Let Me Help You
DracoxHermione
Rated NC-17
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or its characters from the franchise. That honor belongs to JK Rowling
Let Me Help You
Chapter 10
Time had passed and during that time Draco and Hermione met at least four times a week to spend some quality time together. Whether it was in the Room of Requirement during lunch hour or in the secret room Hermione had taken Draco to, they made sure to spend time alone to build their friendship and get to know each other better. And it was during those times that Draco confided in Hermione his thoughts, fears, and doubts about his mission from the Dark Lord while still trying to remain strong; he told her he believed his mask was beginning to break. Hermione comforted him as best as she could, but there wasn't much she could do in her position except give him her undying support. But what she didn't know was that it was her support and friendship that she was giving to Draco that was making him feel as if he could get through his days. He had someone in his corner, someone that he didn't deserve to even have as a friend, yet he leaned on her more than he ever leant on anyone. Their friendship was growing more than they thought it would, so much so that it caused Hermione to do something one night that would change the dynamic of their friendship.
It was December and snowing outside, snow covering the ground and everything that it landed on, creating a beautiful white blanket. The snow looked even more beautiful in the moonlight outside. Hermione and Draco were actually sitting outside in the snow during dinner one night, talking and having a little picnic while everyone else was inside the Great Hall enjoying their own dinner.
Draco took a sip of his hot chocolate before asking, "How has the Occlumency lessons going with Severus? I haven't been to the last few for…reasons." He didn't like talking about his work as a Death Eater if he didn't have to, so he avoided saying anything about it if he could help it.
Hermione gave a smile and replied, "They are going great. Professor Snape says that I have really improved since I first began. He also said that I stopped throwing up on his carpet and passing out, so he called that definite improvement."
The two of them laughed softly at Snape's words before eating some more of the food Draco had brought for the picnic. After a bit of silence Hermione said, "Professor Slughorn is holding a Christmas party tomorrow night. Harry and I have been invited."
"Oh yes, you're part of that stupid club of his," Draco replied.
"It's not stupid; it's a club for magically gifted students."
"Hermione, Hogwarts is a place for magically gifted students. I don't know or want to even understand what the Slug Club is. I understand you being in it, but how Potter got in is beyond my understanding."
"It's because he is excelling in Potions, something that has never happened before. He claims it is because Professor Slughorn is a better teacher that Professor Snape, but I think it has something to do with that Potions book he carries around and sleeps with all of the time."
"There can only be one person doing that around Hogwarts and her name is Hermione Granger. We don't need another know-it-all here, especially with the name of Potter."
Hermione wasn't sure whether the blond had insulted her or not, so she said nothing and purposely ignored his jab at Harry. Clearing her throat she continued, "Anyway, the Christmas party requires we bring a guest."
Draco looked up at her and said, "And I assume you want me to be your guest."
Blushing Hermione said, "Well, I would have preferred you to who I did ask."
"Who did you ask?" Draco asked with a raised eyebrow.
The brunette didn't answer at first, but with more prodding from Draco she mumbled, "Cormac McLaggen."
Silence. There was just silence. And then it was interrupted when the boy began to snicker before bursting into laughter. Hermione flushed as Draco laughed, turning redder when he said asked through his laughter, "Are you serious?"
"He wasn't my first choice. He was my fourth," Hermione said as she took a sip of her hot cocoa."
"Oh? And who was your first choice?"
"…"
"Granger."
"No."
"Do I know him?"
"Yes."
"Potter?"
"No."
"Weaselbee?"
"No."
"Viktor Krum?"
"I haven't spoken to Viktor in months now."
"Then who?" Draco asked as he cleared away the picnic and made it vanish.
Hermione wondered if she should just tell Draco that she had planned on asking him to accompany her to Slughorn's Christmas party first, but before she could decide to tell him or not, she heard her name being called.
"Hermione!"
Turning Hermione saw Harry practically running towards her and Draco and she immediately stood up from the snow. As soon as Harry reached them he got between the brunette and the blond and glared at Draco, wand drawn in case he had to start firing spells. Glaring up at him he said, "Get away from her, Malfoy."
Draco looked taken aback a bit, but it was quickly covered up with a scowl and a sneer as he said, "Oh please, as if I would want anything to do with Granger. The Mudblood bumped into me and pushed me to the ground."
Grey eyes met brown briefly, but Hermione could see the apology in them for referring to her as 'Mudblood'. Hermione wished she could tell Harry that Malfoy was really her friend, but she knew she couldn't and probably would never be able to tell him the truth about Draco.
Harry scoffed and retorted, "Whatever, Malfoy. Just get away from us."
The blond boy rolled his eyes before turning and heading up towards the castle, not turning back to look at them as he walked away. Harry sighed and turned back to his friend asking, "Are you alright? That git didn't do anything to you, did he?"
"No, I'm fine, Harry," Hermione told him as she dusted some of the snow from her.
Nodding Harry said, "That's good. Anyway, I came out looking for you because I wanted to ask you a question." Harry blushed under the moonlight and scratched the back of his head before asking, "Will you be my date to Slughorn's Christmas party?"
The brunette's brown eyes widened a bit before she said, "Oh Harry, I wish you would have asked me sooner. I've already got a guest to take to the party. Actually, he's already been invited so we're going together."
Harry's shoulders sagged and a sad frown appeared on his face before it disappeared and he said, "Oh, well that's okay. I'll just ask Luna to go with me then."
"Sorry."
"It's alright, I should have asked sooner."
Hermione gave her friend an apologetic smile before hugging him close, allowing him to hug her in return before they headed back into Hogwarts, deciding to head back to the Gryffindor Common Room and retire for the night. And all the while Hermione's thoughts wouldn't leave a certain blond haired boy that she couldn't help but feel strongly for.
Hermione stood anxiously towards the back wall of Professor Slughorn's Christmas party, brown eyes darting around the room to make sure Cormac McLeggen hadn't found her whereabouts just yet. She was so wrapped up in making sure the other Gryffindor didn't see her that she missed Harry and Luna walk up to her.
"Hi Hermione," Harry said.
"Oh, hi Harry. Hi Luna," Hermione replied giving them a quick smile before looking back anxiously at the crowd of guests that were in attendance.
Harry frowned and asked, "Is everything alright?"
The brunette nodded and answered, "Yes, I'm fine. I'm just um, running away from Cormac. He tried to kiss me under the mistletoe; he's very persistent."
As Harry growled softly in anger, Luna smiled and said, "You know Hermione, if your date had lighter hair you wouldn't be as anxious as you are."
Both Harry and Hermione turned to look at their eccentric friend as she observed the crowd, a serene smile on her face. Harry didn't understand Luna's cryptic sentence, but Hermione had and a blush covered her cheeks. Harry had always told her and Ron that Luna always knew more than she let on or that anyone thought she knew, but she didn't know the blonde girl knew she had a crush on Draco. It made her wonder what else Luna knew about her and Draco. Before she had a chance to say anything in some sort of reply, she noticed Cormac headed their way, though he hadn't spotted her yet.
"Come this way," Hermione practically whispered as she pulled her friends into a more crowded area to avoid being seen.
"Hermione, you can't run from him the whole night," Harry told her, though an amused grin was on his face.
Nodding her head she replied, "Of course I can."
Luna gave the brunette a sympathetic smile before saying, "All will be well. In fact, I guarantee something magical will happen for you tonight, Hermione. Now if you'll excuse me, I think I will go a start conversation with that vampire over there."
As Luna left, Harry and Hermione looked at each other in confusion, though Hermione's mind was reeling with what their friend had said. If Luna knew how she felt about Draco without it ever being seen, then did she also know something was going to happen that was possibly in her favor? Before she could determine more, Mr. Filch walked in dragging a struggling Draco Malfoy inside the party, effectively disrupting the event.
"Let go of me, you filthy Squib!" Draco shouted as he was dragged along.
Mr. Filch stopped in front of Professor Slughorn, Draco still in his grip as he said, "I found him sneaking around here, most likely about to cause trouble."
Draco tried to get away from Mr. Filch only to still be held firmly in place before giving an exaseperated sigh and saying, "I was gate crashing."
"I can escort him out if you'd like," Mr. Filch told Slughorn.
"No no, he can stay," Professor Slughorn replied, giving the blond boy a small smile, though it looked strained.
"He will be coming with me, Professor," Snape's voice suddenly said, coming right from behind Harry and Hermione. They turned to look up at the tall man who glanced down at them in disinterest, though his gaze lingered a little on Hermione before he pushed through them on his way towards the two men and his godson. "I believe Mr. Malfoy has caused enough trouble for one night. I'll take it from here."
Snape grabbed Draco by his arm and quickly pulled him from the room, people making way for them as they left, Snape's robes billowing behind him as usual and Draco following with hurried steps. Once they were gone, everyone went back to what they were doing previously. Hermione and Harry looked at each other in silent communication before heading towards the exit to follow the Potions Master and Slytherin prince.
Leaving the Christmas party the two of the walked down the corridor a ways before turning the corner, only to quickly hide behind it when they saw Snape and Draco just up the corridor. Snape had Draco pushed against the wall, his hands on his shoulders with a very stern look on his face. Draco on the other hand looked almost desperate and to Hermione, a bit upset. It was then that they heard them talking in low voices, though they could still hear them.
"Draco, you need to confide in me to help you with this task," Snape said.
"I don't need your help. I can do this; I have to do this," Draco replied.
"You are starting to become reckless."
"No I'm not."
"You are. Listen to me, I am trying to help you. Remember I promised to protect you. I made an Unbreakable Vow with your mother."
"You didn't need to; I don't need your protection or your help. It's my job to do, not yours! And I already have a plan in action, and it is going to work this time!"
"Right, just like how the last one worked. Draco, you are breaking underneath this pressure. Burden me with some of it so that it doesn't rest all on your shoulders."
No! I have to do this, whether I want to or not, and I'm going to do so without help from you."
"…And what of her? Will she help you do this task of yours?"
"You know she wouldn't, and don't bring her into this! Leave me alone!"
Hurried footsteps could be heard in the corridor, quickly fading away, alerting Harry and Hermione that it was Draco that had walked away from the Potions Master. Silence followed that before more footsteps walked away, also fading away into the corridor. When it became apparent that they were alone in the corridor, Harry said, "I wonder what that conversation was about."
Hermione shrugged and told her friend she didn't know, though in actuality she did know. Faking tiredness Hermione told Harry that she was heading back to the Gryffindor Common Room to turn in for the night. She waited until her friend had entered Slughorn's party again before turning and running down the corridor hoping to catch Draco. She needed to know what it was that he had done this time.
After a while of running in her heels, she stopped to catch her breath near the entrance to the Astronomy Tower when she heard footsteps ascending the Tower steps. Was that possibly Draco? Hoping it was she walked up the stairs to the Astronomy Tower and once she reached the top, she opened the door and saw Draco at the railing, gripping it tightly with his teeth clenched and tears of frustration standing in his eyes. Walking over to him Hermione reached out and placed a hand gently on his shoulder. The blond looked over at her and the moment he looked into her caring brown eyes, his tears fell and a sob escaped his throat. Instantly Hermione wrapped her arms around him in a hug, holding the boy close as he began to cry.
Draco wrapped his own arms around his friend, crying into her shoulder once again from the pressure he was feeling. Taking quick breaths he got out, "I don't know if I can keep doing this, Hermione."
"Then stop," Hermione replied softly.
"I can't; it's impossible for me to do so. And I can't let anything happen to my mother, especially if it ends up being my fault."
"You can't burden yourself with this, Draco. And I'm sure your mother doesn't blame you at all for doing what you are doing. I don't blame you. And I definitely don't think any less or differently of you for it."
"But that doesn't mean the world will."
Hermione knew Draco was right, and it pained her heart that no one would ever understand all that Draco was doing. They would only ever see him as Lucius Malfoy's offspring and potential Death Eater whose family gets away with everything. She knew the Wizarding World would jeer and spew more hate towards the Malfoys once it was known that Draco was a Death Eater serving You-Know-Who, and she didn't want that for him. It really made her wonder did he have anyone else in his life besides his mother, Professor Snape, and herself.
Pulling away from him she looked into his grey eyes and said, "It will be alright, Draco. And I'm here for you always."
Draco stared at her for a while in silence before softly asking, "Why?"
"W-What?" the brunette said in confusion."
"Why? Why are you helping me? Why are you not telling anyone about my mission as a Death Eater? Why are you still sticking by me when I don't deserve it? Just why?"
"Because…because I care about you, Draco."
"Why?"
Hermione could see the desperation in Draco's grey eyes as he silently pleaded with her to tell him why she cared so much about him, why she was sticking with him when she didn't have to and not telling anyone about what he was doing. Oh, how she wanted to tell him the truth right then and there. She wanted to let the blond know how she felt about him, to let him know how her feelings had grown from a crush to much more. But she couldn't tell him, not like this and not with him in such a vulnerable state. Before she could say anything in a reply, a tinkling sound was heard above their heads causing them both to look up, their faces turning red at what they saw.
A single spring of mistletoe hovering above their heads.
Looking at each other, their blushes deepened as they avoided eye contact. Draco cleared his throat before saying softly, "We don't have to if you don't want to."
Hermione knew she should take Draco up on his offer to back out of kissing underneath the mistletoe. However, she might not ever have a chance like this ever again to kiss the man of her dreams. Brown eyes met grey once more before Hermione brought her hands up to lightly cup Draco's cheeks and bringing his face closer to hers. Soft pink lips pressed against just as soft pale pink lips, and Hermione felt her heart race in her chest as her eyes fell shut.
The kiss was short and the girl pulled away from the boy, watching his shocked face for a while before softly saying, "I wanted to."
Draco stared at Hermione for a long time, his pale cheeks bright pink as he watched her fiddle with her dress and look everywhere but at him. He could still feel the way her lips felt against his and the way they tingled and his heart was still pounding in his chest from the kiss. If he was honest for himself, he had been feeling a little more than friendship for Hermione in the past few weeks. However he didn't want to tell her that; it wasn't that he didn't want to, but more so that he couldn't for fear of the Dark Lord finding out. It would be disastrous if he found out that Draco so much as liked a Muggleborn romantically. But just the feel of Hermione's lips against his for the first time made him feel as if he was floating.
"Draco?" Hermione said nervously, suddenly thinking it had probably been a bad idea to kiss Draco after all.
The brunette was caught off guard when Draco suddenly grabbed her wrist and pulled her to him, wrapping his other arm around her waist and pressing his lips back against hers. Hermione's eyes widened in surprise but they soon closed shut as she kissed Draco in return, her free arm wrapping around the blond's neck as she moved her lips against his.
The two of them stood in the Astronomy Tower kissing as snow fell from the sky and a cool breeze blew around them. One thing neither of them could deny, that moment was probably the best one they had in their lives.