Ch. 5 In This Together
"Should we let Draco know of our plans?"
Lucius Malfoy stood in a dark room that greatly resembled a dungeon. The air was damp and the cobblestones on the floor were covered in mold. The creature that sat in the middle of the room added to the sinister setting. The thing was in large brown robes and its head lolled downward as if it took great strength to keep it up. The face was reptilian and withered resembling a snake more than a man. The eyes seemed to be the only thing that alluded to its power as they glowed bright red and perused the blond man in front of it.
"I have plans for Draco but not this," the voice was a gravelly and hissing, "The less he knows about this the better.
Lucius nodded obediently.
"As you wish my Lord."
The creature waved a gnarled hand.
"Things have begun and I will not risk this as it is of the utmost importance. Your son will be used in other ways Lucius. Potter is a minor annoyance but he will meet his fate soon," the creature hissed and snarled it's mouth, "Do not fail me by involving him Lucius. If you deceive me you and your son will fall by me. Understand?"
Lucius nodded gravely, "I would never disobey an order from you, my Lord. Draco will not know of our plan."
The creature raised its head once in consent before lowering it in such a way that its glowing eyes were hidden. Lucius bowed and then apparated leaving the creature alone.
Draco woke from a nightmare in which he had been under the imperio curse. He had been screaming for help and no one could hear him or even noticed. He sat up in bed heaving in great gulps of air. He was sweating and his hair was matted to his head. His covers had been kicked completely off of the bed.
Once his breathing had returned to normal he got up and went to shower. The steamy water helped to erase his troubles and he put on his clothes then his robes. It was another hour until breakfast but he felt like walking the grounds to clear his head.
As he exited the dorm he glanced at Granger's door remembering the night before. The Gryffindor girl was more than weird she was down right creepy. Her eyes seemed to always be unfocused and lost. He snickered, it made sense that Potter of all people would be attracted to her. Strange meets even stranger.
On the grounds the fog was still hovering making the ground dewy. He inhaled the sweet aroma in the air and strode down a paved path. He wanted to forget his nightmare and shake off the fear that had been paralyzing him. If there was anything Draco Malfoy hated it was feeling weak and afraid. He prided himself on being fearless and lately he'd felt anything but. He just couldn't shake the feeling that with every passing day he was gaining more to only lose it. For the life of him, though he couldn't figure out what it was exactly that he was gaining.
At first he'd been dreaming and he allowed himself to smile at the memory since no one was near. He and Granger had been arguing about something Rudma had asked when he had been overcome with desire and kissed her. He had been having similar dreams for the past few weeks so its content had not shocked him but it was not long after feeling his lips on hers than he had been transported to someplace dark and dreary. Voldemort had been in front of him with his red eyes and had whispered, 'Imperio'. He'd felt weird and saw himself in a mirror doing things that he had not instructed himself to do. Soon after that he'd awoken and now was trying his best to forget it.
The wind blew and he found himself being eased with its breeze. His dreams of Granger had only spike his curiosity. What would her lips feel like? What would they taste like? He suddenly realized that he was dying to know. Dying to experience her close to him his mouth exploring hers. Before he knew it he'd been walking around for over an hour and promptly headed back.
Hermione couldn't help it. Sitting in the Great Hall she kept sneaking glances at Estrella not knowing what she was looking for or even expecting. Seeing how the girl had acted the night before had led her to look at her in a whole new light. The girl seemed at ease for the first time since she'd arrived. She sat across from them and although still a bit shy she talked freely with Harry and Ginny.
She even laughed out loud and Hermione was almost expecting to hear the high pitched screech she'd been exposed to last night. Her laugh was normal and resembled her voice, soft and wispy. She was dying to tell Harry and Ron about what happened but for now she just studied Estrella trying to figure out if anything was amiss.
Just then, Malfoy strolled into the Great Hall as if he didn't have a care in the world. He headed towards his table and resumed his reserved seat. She'd been wondering at his absence. She had no way of telling if he'd left his room or not and she had no reason or desire to knock and ask.
She'd had her regular nightmares last night except Estrella's screaming face seemed to play a large part in them this time. The nightmare hadn't lasted long before it was replaced with her and Malfoy sitting across from a fire gazing into each others eyes. She blushed at the memory remembering how badly in her dream she'd wanted to kiss him. It seemed they'd stared at each other forever before they both began to lean in towards one another. Just when she thought she was going to experience kissing Draco Malfoy she'd woken with a jolt.
She'd groaned and hit her pillow hating that she had not been able to do what she'd wanted so badly. Then she'd scolded herself for feeling that way and for thinking about kissing Malfoy at all. Even now sitting at the table across from him she watched his mouth, involuntarily. He ate with gusto and appeared to be ignoring something that Blaise Zabini was saying to him. She thought about how he'd picked Estrella up with ease and carried her to the Gryffindor common room. She imagined him holding her as he kissed her his-
She blinked and shook her head, "Get a grip, Hermione," she told herself.
Ron looked at her, his mouth full, "What you say 'Mione?"
"Nothing."
He eyed her curiously before he went back to stuffing himself. She continued eating forcing all thoughts of Malfoy out of her head.
Saturday had rolled around and everyone was eagerly anticipating going to Hogsmeade. Draco strolled through the path that connected the magical village to Hogwarts with Blaise beside him and Crabbe and Goyle trailing behind.
Tonight he was expected to meet his father and he was morbidly dreading the event. Taking a trip, at night, into the Forbidden Forest didn't excite him either. He was well trained in most types of magic and could definitely take care of himself if the situation arose but walking right into danger was completely pointless and unnecessary.
His hands were in his pockets his head tilted slightly towards the ground. His face was screwed in concentration.
"Is something bothering the Slytherin Prince?"
Draco glanced at Blaise who was watching him closely. He said nothing and continued onward passing by a group of students who'd paused to see some boy demonstrate standing on his head.
"I heard the girls room was supposed to be reserved for you and Cynthia today. Why are you coming to Hogsmeade when you could be getting the shag of your life?"
"Cynthia doesn't interest me. You can have her."
Blaise shook his head.
"What is up with you Malfoy? Or should I say who?"
Blaise's voice was irritated and accusing. Draco stopped and he felt himself being pushed forward and barely caught himself before he fell. He turned to Goyle annoyed.
"Do you not see me in front of you?"
Goyle lowered his eyes, "Sorry Draco. I wasn't watching where I was going," his voice was slow and dull.
Draco gave him a disgusted look before he turned back to Blaise.
"What are you up about?"
Blaise shrugged.
"You are rooming with Hermione Granger," Blaise said as if that explained everything.
Draco looked at him as if he'd gone stupid.
"What does me and Granger sharing a dorm have to do with anything?"
Blaise shrugged again.
"I don't know. You're the one who's been moping around like he's just lost his best friend."
"I haven't been moping around and if I was it certainly wouldn't be because of Granger," he gave Blaise a scathing look, "You're starting to lose your mind Zabini."
"You mean to tell me that you are sharing a living space with one Hermione Granger and haven't even thought about shagging her?" Blaise asked shocked.
Draco gritted his teeth not feeling like having to explain himself and certainly not about to tell Blaise, no matter how close they were, how he secretly felt for Hermione Granger.
"What is my last name?"
Blaise looked confused, "What?"
Draco was losing patience and spoke through his teeth again, "What is my last name?"
"Malfoy," Blaise answered still confused.
Draco nodded, "Exactly. I do not consort with mudbloods."
"Your name has nothing to do with it. I'm not saying you have to marry her, Merlin!"
Draco began walking again hoping Blaise would let the subject drop.
"She's so sexy and she doesn't even know it. What I'd do just to be Potter or Weasley so I could be in her good graces," Blaise wished grinning.
"You're disgusting Blaise," Draco said becoming more and more irritated as he spoke.
"I wonder if she's a virgin."
Draco's hands fisted at his sides. Blaise was either completely ignorant to Draco's anger or he didn't care.
"If she is I'd be happy to introduce her to a little friend of mi-"
Draco swiveled on Blaise almost knocking him over. Blaise stood shocked at the fury on Draco's face.
"If you don't shut the fuck up, I swear Zabini," his voice was dangerously low and promised nothing but pain.
Blaise held up his hand in defeat.
"Alright. Fine. I won't talk about Granger anymore. I think you're crazy though."
They continued on in silence and arrived at Hogsmeade. Draco had been craving a butterbeer so he headed to the Three Broomsticks. It was comfortably filled so most students had yet to arrive and he found a booth in the back to slide into. He wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone and had ditched Blaise, Crabbe, and Goyle. He just needed a moment to himself and considering who he was it was almost impossible.
He also needed to work out his anger from his talk with Blaise. Hearing Blaise describe what he'd wanted to do to Granger had made his blood boil. He'd wanted to beat him until his face was nothing but a bloody pulp. Oddly, despite their differences and her unfortunate heritage, he respected Granger. In a weird twisted way he respected her and he couldn't stand to hear Blaise talk about her in that way.
She wasn't like the other girls who intentionally dressed to get a guy's attention or flirted boldly. She was sexy without having to try and part of her beauty came from her being so pure. She was untouched and that in and of itself was more than turn-on. If she had been a pureblood he'd have no doubt sought out a relationship with her.
He blinked. A relationship with Granger? Maybe he was going crazy. Even if she had been a pureblood she was still an insufferable know-it-all. She still had to best him in class. Though, if Granger wasn't around he would have no competition academically or conversationally. Blaise provided an interesting thought once in a while but it was nothing like the rush he felt when conversing with Granger. Somehow he knew she would go toe-to-toe with him in anything.
He ordered his butterbeer and leaned back in the cushy seat to relax. The door opened again and in walked Granger. He saw her hair before he saw her. She was followed by Weaslette and the sleepwalking girl. He frowned. The girl was laughing shyly at something the Weasley girl was saying and looking to Granger as if for help. He wondered if she had divulged what happened the other night. Probably not. He grinned. He'd just found a way to entertain himself.
Hermione sat down at a small table at the front with Ginny and Estrella. She'd noticed Malfoy the moment she'd entered. It was as if she had Malfoy radar. The whole place screamed of his presence. She'd been surprised when she saw that he was sitting in the back.....alone. Where were his goons?
She tried to pay attention to whatever it was Ginny was saying but her eyes kept creeping towards the back of the room. He was now sipping a butterbeer looking relaxed. His eyes flickered to hers and he raised his glass slightly, nodding in greeting. She was too shocked to nod back.
"Right Hermione?"
Ginny's voice sounded a mile away.
"W-What?" she stammered.
Ginny rolled her eyes, "Where were you? I was telling Estrella about when Harry caught the snitch and fell off his broom."
"Oh. Right," they ordered three butterbeers and she gave Ginny a bored look, "You know I'm not a Quidditch buff, Ginny. I hardly care for the game."
Ginny continued to tell Estrella Gryffindor's history in Quidditch for the few years. Hermione glanced at Estrella who nodded politely but was clearly uninterested in anything to do with Quidditch. Actually, she seemed to be uninterested in anything but Harry.
She hadn't had the chance to tell Harry and Ron about what happened and so far the last few patrols were uneventful. She still couldn't get Estrella's screams out of her mind, though, and still watched her wearily as if she was expecting something to happen. She thought Harry and Estrella being an item was cute at first but now she felt uneasy and she hated herself for it.
Estrella was obviously just a quiet girl who was adjusting to a new school and since she liked Harry he was the only thing she seemed interested in. She had noticed how polite and reserved Estrella remained with everyone else and how relaxed she appeared with Harry. At first it was okay but now she found herself growing irritated with the girl. Everyone in Gryffindor had been practically bending over backwards to please and befriend Estrella but she only truly spoke to Harry.
Even now as Ginny had practically forced her to accompany them to the pub she could tell that Estrella would rather had stayed with Harry who was in a broom shop with Ron. Her smiles and laughs were more out of kindness than really being genuine. If she asked a question it was only about Harry and then and only then did her expression appear genuine and earnest.
"I have to go to the ladies room," Estrella stopped Ginny and looked at Hermione, "Where is it?"
Hermione directed her and the girl excused herself. The moment she was out of sight Ginny sighed and motioned to where Estrella had disappeared.
"Is it just me or is she interested in anything other than Harry?"
Hermione leaned towards Ginny, her voice low, "I thought it was just me."
Ginny shook her head, "Everyone's noticed. All she wants to talk about is Harry. Harry. Harry. Harry."
Hermione noticed that her voice was very bitter and.........jealous?
"She's certainly not interested in anything or anyone else. They both act like they're in love," Hermione said.
Ginny looked offended. Her brows creased and she turned towards the restrooms then back to her.
"Hopefully Harry can make a better choice than whispering willow back there."
She gasped, "Ginny! Willow- I mean Estrella-" she blushed, "just transferred. We have to make sure she feels comfortable. She may be a little......different but that's because we've only just met her. We're probably as strange to her as she is to us."
Ginny leaned towards her, "But we've all been overly hospitable, Hermione. Everyone has been nice and welcoming and offering to help her with anything," Ginny scoffed, "She acts like the rest of us are nothing. She acts like she can't wait to be far far away from us," she gave Hermione an apologetic look, "I have tried to be nice. I have. I wanted to like her but she's just so........."
Ginny obviously couldn't find the words to go on and neither could she. It was apparent to Hermione that Ginny had feelings for Harry, as she'd always had, and was completely miffed that someone like Estrella could just come in and catch his eye. It was quite remarkable when she thought about it. Harry hadn't really been interested in any girl since fifth year when his crush for Cho had fizzled out now he couldn't keep his eyes off of the raven haired girl who barely spoke more than two words.
She was about to respond to Ginny when she noticed Estrella heading back towards their table. She didn't like the thought of discussing someone like a gossiping backstabber but she could tell that Ginny needed to speak about how she felt about the new girl as badly as she had.
The buterbeers arrived right as Estrella sat down and they all sipped the warm delicious liquid in silence. Estrella seemed comfortable enough but her eyes kept flickering towards the door, no doubt expecting Harry to come through at any moment. She could tell that Ginny was greatly resisting the urge to roll her eyes.
Hermione's gaze flew towards the back to see what Malfoy was doing and she was surprised to find that he was out of his seat and heading their way. She wondered what he wanted, an encounter with him, especially public, was never a good thing.
He came and stood at their table smirking at her and glancing at Estrella. Ginny gave him a dirty look.
"What do you want Malfoy?"
He ignored her and continued to grin at Hermione before focusing his attention on Estrella.
"How has school been?"
Estrella looked at him slightly put off since he'd never spoken to her before.
"It's been very well, thank you."
Ginny looked at Malfoy suspiciously before giving Hermione a 'what's going on' look.
"Are you fitting in nicely?"
"Yes, everyone has been very kind."
Estrella's voice was polite but vaguely suspicious. Hermione was just as suspicious. Malfoy was obviously here to play games, the little ferret. He was never this kind.
"How have you been sleeping?"
There it was. The reason he'd come over was to toy with Estrella about something she didn't even have memory of. Her eyes narrowed at him willing him to go away. She prayed he wouldn't come right out and tell the girl what happened. If she didn't know Malfoy she'd have thought that he was sincerely interested but since she did she knew his face was nothing but patronizing and devious. He feigned concern, beautifully though.
Estrella looked puzzled, "I have been sleeping well. The accommodations are very comfortable. I'm sorry, why are you asking me these questions?"
He shrugged.
"Some people have been known to wander at night if the beds are a little uncomfortable."
Ginny rolled her eyes, "As if you care Malfoy. Why don't you go bother someone else?"
He continued to ignore Ginny and looked straight at Hermione.
"What about you Granger? Don't you agree?"
She was tempted to slap the smirk off his face. He was just begging her too, she knew it.
"Ferrets tend to make people roam at night as well. The school has known to have a few."
Ginny chuckled and Estrella still looked puzzle not understanding. Malfoy didn't look the least bit insulted. He just smirked more turning his gaze back to Estrella.
"Do you sing any?"
Before Estrella had an opportunity to answer the ridiculous question she stood up abruptly almost knocking her chair over. She saw their startled gazes and pushed her chair into her table gently and looked at Malfoy.
"Why don't we go.....talk. I think we need to discuss some of our Head duties," she struggled to find an appropriate excuse, "There's something we didn't go over."
She was a horrible liar. Ginny was looking at her as if she'd gone mad.
"Which of our Head duties, Granger?" he asked as if he was genuinely curious.
She could tell how much he was enjoy this.
"Outside, Malfoy."
She didn't say anything else, just turned and swept through the entrance. She crossed her arms waiting for him to come out. Several students were entering and leaving various shops, all of them excited and bursting with conversation.
"You are too easy to rouse, Granger."
She turned to him angrily.
"She doesn't know. I haven't told her yet. I'm not even sure if I should."
Malfoy shrugged and eyed her lazily. She felt herself shiver involuntarily as his eyes caressed her.
"I wasn't about to tell her. I just thought I'd have a little fun."
She scoffed, "Of course you would think fun would be at another person's expense."
"What other type of fun is there?" he teased.
She smiled in spite of herself, "You are impossible."
He pretended to look sheepish, "It's why everyone loves me so much."
"Uh-huh, I must have missed that," she uncrossed her arms turning serious, "You promise you won't say anything?"
He moved closer to her his hands in his pocket.
"What's the big deal? It's not like she was sleepwalking naked or anything."
"If someone told you that you were singing and dancing in your sleep how would you feel?"
She could tell he was picturing it by his expression. He ran his hands through his hair.
"Fine. I won't tell her, you have my word," she must've looked unconvinced because his eyes narrowed, "I do keep my word regardless of what you might think."
She could tell that she'd offended him.
"I'm sorry, I just....well......I'm not used to this.........being civil towards one another."
He grinned, "Who says I'm being civil towards you? You still annoy the hell out of me and I think you're entire existence is worthless."
She would have been deeply hurt by his words but for some odd reason she didn't feel that they had much weight.
She smiled, "The feeling is mutual."
He stepped closer to her and she unconsciously took a step back. They were in the middle of Hogsmeade and he was standing here talking to her as if he didn't have a care in the world. She noticed a few people, specifically slytherins, eying them suspiciously.
"I hope you haven't forgotten your debt."
She was truly puzzled.
"What debt? I don't owe you Malfoy."
His smirk became a smile and she once again felt extremely pleased at seeing it.
"You do. I had to carry your housemate back to her dorms and didn't even deduct points. You. Owe. Me. Quite simply, I expect for you to pay in full, whenever I ask."
She was stuck and he knew it. She chastised herself for even being in a situation where she owed Draco Malfoy anything. She was sure he would ask her to do something demeaning or embarrassing, whatever would make her life miserable.
"What would you have me do Malfoy?" she wasn't sure she really wanted to know.
He seemed to be immensely enjoy himself, bastard.
"When the time comes, you'll know," he gave her a secret smile, "For now, I prefer you," he paused, "to wonder."
Basically, he wanted her to die a slow death wondering what sick things he would think up.
"Screw you, Malfoy," she bit out.
He pretended to be insulted, "Such foul language," he tsked, "Don't worry, I won't ask you to do anything above your stature."
He grinned and sauntered off down the street. She watched him go angrily hating that he seemed to constantly have the upper-hand with her. She didn't care what he asked she definitely wasn't going to play the part of the fool for his own sick amusement. She went back into the pub and was assaulted with questions from Ginny and curious looks from Estrella.
"What was that with you and Malfoy?"
She shrugged, "Nothing. I just had to set him straight, hopefully he'll keep his distance from now on."
Ginny didn't look entirely convinced but she also seemed to lose interest. She offered to go meet back up with Harry and Ron to which Estrella seemed ecstatic. She followed them out the door and found herself gazing around for Malfoy. Despite their little interlude she was hoping to bump into him again. Life was certainly never boring with him around.
Draco entered the Forbidden Forest wearing a heavy dark cloak. He knew in dealing with places like this it was best to become a part of the darkness if one expected to come out unscathed. He had no idea how far he was to go but he was deftly prepared. He kept his hand on his wand his sense heightened considerably.
He crept through the quiet of the Forest ears tuned to the slightest bit of movement and sound. His thoughts were assaulted with Granger as they had been all day. He couldn't seem to get her out of his mind lately. When he'd teased her about owing him at Hogsmeade he'd found her anger highly attractive and felt himself unconsciously moving closer to her despite the fact that they were in the middle of Hogsmeade.
Something about her made him want to say 'damn it all' but he wasn't accustomed to being out of control or giving into impulse even though with every passing day she seemed to tempt him. When she'd pouted he'd wanted nothing more than to capture her lips with his. He'd been almost compelled to do it. When they'd been patrolling she had cast him angry glances to which he'd smirked happily. The fact that he could arouse such passion from her pleased him in a way he didn't quite understand.
"Draco."
He stopped in his tracks and turned around. His father was standing near a large gnarled tree that looked as if it had died decades ago. The moon illuminated his blonde hair making it appear silver. He nodded in respect.
"Father."
Lucius moved towards Draco and he noticed his expression was one of mild annoyance.
"You weren't followed, were you?"
Draco shook his head, "No."
"You were supposed to meet with the Master tonight but something has come up. We will have to do this another time."
Draco wanted to jump in exaltation but instead he gave a disappointed look.
"Is something wrong?"
Lucius looked to his left before addressing him again.
"Nothing that you need worry about it. I will contact you again to let you know when we will meet again."
Draco nodded again.
"Hurry back. I think Dumbledore is prowling tonight," his voice lowered, "Do not let him catch you. He must not know of our allegiance with the Dark Lord."
He suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. There probably wasn't a wizard alive who wasn't aware of the Malfoy's allegiance with Voldemort, especially Dumbledore.
"I will be careful."
Lucius nodded at him, "Fine, you're dismissed."
Draco moved to go and he was stopped by his father's hand.
"Be on the look out for anything..........strange."
His father looked like he wanted to say something more but obviously wouldn't.
"Strange like what?"
"Just.....strange. Keep your eyes and ears open you may be essential later on."
He had no idea what his father could be alluding to be he nodded in consent again.
"I will."
His father's face grew sour.
"I heard through one of your peers fathers that you were put into a dorm with Hermione Granger. Is that true?"
He had completely forgotten to tell his father not finding it that important but he realized now that it may have been a grave mistake.
"Dumbledore thinks that we should be examples for the rest of the school."
Lucius became angry.
"That old fool! What makes him think that he can put my son in the same vicinity as a muggle? Unacceptable!"
Draco felt his father's anger grow with every passing second and decided to deflate the situation.
"It's not so bad. Besides, we're not supposed to be aligned with Voldemort," Lucius frowned at his use of the name, "If you confront him about it it'll only alarm him."
His face was still angry but he nodded curtly, "Maybe we can use your close proximity to Potter's friend later on. Either way, it'll have to do for now."
He dreaded the thought of being used for anything but said nothing.
"Don't disappoint me."
Lucius apparated and Draco began to head quickly back to Hogwarts. It seemed that's all his father ever did. 'Don't disappoint me'. It had been his ongoing mantra since he was a child. He doubted if he could ever truly make his father proud. The fact that Granger constantly made excellent scores was, he knew, a pet peeve of his. He'd chastised him many times about it. He'd accused him of letting a mudblood girl be better than him as if he had any control over the matter.
His insinuation of using him to get to Potter through Granger chilled his heart. For some reason he couldn't see himself laying hand or wand on her. He didn't want to examine why he just knew that the mere thought of her being hurt left him feeling extremely uneasy. More than uneasy it angered and saddened him at the same time.
Somehow she seemed to be burrowing herself in his skin and he could do nothing to stop it. He felt as if some prophecy had been spoken and he was helpless to stop it because more and more day by day he found himself thinking fondly of her at the most inopportune times. Like now as he sneaked out of the Forbidden Forest after having met with his father to discuss and eventually take part in heinous matters he could only think of her. He found himself wondering what she might think or feel about him if she knew just who he really was being molded to be.