorted.

Hermione smiled at the endearment.

"Did you come to see Harry?" Ginny asked as she peered around a shelf at her. She was confused by Hermione's behavior.

"No, I came to see Draco," Hermione answered honestly. She didn't even look at Harry. She grabbed up the salve and went back to her 'patient'.

"Why would you do that?" Ginny asked, wrinkling up her nose.

Draco scowled at her.

"Hermione has a crush on him," Harry said, attempting to embarrass Hermione.

Ginny's mouth dropped in shock. Malfoy is your crush?"

"You told them you had a crush on me, eh?" Draco crowed, pleased by the news.

"Except for the part when I didn't tell them it was you," Hermione answered, situating herself on the end of the cot.

"Truth's out now, though," Draco drawled.

"What? That you're an arrogant prat?" Harry said, looking at him from his unblackened eye. "Because we knew that a long time ago."

"Careful, Scarhead. You're almost beginning to sound jealous, what would your girlfriend think?" Draco smirked at Ginny.

"Shut up, Malfoy." Ginny spat at him. "Everyone knows their just friends."

"Is that a fact?" he returned. "Then, why are we fighting over her and not you?"

"I see. The word 'friend' must have confused you." She replied, nastily, trying to keep a worried look off her face. "They're the people you have to pay to hang around you, and the rest of us just make freely."

"Good thing for you. Don't think the Weasley's would be able to afford to buy anymore once they got through all your brothers," he sneered. "Harry alone would have emptied your bank vault."

"Some of us aren't as cheap as others." Harry grinned.

"Expensive and annoying. What a deal," Draco replied dead-pan.

"Shut up, Draco," Hermione said, without rancor. She'd never admit it but she was secretly pleased that he was giving Harry and Ginny such a hard time. Harry deserved it for revealing her confidence to Ron and Ginny. . .well, she just didn't like her on principle. She stood beside his bed, the open jar of salve in one hand, and the sticky contents on the other.

Draco reached over, placing his hands on her hips and pulled her closer. "Anything you say."

"Didn't take you long to train him, Hermione," Harry jeered.

"A gentleman will do anything for the right lady," Draco said with a smile, catching Hermione's eye.

She began applying salve on his swollen cheek. "Ouch, that looks like it hurts."

"Not anymore," Draco said, soothed by her tender touch and the gentleness in her eyes. She really wasn't like any other girl he'd ever met. He could never imagine any of them taking the time to bandage him up.

"Too bad, I was going to kiss it and make it better," Hermione said with a grin.

"In that case, there's a place due south that urgently needs your attention."

"That's disgusting, Malfoy!" Harry shouted.

"In case you didn't notice, Potter, I wasn't talking to you!" Draco returned before he murmured to Hermione. "And I was talking about my mouth." He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her lips. She smiled at him when he pulled back, completely charmed until he added, "No wonder you never get the girl you really want, Potter."

"You don't know what your talking about, Malfoy!" Ginny said, nearly trembling with rage. But she noticed that Harry didn't bother to deny it.

Hermione nudged Malfoy. "You promised me you wouldn't tell anyone about Harry," she whispered.

"Yes, I promised I wouldn't say anything. I'm just implying. I had no idea SheWeasel would be smart enough to take the hint."

"She isn't. You heard her denial, didn't you?" Hermione said.

"What are you two whispering about?" Harry called, craning around Ginny to see them.

"Why don't you worry a little bit less about them and a little more about me?" Ginny screeched, standing up and smacking him with the medical supplies. "Bandage yourself up, Potter. Or better yet. . .ask Hermione to do it!"

Harry was immediately remorseful. "Ginny, please don't-"

But she was already headed to the door and she wasn't looking back.

Harry spared Hermione and Draco a glance before he bounded after her.

Draco sighed. "Alone at last." He had a self-satisfied smile on his face. He'd managed to shake Scarhead up and, with any luck, he'd be so busy making up with his girlfriend he wouldn't have time for Hermione.

"You're evil," Hermione said, quite seriously. And why didn't she seem to mind?

"What do you expect? I'm a Slytherin."

"I should be angry with you," Hermione tried to look upset but failed miserably. "I think you corrupted me."

"Not all of you," Draco said, his eyes hot.

Hermione ducked her head. "Not yet anyway."

"I think we should take another tour of the third floor. What about you?"

Hermione smiled. "I'm free tonight."

Ginny Weasely shook out Harry's robes looking for the dream bead. She'd gone straight to his rooms because that was the last place he'd look for her. "Ah ha!" she crowed as she found it. She snapped it into the dream catcher and threw herself on Harry's bed. Ginny was desperate to know what Harry really felt about Hermione and this was the only way she could think of to discover his true feelings. Ginny closed her eyes and murmured a sleep charm she'd learned from Professor Flitwick.