Disclaimer: Dramione exists. Period.
Ch. 46
Had the corridors always been this long? I thought to myself.
No, definitely not. Perhaps they just seemed endless because I'd been hopelessly wandering around them for the past hour thinking about Granger, the exact thing I was trying to avoid thinking about.
Merlin, she really managed to stick, didn't she?
I chuckled to myself as I passed the stairway that would take me to my quarters. Maybe later, then.
I'd never seen Hermione so...well, emotional I suppose? Ever since I'd left her during break, she'd managed to keep everything shut up like she usually did. What had made her act differently tonight? This whole debacle certainly wasn't over, and I knew that as soon as she got the chance to finally sit and have a good, straight talk with me that things would explode.
Maybe I deserved it. Hermione could ignore me, yell at me, do whatever she needed to do to make herself feel better, but that still wouldn't heal the immense amount of guilt I felt for making her this way.
It wasn't until I'd heard the fervent hooting of owls that I realized I'd led myself all the way to the Owl Post. Of course, I winced. Whenever things were really fucking with my head, I always ended up here. There was something in the atmosphere that calmed me down – in between the overbearing hooting and the pungent smell of feathers, of course. Automatically, I made my way to where my owl, Nox, perched sleepily on his post.
"Good to see you again," I mumured, running a hand over his sleek dark feathers. Instantly, his yellow eyes glowed in the darkness. I laughed quietly as he nipped at my fingers expectantly. He'd always done it, ever since I'd received as a thirteenth birthday present from Father.
"He's a hybrid, son." I recalled Lucius stating proudly. "All the way from Persia, one of a kind. Nothing but the best for my son."
I scoffed darkly, fighting the urge to spit on the ground. There was so sense in getting worked up over something so trivial, something that had happened so long ago! It was just ironic how things had changed so shortly after that...
"What would you do, if you were in my position?" I asked Nox quietly, my eyes slowly adjusting to the darkness.
I received nothing but a mocking hoot in return.
VVVVV
"Hermione! Finally out and about?" Harry grinned as I joined the group at breakfast the next morning.
"Barely, but yes." I smiled back. "What have I missed?" I asked, actually urgent to hear about everything that had happened in classes yesterday. Unfortunately, no one really paid attention the first day back, except me.
"The usual," Ginny interrupted. "In Snape's class, he droned on for two hours about how important it was that we go about using the proper procedures before handling the new potions –"
"Trelawney babbled about her visions –" Lavender joined in.
"And Sinistra walked out in an angry rage because no one was listening," said Seamus.
Crestfallen, I turned to Neville in hope of some actually valuable information.
"Anything?" I pleaded. He shook his head sadly.
"I fainted in Herbology when Professor Sprout announced we'd be dealing with Mandrakes again." He shrugged.
This was when I'd noticed the new addition to our table. Luna sat dazedly beside Neville, lightly sipping from a goblet of pumpkin juice. If I didn't know any better, I'd say their fingers were linked. The smile that Neville gave her after our short discussion confirmed my suspicions. A small smile came to my face.
So they'd finally realized that they were mad about each other? It was about damn time. Ever since the Winter Ball, we'd all been secretly rooting for Luna and Neville to realize that they were made for each other. Luna was smart and wise in her own way, and Neville had a practicalness about him that evened out Luna's unpractical musings on Humdinging Dinger-Bingers or whatever else she was constantly talking about. I smirked. "Just friends" my arse –
The sound of the large doors opening brought my eyes to the entrance of the Hall. Ginny groaned beside me.
Ron walked in looking particularly...exhausted. He had bags under his eyes and seemed relatively paler than usual, but that wasn't what caught my attention. What did exactly, was the fact that he didn't have that tiny figured, squeaky little gremlin attatched to his arm.
"What happened?" I whispered to Ginny, keeping my eyes glued to Ronald. He seemed to be making a beeline toward us...toward me.
"Sylvia dumped him over holiday break. He was a total mess after that, barely left his room, only to eat of course –"
"And you didn't tell me?" I seethed, looking at her incredulously. Ginny shrugged, her eyes wide.
"I didn't think you'd care! You made it clear you never liked her, and I saw no reason to bother you with the fact that my brother had gotten rightfully dumped!"
Of course I cared! I thought angrily. Damn it, that was always the problem! I cared too much! While Ginny hadn't told me out of the goodness of her heart, I still couldn't help but be irked by it. Nevertheless, I couldn't help how damn good it felt to see him...
What, like this?
Who was I kidding, it felt horrible. Through everything, I still cared for him, no matter how badly I wished I didn't. And even if he'd broken my heart, it didn't mean that it felt good seeing someone break his. Not to mention that Sylvia wasn't even worthy of him!
"See, this is exactly why I didn't tell you!" Ginny huffed. "Look at your face! You just can't stand to see Ron get even a little hurt, no matter how badly he steps all over your heart. I didn't want to tell you because I saw how much happier you'd been lately! I didn't want to ruin that!"
"Yes, well I–"
"Hermione?"
Whatever I had been about to say to Ginny vanished the moment I heard his voice. It'd been weeks since I'd even heard him say my name.
"Ron?" I looked up, dropping the toast in my hand. He smiled sadly at me before looking over to see Ginny, and even Harry, glaring at him. The silence that overcame the table was unbearable.
"Listen, er...can we talk?"
I looked up at him again, trying to decide what he was planning. When I saw nothing but shame in his clear blue eyes, I didn't have a choice.
"Sure."
VVVVV
Once Ron had led me out of the Hall to where it was quiet, he covered his face with his hands and sighed.
"Thank you for agreeing to this, 'Mione. I know I haven't been the best friend these past few weeks."
I humphed angrily in my throat. Damn right, he hadn't. He'd left Draco to pick up the pieces, and yet, here he was calling me 'Mione as if nothing had changed! And even worse, I couldn't help the warmth that spread from the top of my head to the bottom of my toes just from hearing him say so.
"You think so?" I spoke softly, staring at with him contempt. Godric, I was trying so hard to not get upset. Trying so hard not to look...disgusted?
"Of course! You have no idea how I feel about all of this –"
"Oh, I do," I spat back. "You're probably thinking about Sylvia running her tiny little hands all over you!"
Although I knew they'd broken up, I still couldn't help but feel justified in my actions. As childish as it sounded, he had chosen her over me...
Ron looked down, a blush spreading from the center of his face to rims of his ears. "I don't blame you for being mad at me. I'm a prat, and I deserve it. But Sylvia and I are over. For good."
"I see what this is. Now that you're finally free of her, you decide that now is a good time to apologize? After weeks!" My voice got louder, and suddenly, tears were flowing freely down my cheeks. I brushed them hurriedly away with my hands, but no matter how hard I tried, they were replaced within seconds.
"I knew you wouldn't want to talk to me!" Ron argued, brows creasing together. "And Sylvia has nothing to do with this! I came to you to apologize but all it looks like I'm doing is embarrassing myself!"
"Your darling Sylvia has got everything to do with this! If you hadn't –"
"Fine, Hermione! Merlin, this was a mistake after all!"
"Weasley."
I'd been about to retort something vicious to Ronald when Draco's voice introduced itself clearly from the end of the hallway. I turned to see him striding towards us, the anger evident in his eyes, like two burning orbs of graphite. Ron grimaced.
"Look, Ferret –"
"No, you look, Weasel. Clearly everyone can see and hear that Granger is in no mood for your company. Didn't your Mother ever teach you to give a woman her space?"
"Draco," I warned softly, standing in the small gap that separated Ron from him. As much as I appreciated what he was doing, I absolutely despised when he insulted Ron's family. They had nothing to do with this. "Just drop it, okay?"
Glancing down at me, I saw his eyes soften subtly, but the hardness was still there, boring into me. With a curling smirk, he scoffed slightly at me. "No, I won't."
"You heard what she said, you fucking Pureblooded bigot." Ron muttered darkly, and I winced as Draco chuckled, glaring at Ron with an air of superiority.
"Clearly you're in charge of your temper. Try saying something like that to me again, and I assure you, you'll regret it."
It was as if I was invisible! Ron and Draco were head to head now, and I was practically suffocating between them.
"Stop it, please! Both of you!" I urged, before something bad could happen. The hostility between Harry and Draco was so much different...with Ron, it seemed almost deadly. Both of their personalities were too strong, and I knew that neither of them would backdown unless someone put a stop to it. Ron's face turned fierce with anger. Through it, he smiled.
"What, been learning new tricks at your little Death Eater meetups? Stay out of this, you fucking –"
Before Ron could finish, he had his hand to his throat and was toppling to the floor. He fell to the ground in a heap of groaning pain.
"Ron!" I screamed out, leaning down to help him. I looked up at Draco to see if he would too, but he only stood above relaxedly, a perfect smirk plastered on his face. He stared in dark satisfaction. "Make it stop!" I commanded him, and before I could look back at Ron, I knew he was okay again.
"Oh, God! Merlin, what did you do!" I shrilled at Draco. I went to help Ron up, but he only pushed me away and stood up roughly on his feet. I could tell from the way that he was holding his abdomen that that was where Draco had intended the pain to settle the most. I looked at both of them now, regarding one with anger and shock and the other with concern and guilt.
Ron looked Draco over darkly, before turning to me. "You're wrong. He hasn't changed. Not one fucking bit." With that, he spit at the ground near Draco's shoes and trudged off. Draco looked sickly triumphant.
"You're damn wrong about that one!" He called after Ron. "Let me know if you need me to show you some more 'tricks'!"
At that comment, my hand seemed to move upon its own accord. It clashed against Draco's pale cheek, and the sound of a hard, sharp slap reverberated off the walls. Memories from Third Year came swirling back, when I'd punched him in the face, and suddenly I was facing the same crude Malfoy that I had not seen in such a long time. I'd been a fool to think he'd disappeared completely.
Recieving the full blow of my slap, Draco eyes widened in surprise before hardening angrily again into two narrow pools of volcanic rock. "What the –"
"How could you!" I spluttered, unable to breathe properly. Whether it was the situation as a whole or what Draco had done especially, I didn't know what was worse.
"I was doing you a favor!" Draco shouted. "Why would you ever slap me? He was the one being an idiot fuck!"
"You're all nothing but trouble!" I wailed, cradling my face in my hands for a moment. "I try to fix things, and for once he comes to me after weeks, and then out of nowhere you're there to ruin it!"
"Ruin what, exactly?" Draco hissed, rubbing his now red cheek. The imprint of my hand laid firmly against his skin like a postage stamp. "The atrocity that was your friendship? I'm sorry, but that's one of the few things you can't pin on me."
My heart burned with pain at his comment. This happened everytime he got irritated. He was content with hurting everyone else.
I stared at him with disgust. "You know, maybe Ron is right in a way. You didn't change as much as I thought you did. Hurting me and my friends is still a form of entertainment to you."
Draco scoffed for a moment. Then, he stared at me, his eyes burning a path into mine. A moment later, I was being pressed up against the wall. Draco's face was so close to mine that I could feel his cool breath ghosting over my upper lip. Our noses were centimeters apart, perhaps less. One nudge of the head, and our lips would be touching.
That's what I wanted, subconsciously. Consciously, even. I knew it. But why now, of all times? His arms cradled the wall on both sides of my head so that there was no chance of escaping, even though I hadn't even planned to move.
"Don't you dare tell me I haven't changed." Draco murmured, his voice soft but strangely threatening. "I don't want to hear that come from your mouth ever again. You need proof? Then ask me for it. Don't you dare call me a fucking liar. I have changed. If you'd given me a slap like that last year I would have you begging for mercy." By now, our lips brushed lightly at every other word he said. The feeling was electrifying. My eyes began to close."Actually, your hand would have never even reached my face. You took my guard down. Now take responsibility for it."
There was a long pause, and I was foolish enough to believe he was going to kiss me. We stood there for a few moments, before the clock struck once, marking the beginning of our day. Within seconds, students would be piling out of The Great Hall and into the corridor. Draco dissappeared with a smirk before the large doors could open, leaving me against the wall, eyes half lidded and brain fuzzed.
Stomach throbbing, I managed to peel myself from the wall. As I pushed through the students, I studied the way my body was reacting. I'd never felt so...electrified yet dazed at the same time. Something strongly related to want started in my chest and made its way down through my legs. The small hairs on my arms and back of my neck stood pin straight.
So much had happened in such a short amount of time. And all before Astronomy, for Merlin's sake.
VVVVV
What had I done?
The look on her face when I'd grabbed her like that...I'd never done anything like that to her...or to anyone for that matter. It was like I wasn't in charge of my own body!
"Everyone listen up!" Pucey demanded, bringing his broom up beside him with a wave of his hand. "Our game against Gryffindor is a little less than a week away, and we're going to win. I don't care what it takes, or who I have to work a little harder for that to happen, understand?"
Blaise grumbled beside me, putting on his shin pads for practice. "He's already killing us! These are the days where I really wish you'd have accepted the bloody offer to be Captain." He mumbled to me through gritted teeth. I prayed that Pucey didn't hear, Blaise didn't respect him enough to care, and Pucey hated me enough to make me do twice the work than that of the entire team if he suspected anything.
"Now that I see you guys have got the picture, what the hell are you all waiting for? Get the hell out there!" Pucey ordered, leaving the tent and disappearing into the frosty mist outside.
"Prick!" Blaise shouted, earning laughs from everyone besides me. Without a word, I was the first to leave the tent and get into the air. The coldness hit my face like the pricking of a thousand needles, but still, I soared higher. I wasn't even looking for the snitch, I wasn't focused enough. I just couldn't get the expression in Hermione's eyes out of my memory. She looked so intimidated...disgusted.
The snitch soared past my ear, but I didn't budge. The whistle rang from down below, and I knew that Pucey would be ready to insult me the moment my feet touched the ground. So, I'd let him, because it's not like I'd planned on listening.
"Just what the fuck do you think you're doing? Malfoy, if you don't catch that snitch within the next seven minutes..."
I could picture it already. That's why I wasn't surprised when he'd already started yelling. Brilliant.
"What the hell do you think you're doing, Malfoy!" Pucey roared after me as I touched down and began to walk away, broom over my shoulder.
"Getting some fresh air," I muttered, feeling sick and claustrophobic.
"You're already outside!" Crabbe yelled stupidly. I smiled grimly. How wrong he was.
I was in my own little world.
VVVVV
'Thinking about it is just making it worse,' I told myself.
It was like wherever I looked, he was there! Not physically, of course, but sometimes it felt like I could really just feel his presence –
'That's enough, Hermione,' I scolded myself. Really.
But what had happened today in the hallway? Why had everything just started to crack so suddenly?
I moaned into my hand tiredly. I couldn't even have two of my best friends in the same room without the risk of them ripping each others throats out. I cared too much. That was always the problem!
Wasn't it?
Draco swam into my thoughts whether I wanted him there or not! There I went, thinking about it again. Thinking about the way his lips had barely brushed mine as we stood practically glued to the wall. The knot that had been rolling around in my stomach tightened again, bringing warmth all the way to my toes. Instantly, I knew the feeling…
Because I'd had them for only one other person in my life.
Ron.
VVVVV
It was better this way, I told myself. Life was so much better when you couldn't care less what could happen to you or what other people thought of you. Oh, who was I kidding. Walking out of practice alone would earn me a night of polishing brooms and relocating them to various broom closets, and just because Pucey hated me, I'd be smart to expect my punishment to be much worse.
"Oi!" Blaise called after me, his shin guards clacking horrendously as he jogged after me.
"For fuck's sake!" I groaned, yelling up at the ceiling. I couldn't be left alone to my thoughts for two seconds before someone came butting in...but perhaps that was best. Hell, I knew it was.
"Christ Draco, what the hell is the matter with you? You've been off your rocker today!" Blaise huffed, looking at me like I was the stupidest person he'd ever met. "You do something like this again and Pucey won't hesitate you kick you off the team!"
"Then let him," I said carelessly , turning away. Blaise grabbed my arm roughly, but before I could retort, he continued.
"Don't be thick, alright? Now I know you've got yourself all warped up over Granger, but –"
My eyes narrowed and I cut in sharply. "What the hell did you just say to me?"
Blaise smirked. "Draco. Mate. Seriously?"
I yanked my arm away. "Seriously what?"
"I saw you two." Blaise shrugged, and I paled.
Did he know what the hell he was saying? What had he seen? He couldn't have...he'd been at breakfast! Hadn't he?
Blaise waited for me to viciously prove him wrong, or maybe even hit him, but when I didn't respond, he sighed.
"You're not going to make me tell the whole story, are you?"
No response.
"Fine. So Granger and her little Weasel friend left breakfast together this morning. He looked like he'd been about to shit his pants while she just seemed irritated with him, but being Granger I guess she obliged to speak with him? But not too long after Weasley came barging back in as red as a baboon's bum without her and so I figured..."
"Figured what, exactly?" I hissed.
"That you had something to do with it, I suppose. I had only been innocently walking out to use the loo when I saw you two. Pardon my gall, Draco, but you too seemed awfully...close. "Blaise finished the story looking awfully smug with himself. His eyebrows raised connivingly along with his smirk, and without warning, my fist soared to his face.
Blaise blocked my blow with his arm guard, and pain burst through my fist like a handful of those Weasley Twins' firecrackers.
"Knew you'd try that," He drawled nonchalantly. "Cut the bullshit, Draco. I've known for weeks."
Goddamnit.
"Known what?" I gritted as I nearly doubled over from the pain pulsating through my knuckles. "There's nothing going on between us. I would never –"
Blaise sniggered. "You'd never what, kiss a Mudblood? I think it's a little too late for that one, don't you?"
At that comment, my brain went into frenzy of trying to calculate how much he'd seen and how much Blaise knew exactly. I hadn't even kissed Hermione this morning! Although, I'd gotten awfully close, and from certain angles one could be fooled.
"Don't call her that." I growled, regaining the feeling in my hand. Blaise just shrugged, and I knew he'd done it to get me riled up.
"We'll talk about this after dinner, unless you'd like to keep carrying on this little charade...since I came after you, it looks like I'll be joining you for some late-night broom polishing." Blaise grinned before leaving me in the middle of the hall.
"Sounds like a date," I grumbled sarcastically after him.
VVVVV
Later that night, Blaise and I decided that skipping dinner would help us polish these damned brooms faster. What a mistake that had been. As Blaise kept pestering me, the grumpier and hungrier I became.
"Look, stop trying to drag this out, will you? You wanted to ask me questions that I clearly don't need to answer –"
"Oh but you do," Blaise chuckled, polishing what seemed like the thousandth broom in the large tented space. I'd lost count long ago. Now it was just a routine : grab, set, polish, replace...
"And what makes you think I'm going to answer any of your questions?" I asked Blaise calmly, trying my best to focus on the task at hand. The more I focused the less Blaise would be able to see right through me.
"Well, for one, I know whatever you're feeling is eating you up inside." Blaise smirked. Git.
"How can that be when I'm not feeling anything remotely disturbing?" I retorted. Liar.
Blaise stared at me in disbelief for a few moments before throwing down the broomhandle he'd been sanding down.
"Unbelievable!" He scoffed. "What happened to you, mate? Why are you suddenly so concious of what you think around me? Maybe you haven't realized, but I'm your best mate and if you've forgotten I'd say I'm pretty damn familiar with what you're feeling!"
How? Had he felt the indescribable feeling of having his stomach turn in on itself just from looking at a person? I must have asked that question out loud, because seconds later Blaise sighed and responded: "Tracey Davis."
I shook my head immediately. Blaise...well, he'd loved Tracey! Whether he'd actually said it or ot didn't matter, but he had! As for me, I wasn't even sure if I was entirely in..."like" with Granger!
"There's no way you can compare the two!"
"You bet your arse I'll compare them, Draco!" Blaise said, dusting off his trousers and standing. A second later, he'd yanked the tin of broom polish out of my hand.
"Blaise, what –"
"I'm going to ask you one question and I'm only going to ask once," Blaise said sternly, his dark eyes narrowing. "And don't try to lie, I'll know it. If your answer is what I think it'll be, then I can help you. If not, then we'll just pretend we never had this bloody conversation, alright?"
Pretend we never had this conversation? Merlin, did that sound tempting. This whole ordeal was beginning to eat at my pride, and I hated Blaise for it.
"Well go on then, ask the damn question." I growled. Blaise chuckled and I gave him a death stare.
"Are you unsure of your feelings for Granger?"
That was it? That was the damn question?
"Pretty unsure of everything at the moment," I grumbled sarcastically. Blaise grinned.
"Get off your arse, Malfoy. I have a plan."
VVVVV
Ginny joined me at the library after dinner, slamming her books down hurriedly. Her hair framed her face like a bright red ring of fire. "Ron's furious again. What happened this time?"
"Take a bloody guess," I said tiredly.
Ginny's brows quirked up immediately, and it was obvious that she had no intentions on being subtle on the whole matter. "You're not going to let all of this bother you, right? Time and time again, I've told you -"
"He's a prick, I know," I sighed. "But...it's not that easy, Ginny."
"You're telling me!" Ginny scoffed loudly, bursting into a fit of loud giggles. "You try living your childhood in the same household as him and then you can complain!"
Madam Pince appeared from behind a bookshelf and began shushing us aggravatedly. It only made Ginny laugh harder, and I was forced to clamp a hand over her small mouth.
"Stay quiet," I whispered. "Do you want to get us kicked out?"
"Now why would she want to do something like that?" A deep voice drawled behind me. From the look on Ginny's face, I knew this wouldn't be good.
I turned to see Blaise Zabini running a finger across the back of my chair, casually frowning at the dust that had collected on the tip of his finger. "Granger, Red." He acknowledged us. I would've responded if I hadn't to looked his left. Draco stood beside him looking utterly distracted. As usual, an unknown hand was suddenly lunging itself down my throat and making its way to strangle my heart.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Ginny appraised him. She didn't even look at Draco, who for once in his life was beginning to look...uncomfortable?
No, that wasn't a powerful enough word to describe his expression.
Ignoring her question, Blaise smirked. "Mind if I talk to you for a minute, Ginger?"
"Anything you need to say to me can be said in front of Hermione." Ginny replied skeptically.
Blaise chuckled, before grabbing Ginny's arm and yanking her out of her seat. "Don't be too sure of that", he managed to say over Ginny's objections. Nontheless, she followed him away from the table and vanished into an alcove behind some bookshelves, bickering the whole way.
"Handle it," Blaise muttered to Draco, before disappearing completely.
Handle what, exactly?
VVVVV
It seemed that I had to will my feet to move towards Hermione. Suprisingly, I'd even managed to sit at table. Unsurprisingly, her eyes hadn't left her parchment, and her hand scribbled so violently I could nearly hear the paper wailing.
Christ, I'd never been so nervous around her in my life.
"Granger," I said, trying my best to make it a statement and not a question. I would not be made to look like a pansy All I had to do was stick to the plan. Talk calmly, and things would be fine. When I didn't get an answer, I rolled my eyes and tried again. And again...and again. I knew not to try and touch her, when she was angry she lashed out randomly, and I didn't quite trust her with a sharp quill at hand. How many times would I have to say this wretched witch's name before getting an answer?
"Hermione." I said softly, scooting my chair closer to the table. Her eyes flashed upwards for a moment, before darting back to the page. "I know you can hear me."
"Obviously, Draco, don't be silly." She hissed, writing faster. Small veins were starting to appear in her hands. I cleared my throat and scoffed, laughing softly.
"Well, at least you're not calling me Malfoy."
Hermione slammed her quill down, nearly knocking over the inkpot. I didn't jump, but I couldn't help but look slightly surprised at her fiery behavior. But what else had I expected after treating her the way I had?
"Granger, I've been thinking..."
"Well, I don't give a damn. If you're here to crack jokes feel free to leave." She spat harshly.
"Dammit Granger, I'm trying to apologize to you!" I gritted, beginning to lose my temper. "How dare you–"
"Oh, not this again!" She wailed angrily. "How dare I what? What is it going to be this time? Another sob story about how I was wrong about you? Have I insulted your pride again, or something? What are you going to do next, kiss me, like you nearly did this morning? Why is everything always so damn complicated with you?"
I was positively seething now. How dare Hermione think she could bring that up! Damn her to hell! It was too bad really, there was nothing more I wanted at that moment than kiss her, I realized.
"You're barking! If you actually believe I would ever even - in my right mind - kiss you, then you're alot crazier than I thought!"
"Well last time I checked, it takes two people to snog!"
"Miss Granger how many times have I asked you and your friends to quiet down, and you too, Mr. Malfoy! I want the both of you out of this library this instant!" Madam Pince appeared, waving her hands angrily.
"Damn it all to hell," I groaned, grabbing my things before gaining the nerve to hex the vile woman.
"And don't let me catch you using such foul words on this campus again, Mr. Malfoy!" Pince said sternly.
"Well I hope you're happy," Hermione scowled.
"Ecstatic!" I spat sarcastically, before slamming the library doors closed behind us.
VVVVV
"Oi, watch it Red!" I growled harshly as the youngest Weasley stomped on my foot again.
"Oh, will you stop calling me that!" Ginny hissed back.
"Change your hair colour and then maybe I'll give it some consideration..." I sniggered, smirking as her cheeks reddened with anger. Her freckles looked like little spots of fire on her face. Even angry, I could see how she had attracted the Boy Wonder. She did have some sort of strange appeal...and she was pretty, nothing like Daphne of course, like she could ever be that breathtaking...still, I would never admit any of this. Not even in my grave.
"Well, change your attitude and I'll consider not trying to hex you." She huffed venemously. "Speaking of hexing, give me any reason why I shouldn't Bat-Bogey Hex you for rudely grabbing me away from what was supposed to be a quiet talk with a friend?"
"Now, now, Gingey – er, Ginny –"
"Would you just tell me what's going on?"
"Fine!" I sighed, pulling back a few books so that we could see through a small space in the shelf. I gestured for her to move to see the space, but she stared back at me expectantly.
"Here's the deal. I need you to trust me on this, alright?" I started, observing her facial expression as a way to determine whether I should keep speaking. So far, it seemed like she would listen.
"It's Draco...he sort of...well –"
Ginny smirked and one fiery brow rose higher than it's counterpart. "So I'm not the only one who's noticed? Finally!" She exclaimed exasperatedly, banging on a book with her fist. I caught it before it could cause any more racket. My eyes narrowed. Something seemed off...like the ginger knew a bit too much...much more than I'd expected.
"Hermione, too."
"What do you mean?" I demanded, whispering hurriedly.
"You're not the only observant best friend on the planet." Ginny shrugged, smiling slightly. I didn't know why she was doing it, but it made me feel...sort of demeaning. After all, I'd come here expecting to take charge of the situation. When I said nothing, Ginny snorted.
"The Muggleborn and the Pureblood...who would've thought," she said sarcastically, peering through the bookshelves. The spot was slightly above her head, so the short girl leaned on her tiptoes. Silently, I grabbed a few books and piled them at her feet. Ginny nodded her thanks and stepped on.
"I find it rather cliche, actually." I grumbled. Ginny looked at me suspiciously.
"Then why are you trying to help? I'm telling you right now if you even try to hurt Hermione's feelings, I will -"
"Don't be ridiculous!"
Suddenly there was a loud, single banging noise and Ginny and I immediately glued our heads together to peer into the crevice. Hermione looked absolutely livid, gripping her quill as if she were about to stab Draco. Her mouth moved fast, but we were too far to hear. Well, we didn't need to hear anything to know that they were arguing. To make matters worse, Madam Pince emerged from behind them, positively fuming.
Ginny swore loudly as we watched them gather their things and trudge out of the library, still arguing viciously. Merlin, they had more issues than I'd thought. Ginny looked up at me again, this time concerned.
"This is going to be alot harder than we thought. They're probably the two most stubborn people on the planet...besides my brother of course. We should we go after them?"
I sniggered. "Definitely not. I'd rather try to catch the Giant Squid. That would be easier and less painful."
VVVVV
Somehow, we'd ended up by the lake.
We were still arguing, but now only the viciousness remained on the top layer of voices. There was no loud yelling now– it was far too late, and to be honest...we were both just tired of yelling over one another. It seemed we were finally getting our time to talk everything out. Draco was still trying to open up to me, and because I knew it was difficult for him, I would wait as long as he needed me to. Every hour would kill me, but I would do it for him.
"You should know that whatever horrible things I've been saying to you since we've come back to school is utter bullshit. It's all been some kind of sick act I've been using to hide my feelings from you." Draco shrugged as we strolled along. I smiled up at him. The moonlight made his pale skin and hair glow and I was reminded almost humorously of an angel.
"Sorry for being the biggest prat on the planet, more than usual anyway." Draco said. Something seemed off about him, but I attributed it to the fact that he'd just told me so many personal things.
"Why do you think I lashed out at you earlier? We're more alike than you think. But I can't say that I don't appreciate the apology."
Draco winced. "Yeah, think we could keep the lashing out to a minimum? You're quite scary when you get like that."
I laughed, getting him to smile a little. "I guess I owe you an apology for that."
We walked on in silence before Draco turned abruptly. I looked at him confusedly. "What's wrong? It's getting late, maybe we should turn back. We've been out here for hours –"
"No," He cut me off instantly. Draco tensed his jaw before exhaling. Why was he acting so strangely?
"Hermione." He said softly.
"Draco." I replied, trying not to laugh at his strange behavior. "What's the matter?"
"I need you to tell me something. I need you to tell me...how you felt when I left." Draco demanded gently. My heart plummeted.
"Why?"
"Because I need the truth and I can't wait for it any longer."
"Yes, but I don't understand why –"
"Please, Hermione!" He said as his eyes searched mine. There was a hint of franticisim in his voice and eyes. Draco's cold hands cradled my face gently. He seemed to be in some sort of pain.
"Are you sure you're alright?" I asked, covering his hands with my own. He nodded.
"Just tell me everything."
Merlin, I thought. Did he honestly want this? And why so all of the sudden? I couldn't look at him as I inhaled and began.
"Well...when you left I felt...upset. No, no, more than that. I felt depressed and like it was my fault...like I'd scared you away or something. I don't know really, I guess I got a little teary-eyed saying goodbye to you–"
"You're lying," Draco said calmly, bringing himself closer to me. By this point, any willpower I had left was teetering on the edge of a mountain's ledge.
"Alright, fine, I cried. I cried for days, if you must know." I sighed, trying to look away. Draco didn't let me, tightening his grip on my cheeks.
"Why?"
"Because I...I needed you. And I thought I'd ruined everything." I exhaled quietly. Oh Merlin, I couldn't cry now! "Look, can we stop this now before –"
"Keep going."
"Draco, honestly –"
"I said continue!"
I groaned. There really was no way to avoid this. It was what I'd wanted in the first place? An opportunity to talk things out with Draco...but I didn't want to be forced...even if I knew I probably had to be.
"It hurt to even walk past the guest room after you'd left. I hoped everyday you'd write to me..." I tried to continue, but my voice cracked and my eyes were starting to blur. Christ, why was he making me do this? "Please, I need to stop..."
Draco nodded and sighed. I recognized the slight quirk in his lips.
"Are you trying not to smile, you sadistic bastard? You're smirking bigger than a cheshire cat!"
"I knew you missed me." Draco blurted, chuckling.
I yanked his hands away from my face. "You arse!"
"And who said I didn't miss you?"
I halted, taken aback. "You did?"
Draco nodded, shrugging. A mischevious smile played his lips. "I wouldn't have asked you those questions if I had any doubt that I didn't feel the same way as you."
My heart thumped violently. "Then why didn't you write?"
"I wanted to, but being in the Manor is like being in another world. Essentially, I was trapped."
"You're absolutely full of shit, Draco. In no way, shape, or form, did you miss me as much as I missed you." I said seriously, but I couldn't keep the small tremble out of my voice. Draco scoffed.
"And what makes you say that?"
"Well for one, you can't even say it!"
"Neither can you!"
"Yes, I can. I missed you. There." I admitted defiantly. Draco shrugged again, raising a brow. The moonlight hit his face at the perfect angle.
"Well, there are other ways to prove it."
"Like what?" I found myself asking, and by the look of Draco's face, I knew I would regret it.
Draco stepped closer, placing my hand gently in his. He looked up at me from beneath his eyelids.
"Hermione. I missed you." He mumured softly. I burst out laughing and tried to back away.
"Are you joking? Out of all the girls in Hogwarts and you're going to try to use your overly praised boyish charm on me –"
"I missed you," He repeated, his voice becoming softer as he came closer.
"Draco, enough –"
"I missed you."
Draco brought up one hand to cradle my face like earlier. Shockingly, it appeared he was actually serious. My eyes widened. His lips rested against the crest of my ear. My hands placed themselves firmly against his chest, but I couldn't gather enough force in them to push him away. His nose brushed mine...playfully? Oh Merlin, I didn't know how to describe it. All I could do was focus on his eyes– those brilliant grey eyes that sometimes turned ice blue...
I. Missed. You.
Draco's lips enveloped mine like a sheath of ice and heat combined. He moved them slowly, gently against mine, and I lost all of the fight and hurt and fire inside of me. I lost everything except him. We separated, I couldn't tell who'd pulled back first, and I looked back into his eyes. He seemed so...sure. Not expectant, not bothered...just...sure.
I didn't need to question anything. I didn't need to be doubtful. For once, there was no pain attached to kissing him, no tears, no ripping or tearing inside my chest.
"Believe me now?" Draco whispered, softly kissing my lips again.
Yes.
VVVVV
Hello my loves, it's been so long! I apologize as usual, but things have not been well. Recently, a close relative of mine passed away. My dog also died on New Year's D: . I want to dedicate this chapter to everyone who has lost someone, you never know how much time you have with a person, so cherish it.
On a happier note, I finally updated! I know you all wanna punch me in the throat but all I can say is thank you for being so patient with me. How did you like the little Blaise POV I threw in? Once I thought of the scene, I knew it had to be in Blaise's POV because it wouldn't have worked in Draco or Hermione's and everybody loves Blaise! I also love the idea that Blaise and Ginny could've gotten along swell, kind of like a baby Dramione! Maybe it's because I kind of ship them, but not to worry, Blaise and Ginny will be staying with their partners for this fic (:! For any of you who are confused about anything, shoot me a message! Although, I promise you that all the little strings here and there will tie up eventually! Draco and Hermione still have some major things to discuss, but I hope you enjoyed the fluff! Sorry for any typos! I'll try to update sooner this time, but this week I will be attending the FL Thespians Festival, so tell me to break a leg? Review Review Review, I've missed all of your lovely selves! Love to all!