Forbidden Feelings

Chapter 24

Hermione

Hermione gaped at Ginny, eyes wide in fear.

'Well?!' Ginny demanded, her cheeks a furious shade of red.

'I, we..' She tried to speak, but she found herself unable to finish.

'You better bloody explain this Hermione.' She snarled.

She turned to Draco for help, but he was stood frozen to the spot, looking horrified.

He blinked, then muttered. 'I should go.' And pushed his way past Ginny and quickly exited the classroom before Hermione could protest.

'Yeah that's it! You scurry along Ferret!' Ginny shouted after him.

'Stop it!' Hermione cried.

Ginny turned to face her. 'You tell me what the hell's going on. You tell me or I'm going to Harry and Ron right this minute and you can explain to them how you're sleeping with a Death Eater.'

'Don't call him that.' She said quietly.

'What?' Her eyes flashed dangerously.

'I said, don't call him that. Just don't!' She snapped.

Ginny took a step forward, examining Hermione's eyes. 'Hmm..you don't look like you're under the Imperius curse..but then I don't know, I better get you to McGonagall.' She took hold of her arm, trying to pull her out of the classroom.

'Get off of me!' Hermione snatched her arm away angrily.

'Malfoy has cursed you. There is no way you would be behaving this way if you were your normal self!'

'No, he hasn't!'

'Yes he has! What other explanation could there be?!'

'I love him Ginny!' She shouted.

Ginny gaped at her. 'You cannot be serious. There must be some magic involved in this.'

'NO! There's no magic! Nothing! I love him. I am completely and utterly in love with him.'

'How?! How can you 'love him'? He's made your life hell, hell, for 7 years! He bullied you, called you names! He's a Death Eater for god's sake! How can you do this? How can you betray Harry and Ron like this?!'

'You don't know him like I do.' Hermione whispered.

'Oh really? Well enlighten me! What don't I know?!'

She sighed. 'Come sit down.'

Ginny stared at her, hesitating before finally sitting down at a desk, Hermione seating herself across from her.

'Draco isn't on the bad side anymore Ginny. He's changed.'

'Oh please! Of course he'd say that!' She shook her head in disbelief.

'He has. His father brainwashed him-'

'Can't you hear yourself?! Draco Malfoy will never 'change'! He was and still is a Death Eater! His father's escaped prison! He's using you Hermione, he's using you to get information for his father-'

'STOP IT!' She shrieked, slamming her hand on the desk in frustration.

Ginny fell silent, her face still holding an expression of complete horror and disbelief.

'Listen.' Hermione cleared her throat. 'I know exactly how you must feel. I mean, if you'd told me 6 months ago that I would fall in love with Draco Malfoy I would have reacted exactly the same way! But he has changed. He's not the person you think he is.'

'Oh? So what kind of person is he then? Because from where I'm standing he's still the same foul git who insults Muggle Borns and has a go at Harry and Ron everytime he sees them!'

'He's..sweet. And sensitive, and intelligent. He loves to read and he's very protective of me.'

Ginny snorted. 'Don't make me laugh. There are many words to describe Draco Malfoy, and 'sweet and sensitive' are not my first choices. Just the other day he called me 'Weaslette' and sneered at me!'

'It's true Ginny. And I'm not condeming that behaviour in the slightest, but there is a reason he is acting that way.'

'Oh really? And what reason is there that can justify that sort of behaviour?'

'He's protecting me.'

'Oh I've heard it all now. So insulting you and your friends is protecting you is it? You know what, I've had enough of this.' She got up, advancing towards the door.

'No!' Hermione grabbed her arm and pulled her back.

'Get off of me!' Ginny snarled, snatching her arm away and continuing to make her way out of the classroom.

'Lucius is threatening Draco. He beat him to a pulp the other week!' Hermione cried.

Ginny stopped, turning round to face her. 'What?'

'Lucius is trying to get Draco to spy on Harry. He doesn't want to do it at all, so he went to his father with nothing. And Lucius lost his temper, he hit him and pinned him against a wall. He's planning on invading the school, he wants to wipe out Muggle Borns. For good.'

'Are you being serious?' Her eyes were wide, and Hermione could sense the fear in her voice.

'I wish I wasn't.'

'So Lucius...Lucius hit Malfoy? His own son?'

'He more then hit him Ginny. He broke his ribs, choked him. And more then anything he made Draco feel even more worthless then he already does.'

She snorted. 'Well at least he's got one thing right.'

Hermione frowned. 'That's not fair. He is not worthless at all!'

'I'm sorry 'Mione. But I'm just finding this all so hard to take in. You can't expect me to just accept this.'

'I know. I know.' She sighed, running a hand through her hair.

'You really love him don't you.'

Hermione looked up at her. 'I really do.' She whispered.

'And he's the mystery guy, isn't he.'

She nodded. 'I'm sorry.'

'I just don't understand...how could you fall for him? He's been so horrible to you in the past; to all of us!'

'Ginny, he's not the person we thought he was. Under all the arrogance and sneering, there's this incredibly intelligent, sensitive, caring person, who has spent his life trying so hard to please his father, so hard that he lost who he really was in the process.'

'So all this Death Eater, pro Voldemort stuff was because he was trying to please Lucius?'

'Partly. And partly because he was brain washed into thinking that what he was doing was right.'

She let out a low whistle. 'Wow..who'd have thought..'

'I know it's a lot to take in, and I don't expect you to understand any of it. But please know that I am deeply in love with Draco. Nothing is going to change that.'

Ginny studied her for a second, and to Hermione's surprise, her mouth lifted into a small smirk. 'Not even Anthony Goldstein?'

She stared at her. 'Most definitely not!'

The two girls burst into laughter, and Hermione felt so relieved, so happy to be giggling away with her best friend.

'Seriously though 'Mione.' Ginny stopped laughing. 'Does he make you happy?'

'Yes. He really does.'

'Then you have my blessing.'

Hermione's eyes widened in surprise. 'We do?'

'You do. As much as I hate the little ferret, I do want you to be happy. I'll just have to keep my loathing towards him to myself.'

'But..why? Why are you prepared to give us your blessing if you hate him so much?'

'Because I'm putting your happiness first. Besides, if he's willing to spy on his own father to help us out, well that must take some courage. And...well it sounds like he's had a pretty tough time lately.'

'Thank you.' Hermione squeezed her hand.

'Don't go thinking this means I'll get on with him though. As I said, I detest him.'

'I know, I know.' She rolled her eyes.

'Plus...well I'm going to enjoy watching Harry and Ron's reactions to this.' Ginny grinned, an evil glint in her eye.

Hermione sighed. 'I'm not telling them yet. They can't know.'

'What?'

'Ginny...I can't tell them. I don't want to put Draco in danger. Or them for the matter. If Lucius found out, well...' Her voice trailed off as she shuddered.

'So let me get this straight..you're asking me to lie to them both? You want me to lie to my boyfriend and my brother?'

'It's not like that-'

'Well it is from where I'm standing! You can't ask this of me! It's not fair!'

'Don't you think I already know that?! This is exactly why I didn't want you to know! Please Ginny, I'm begging you. They can't know. No one can.'

'I can't lie to them 'Mione. We've all been through so much.'

'I know. I'm sorry.' Hermione whispered. 'But please..look at it from my side. Draco will be in so much danger if Lucius got wind of this. And by telling Harry and Ron and going public, it's practically signing his death certificate!'

'So you're asking me to lie to my brother and boyfriend, to protect the life of someone I detest? Someone who is a Death Eater?!'

'I wouldn't ask if I wasn't desperate! This is so hard for me, Ginny. I hate having to put you in this position! I hate it so much! But what choice do I have?'

'Harry and Ron might keep it a secret! Surely if you spoke to them about it, explained everything-'

'No! I can't do that! You know what Ron's temper is like. I can't risk it. Please, I promise you I will tell them. But I just need time, Draco needs time.'

Ginny closed her eyes. 'Fine. I won't say a word.'

'Thank you. Thank you so much.' Hermione sighed in relief.

'This won't be easy though. And I don't like it. I don't like it at all.' She stared at her hotly.

'I understand. But I promise you, I will tell them when the time is right. Draco and I will come up with a plan. We'll stop Lucius from causing anymore pain and destruction.'

Ginny snorted. 'You make it sound so easy, so simple. How are you managing to stay so calm?'

'I have to. I have to stay strong for myself. And Draco.'

To Hermione's surprise, Ginny smiled slightly. 'I don't think I can get used to you calling him Draco.'

'I didn't think I could too.'

'And he's really changed? This whole Muggle Born and Harry hatred is an act?'

'He has. He really has.'

Ginny paused. 'That still doesn't make me like him.'

'Of course not.' Hermione smiled sadly.

'I'm sorry 'Mione, I just can't.'

'I know. I know.' She sighed.

There was a couple of minutes silence as Hermione found herself lost in her thoughts. She was concerned for Draco, he'd left so abruptly, and she'd seen the frightened expression on his face.

'Hermione?'

Her thoughts were interrupted as Ginny cleared her throat, and she looked up questioningly.

'What are you going to do about Lucius?'

'I don't know.' She whispered. 'Draco has to see him in a weeks time, and we have no idea what to do. If he goes to him..well I don't want to know what Lucius might do to him.'

'Well you have me.'

Hermione looked up at Ginny in surprise. 'What?'

'I'm here. And I want to help.'

'No, Ginny there is no way I'm putting you in danger-'

'Hermione.' She held a hand up and Hermione fell silent. 'I'm going to help.'

'I can't let you do that.'

'Well tough, just try and stop me.' Ginny looked at her firmly.

'Thank you.' She whispered.

'It's okay. We'll think of something. I promise.' She reached out and squeezed Hermione's hand gently.

'I'm sorry I lied. And I'm sorry for dragging you into this.'

'It's okay 'Mione. As much as I can't stand Malfoy, I'm glad you have him. He makes you happy, I can tell.'

'I don't know what I'd do without you.' Hermione looked at her gratefully.

She smirked. 'Oh I knew that.' Her tone turned serious. 'I think you should go and find Malfoy. He looked pretty upset when he left.'

'That's probably a good idea.' She stood up. 'Will you be okay?'

'Of course I will! Don't worry about me, concentrate on finding Malfoy. I'll see you in the morning yeah?'

'Okay. And you won't say anything to Harry or Ron will you?'

'Hermione. Just go. Your secret is safe with me, I promise.'

'Okay, okay. I'll see you tomorrow.'

'Night 'Mione.'

Hermione turned her back on her friend and left the classroom, making her way up to the common room. As she entered the room, she sighed in relief as she spotted Draco sat in front of the fire.

'What happened? Is everything okay?' Fear was written all over his face as he stood up.

'It's okay. Ginny has agreed to keep everything secret. She won't be telling a soul.' She replied.

'Are you sure? She won't tell Potter or Weasley?'

'She won't be telling a soul.' Hermione repeated, sinking onto a sofa and closing her eyes in exhaustion.

'Are you okay?' He sounded concerned.

She opened her eyes and gave him a small smile. 'Not great.'

Draco sat himself down next to her. 'Come here.'

Hermione rested her head against his chest, and he wrapped his arms around her.

'Will this ever get easier?' She whispered.

'I hope so. If not, well, we could apparate to a faraway country?'

She smiled. 'Good idea.'

'So what happened with the Weaslette?'

'It's Ginny. You should at least call her Weasley, you owe her that much after tonight.'

She felt him sigh. 'Fine. What happened with Weasley?'

'I explained everything. How you aren't the same person anymore. And I told her about your father. I'm sorry Draco, I had to.'

He sat up and Hermione moved so she was facing him. 'You told her..you told her everything?'

'I told her what your father did to you the other week, yes.'

'You had no right! I don't want anyone from that family knowing my business!' His eyes flashed angrily.

'I'm sorry Draco, but it was the only way she would listen to me. It was either that or her running off to Harry. I told her nothing about your childhood, I just told her how he makes you feel and how he was violent towards you.'

She watched as he sighed, closing his eyes. 'Okay. I'm sorry.' He whispered.

'It's okay, I understand.' She took his hand. 'Listen...Ginny wants to help us. She said she will help us come up with a plan for when you have to meet Lucius.'

He raised his eyebrows. 'Weasley wants to help me?'

'Yes. She knows it's important to me. Please, let her help us?'

He studied her, and Hermione felt the familiar chill she always experienced when his grey eyes gazed into hers. 'Okay.' He sighed, sounding reluctant.

'Thank you. I promise you, we will work something out.'

He nodded, looking down at their entwined hands.

'Now can you promise me something?' She smiled at him.

'Why do I get the feeling I'm not going to like this?' He grinned back.

'Can you please just try and at least be civil towards Ginny? She really wants to help and she's my best friend, so she's very important to me.'

'Fine. But if she makes any kind of comment, or starts on me, then I will not be responsible for my actions.' He scowled.

Hermione sighed. 'Fine.'

Draco gave her a small smirk. 'Now if you're asking me to be civil towards Anthony Goldstein, well I may have to pass on that.'

'Oh just drop it.' She went to lightly hit him, but he grabbed her hand and laughed, kissing it.

'What about your little friend?' She raised an eyebrow.

'She stormed off crying after I told her it would never happen.'

'You're such a heartbreaker.' Hermione rolled her eyes.

'You're wrong. There is one heart that I would never dream of breaking.'

'Draco..'

'Come with me.' He stood up, holding out his hand.

'What's going on?' She frowned, puzzled.

'Just come with me.'

Hermione stood up, taking his hand and allowing him to lead her up to his room.

'Wait...you aren't trying to get me to repay you for making you go to the ball are you? I mean you did say that's what previous dates did for you in the past after all..' She scowled.

He smiled. 'I love how you think so highly of me.'

'What do you expect?' She watched as he turned his back on her and reached into one of his drawers.

'Here. Happy Valentines Day.' He handed her a small rectangular box.

'What's this?' She looked up at him questioningly.

'Just open it.'

Hermione raised an eyebrow at him, intrigued. Slowly opening up the box, she let out a soft cry. Nestled inside was a silver chain, and as she noticed the pendant attached to it, she gasped slightly. It was a single silver heart, with a tiny diamond positioned in the centre. She watched as it twinkled softly in the dim light of the room.

'What do you think? The suspense is killing me a little.' Draco sounded nervous.

Hermione looked up at him, blinking away the tears that had formed in her eyes. 'I love it.' She whispered.

'You do?' He sounded surprised.

'I do. But...but when did you do this?'

'Remember the other night? When you practically had a fit because I didn't turn up to the Valentines Ball meeting with the prefects?'

'You were...you were getting this for me?'

'You know for the brightest witch our age you really are quite slow at times.' He smirked at her.

'Thank you.' Hermione said softly.

Draco stared into her eyes, not answering. He lifted a hand to her cheek and gently stroked it. 'I love you Hermione Granger.'

'And I love you Draco Malfoy.'

He brought his head forward and softly kissed her, and she sighed as he held her close.

'Can you help me put this on?' Hermione held the necklace up.

Draco took the necklace from her, and she pushed her hair out of the way, chills running up her spine as she felt his hands on the back of her neck. She closed her eyes as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head before moving to face her.

'Perfect.' He breathed.

Hermione didn't answer, and his grey eyes searched hers as he took her hands. She opened her mouth to speak, but found herself unable to as his gaze took hold of her, and he brought his lips to hers again. As they broke apart, she found herself slightly breathless, and Draco gave her a small smile.

'If we do this...you won't think it's because you made me go the ball will you?'

She frowned. 'Of course not. And it isn't because you bought me this either.' She held up the necklace and Draco chuckled slightly before pressing his lips to hers.

Draco

'Have you seen this?!'

Draco almost choked on his cereal as Theodre Nott dropped down next to him, making him jump.

'Do you mind?!' He said irritably.

'Oh I'm sorry, I should have waited until Prince Draco finished the last of his cereal before speaking.' Theo said sarcastically, rolling his eyes.

He scowled at him. 'What is it anyway?'

'Your father's on the front page of the Daily Prophet. Thought it may have interested you.' He handed the paper to Draco, studying him as his eyes widened at the headline.

'Oh please. 'Malfoy ringleader as Death Eaters plan deadly revenge.' You really believe this rubbish?' He laughed, desperately trying to conceal the fear that was now surging through him.

Theo looked incredulous. 'How can you laugh at something like this?'

'Because it's crap, that's how.'

'And how do you know that? Been in touch with him have we?' He gestured to the picture of his father on the page.

'No. I just know that if my father was planning something, he wouldn't be so careless and stupid that the Prophet would find out about it.'

'I see.' Theo didn't look convinced.

Draco sighed. 'Believe what you want. But I know my father.'

'Fine. Well if he is planning on killing off any Mudbloods, I hope he gets Granger first.'

He clenched his teeth as he insulted Hermione. 'I don't know what he's planning, Theo.'

'What's going on with you and the Mudblood? She's looking over here again! If I didn't know any better, I'd say she has a crush on you Drake.'

He froze. 'Don't be so stupid. I detest Granger and she detests me.' He muttered.

Draco felt tense as Theo eyed him suspiciously, and he was relieved when he finally nodded. 'You're right. As if you'd even be civil enough towards her to allow her to fall for you. You make her life hell, don't you?' His eyes gleamed wickedly.

'Yeah, total hell.' He lied, forcing a smirk.

'That's what people of her kind deserve. I bumped into Pansy last night by the way.'

Draco looked at him and scowled. 'And you're telling me this because?'

'Because she was very upset 'Drakie' had gone to the Ball with a different girl. And left with her I presume?' He raised an eyebrow, smirking.

'Yeah. Of course.' He nodded, not meeting his eyes. 'I'm leaving for Herbology early. See you later.' He stood up and walked away briskly, praying Theo wouldn't catch up with him. As he left the hall, he walked straight into someone.

'Watch where you're going.' He snarled, then stopped as he noticed Ginny Weasley glaring back at him.

'I'd watch what you say if I were you.' She said threateningly.

'And what are you going to do about it then Weaslette?' He sneered, furious at the way she was talking to him.

She raised her eyebrows. 'Oh I think you know.'

'You wouldn't dare.' His eyes flashed dangerously.

'Oh really? You think that?'

Draco stared at her. 'Just keep your mouth shut Weasley.'

She glared at him before turning on her heel and walking into the Great Hall.

Draco swore under his breath as he walked to the greenhouses. How dare she speak to him that way. He was starting to reconsider allowing any form of help from her, knowing that there was no chance that they would ever get along.

'Drakie!'

He groaned as the familiar shrill tones of Pansy Parkinson interrupted his thoughts.

'Get lost Parkinson!' He growled as she caught up with him.

'But Drakie! I miss you!' She simpered.

'Tough. Go miss me somewhere else.'

'It's that girl isn't it?! The one I saw you with last night! She took you from me!'

Draco looked at her incredously. 'Bloody hell Pansy, can't you just leave me alone? It's nothing to do with the 'girl' it's simply the fact I cannot stand you.'

'But-'

'No! No buts! Now I told you weeks ago what would happen if you wouldn't leave me alone and that still stands.' He snarled.

Pansy stopped, and he looked at her. 'You've changed Draco.' She whispered.

He frowned. 'And what the bloody hell is that meant to mean?'

'It means you've changed. And not in a good way.' She threw him one last sulky look before skulking off.

He scowled, then continued his walk to the Herbology Greenhouses.

Dinner couldn't come fast enough for Draco as he sat down at the table that night. He scoured the Gryffindor table for Hermione, but to his disappointment, she wasn't there, only Potter and his Weasel sidekick.

'What's the matter Draco? Bad day?' Theo smirked as he sat down across from him.

'Shut it, Theo.' He scowled.

'Someone's touchy.'

'Maybe someone doesn't want to talk to you.'

'Oh come on Drake, don't break my heart!' Theodre clutched his chest in mock agony.

He narrowed his eyes, pushing chips around his plate.

'Speaking of breaking hearts...I saw Pansy again earlier. She was crying, babbling on about how her 'Drakie' had broken her heart.' He looked amused.

'She should learn to shut her mouth.' Draco snapped.

'Oh come on..why are you so harsh on her? I mean I know she's annoying, but she's not that bad.'

'You know what? Why don't you date her if you think so highly of her.' He stood up angrily and stormed out of the hall, pushing past students as he made his way up to the common room.

'Flobberworms.' He muttered the password to the portrait and entered the room.

'Draco! Good, you're back!' Hermione greeted him, smiling.

'Someone's pleased to see me.' He smirked, reaching out to take her hand. But to his surprise, she quickly snatched it away.

Puzzled, he raised his eyebrows at her. 'Have I done something wrong?'

She cleared her throat, and nodded to the right of them. As he looked to where she was gesturing, his eyes widened in alarm as he spotted Ginny Weasley sat on the sofa watching them.

'Just when I thought my day couldn't get any worse.' He muttered, throwing her a disgusted look.

'Draco!' Hermione scolded him.

'Oh don't worry about it 'Mione. I have no intention of being polite to the Ferret.' Weasley scowled at him.

He opened his mouth to respond, but Hermione stopped him. 'No! The pair of you, just stop! Ginny, can I tell him?'

'Fine.' She muttered.

'Tell me what?' He looked at her and frowned. 'What's going on?'

'We have a plan. For your next meeting with your father.'

Sorry this took a little longer to update, I've been sooo busy lately with illustration work, plus this took ages to write! As usual, thank you to everyone that's reviewed/followed/favourited this!