Don't you dare stop, Draco!" Hermione cried out.
"Wouldn't dream of it, love."
Hermione leaned back against the beautiful stained glass window and sat on the stone seat with one leg over Draco's shoulder, the other foot firmly planted on the ground, and Draco's face buried between her thighs. She'd protested for all of twenty seconds before Draco was on his knees with his hands under her skirt. That was nearly ten minutes and one– almost two– orgasms ago.
Draco slipped two fingers inside her as she shuddered, her thigh shaking beside his ear. He crooked his fingers at the perfect angle to press against that spongy spot inside her and Hermione nearly saw stars.
"D- don't stop, don't stop, don't stop– I'm right there!" Hermione gasped as Draco's tongue made firm circles around her clit and ever the quick learner, he didn't stop.
"Fu-fuck! Gods– Draco." Hermione came on a choked out whisper, her thighs clenching tightly to his body and back arching away from the stained glass. Wave after wave of pleasure crashed over her until she slumped back against the window with a soft sigh. Draco sat back on his heels and watched her intently from his place. He slowly removed his fingers from inside her and she whimpered at the loss. When he brought those fingers up to his lips and slowly cleaned them one at a time, Hermione audibly whined.
"Insatiable witch. If I didn't know better, I'd think you'd been taking an arousal elixir the last couple of weeks." Draco chuckled, but Hermione didn't join him in his mirth. She silently thanked herself for the silencing charm she haphazardly cast as they rushed into the alcove after class.
She really felt that the predicament she found herself in was unfortunate. Her dreams, her ever more sex filled dreams, became more frequent, just as Draco's headaches had. Only now, they left her so unsatisfied when she woke, regardless of how many times she orgasmed in her dreams, that the slightest trigger would set her on fire and dampen her knickers throughout the day.
Today, it was watching Draco prepare asphodel during double potions. He'd taken the seat across from her today and she watched with a deep ache in her core as his hands– strong hands– plucked each petal, careful not to tear, and then proceeded to take the small carving knife and extract what little essence he could from the small plant. Hermione had caught herself salivating as she watched the way his fingers ran delicately along each petal and the way the veins in his hand rippled beneath his skin with each scrape of the knife. She'd snapped her mouth shut when Draco had caught her staring, throwing her a smirk with a twinkle in his eye as he continued to work on his potion.
This continued and Hermione botched her potion so badly that Professor Slughorn suggested she see Madame Pomfrey as "It appears you've taken ill, Ms. Granger. You're flushed and appear a bit peaky." Hermione had blushed furiously at the real reason her potion hadn't been up to snuff– she'd simply not paid enough attention. Hermione Granger ruined a potion over carnal desire.
"Where's your mind, Hermione?" Hermione was startled to see that Draco had sat next to her and put her skirt back to rights, and cast a well-placed scourgify, all while she was preoccupied with her thoughts.
"I-" Bloody well better confess, Hermione. Winter holidays are only two days away and you'll have to be apart for at least-
Hermione felt a warm hand on her cheek pulling her to face Draco. He brought his thumb and forefinger to her chin and lifted her gaze to meet his own.
"What is it?" Draco's eyes were hard set and wary, but beneath it all Hermione could sense true concern.
"I- I've been having dreams as well, Draco." Hermione bit her lip and looked away sheepishly. She knew she should have told him the day they went to visit Snape's portrait, but her worries about Draco's headaches put all thoughts of confronting her truly riveting problem out of her mind.
"Dreams… about what, Hermione?" His hand moved to cradle her face in his palm. Draco's gaze was open and searching.
"It's nothing bad, per se. It's quite similar in how the dream that we shared began… and honestly also similar to how it ended…"
"Okay, if I recall correctly, that dream ended in an incredible mutual orgasm, but I am very aware we haven't shared a dream since then, Hermione." Draco's thumb rubbed soothing patterns over her temple as she searched his face, unsure how he'd process what she had to say next. "Whatever it is, you can tell me, Hermione."
"I- well, it always starts in the garden. I follow the path past the cypress tree and down to a stream? I think? And well, you're there. Only I'm now convinced it's not really you but maybe the bond's manifestation of you in my subconscious." Draco watched her with cautious but curious eyes, slate grey boring into her.
Hermione watched as his tongue peaked out to wet his lips before he spoke again.
"And what happens at this stream?"
"Usually, well I guess more often that not, we um- well, we-have-sex." The words were rushed and Hermione willed the heat away from what she knew were now her flushed cheeks.
Draco's chuckle brought a deeper blush up her neck and Hermione winced. His hand traveled down her neck, her shoulder, then settled in her lap atop her own.
"Granger, you're embarrassed about a dream after all of the sex we've been having in hidden alcoves and broom closets?" His eyebrows drew up high on his forehead in surprise. The glint in his eyes told Hermione that Draco was genuinely baffled.
"It's just different, okay. I don't know why but it is. Can I finish telling you what happens in the dream or are you just going to find more ways to embarrass me?" Hermione's lips flattened into a straight line as she glared at him, her head tilted back to meet his gaze.
A smile curled at the corner of his lips and he spoke softly, clearly appeasing her, "Please continue."
"It's not always the same… it's like actually being there with you, only I know it's not you. The dream version of you is… more than satisfactory, usually, but as of late he's left me very unsatisfied and well, I think you know what happens then. Hence the broom closets, alcoves, shower, bath, bed, sofa…"
Draco's lips pursed and a deep furrow set in his brow. "You're telling me that the dream version of me stopped getting you off, and that's why you've been so Salazar-be-damned horny?"
"Yes." Hermione squeaked, then gulped, "That's not all. Before the dream ends, the dream version of you always leaves me with the same message. "Let your magic flow freely, do not hinder what is inevitable." I have absolutely no idea what he- you, ugh, you get the point. I have no idea what that means!"
Hermione dropped her head into her hands and huffed a laugh. "Why would the bond want me perpetually in a state of arousal? I don't see the point in that, especially not when we don't even have access to the book containing the ritual to complete the bond in the first place. This is all just so confusing."
Draco's hand still clasped hers, but he had a far away look in his eyes, glancing at the stone walls of the alcove.
"I have an idea why that might be happening and it's disconcerting to say the least." He didn't turn back to her and he pinched his lips together in a tight line.
Hermione's frustration was mounting, in more ways than one. Between her constantly wet knickers, the missing book, Draco's headaches, and now his non-answer, she didn't know how much more she could take.
"Spit it out, Draco. I'm so tired, just tell me!" Hermione snapped, immediately regretting the action. "I'm so sorry. I- I just am overwhelmed. Please share what you think this is, maybe it will make me feel a bit more at ease."
Draco watched her carefully before he responded, giving her hand a squeeze. "I doubt that, unfortunately. I- I read something when we were initially researching bonds. It said… well, it said the purpose of some bonds, particularly a bond of blood, was to ensure a magical compatibility in every aspect of the pair's embodiment. The passage further explained that some bonds had to be… completed, without the use of a contraceptive charm or potion. I think the exact phrase was-"
"Free flowing magic." Hermione cut him off, her eyes wide in realization.
"Y- yes. But how did you know that?"
"I read those books as well, Draco. I don't know how I didn't make the connection sooner. I mean, "Let your magic flow freely," that's a very specific statement." Hermione felt a cold sweat break out across her palms. Every time she thought they might learn something helpful about the bond, it only complicated things further.
Draco leaned back against the stained glass and heaved a heavy sigh. "I don't think it's something we can worry about right at this moment… I mean, are you- it's uncomfortable, not painful, correct?"
"Yes, more of an inconvenience and overall frustration than anything." Hermione turned to face him on the ledge and tucked one leg under the other.
"I think it might be best if we wait until I- we- have a chance to get that book over the holidays. I'm a bit hurt you didn't tell me about this sooner, Hermione. Didn't we just have a talk about keeping things from one another?"
"Have you written your mother yet, Draco?" Hermione met his glare with one of her own, honey rimmed irises boring into molten silver.
"That was a low blow. You know how I feel about my mother keeping the threats and that farce of an 'audit' from me, Hermione." Hermione watched draco adjust his tie as she picked at the hem of her skirt.
"I know, and I know I should have told you sooner about the dreams, but frankly they were more of a nuisance until recently and I really have been completely overwhelmed, Draco. This is all becoming so much to process and come to terms with and not knowing what will happen, not having an answer to all of your headaches, it's wearing me thin." Hermione watched her hands as she pulled at a loose thread, unwilling to look at him at that moment.
A shuffling brought her attention to Draco standing from the ledge. When Hermione turned to face him, his hand was outstretched and searching for her own.
"I think we need a break, and I know just the thing to help." His smirk widened as Hermione gave him a wary look, not extending her hand just yet. The wicked gleam in her eye set her on edge.
"Remember the lists you had me make, Hermione? I've got one of my own, for you. And there's an item I think we should check off that list. Today."
Hermione slowly raised her hand to Draco's, but she hesitated.
"Do you trust me?"
"Of course I trust you, Draco… You just look a bit too eager about whatever this is that you have planned. Can you blame me for being a bit wary?"
Draco's laugh filled the alcove and warmed Hermione. She smiled against her own instinct to remain nervous about whatever he'd planned. She swore she could feel his excitement, something close to thrill seeking coursed through her and mustered up her Gryffindor courage.
"Alright, lead the way." Hermione dropped her hand into Draco's and allowed him to lead her from the alcove.
XXX
Aside from the raging hard-on he'd been left with following their tryst in the alcove, Draco was having a fantastic day. His mind was clear, he'd sensed no oncoming headache, and he'd had his head buried between Granger's thighs not minutes ago. The issue with her dreams seemed to be small in comparison to all else that they'd had going on, but Draco could sense how uncomfortable she'd been as of recent. Not that he minded how she'd practically jumped him any chance she got. He'd never felt so sexually gratified in his life as he had the last couple of weeks with Hermione.
Though, the gratification was almost a feeling that emanated from a multitude of factors. His mind had been at ease, aside from his headaches. He'd felt no need to occlude and the stress that he'd felt regarding his probation seemed a long forgotten memory. He enjoyed spending time with Hermione, and that was the extent of his enjoyment of their 'tasks' for his probation, for the most part.
His probation and the tasks Hermione had him complete were what led him to his latest idea. At the end of November, Hermione had told Draco about her parents and their profession as Dentists. She'd shared that they were muggle teeth healers. That day had been eye-opening for Draco, to say the least. He'd never quite grasped the lengths that muggles had to go to in order to maintain basic health. It was quite innovative, and he understood better from that conversation that muggles were not 'uncivilized' as his father had always preached to him. As they exited the castle and Hermione recognized which direction they were heading, her feet froze in place and she yanked Draco back by the arm.
"Draco…" She spoke slowly in a warning.
"Yes, love?" Draco flashed his best innocent smile at her. That one always seemed to do the trick.
"No, absolutely not! There is no way." Her eyes were wide and pleading now, and Draco had a hard time containing the laughter trying to escape his lungs. Her palm began to sweat against his hand and Draco tightened his grip. He understood real fear, though he believed this fear of hers to be quite irrational.
"I will be there with you the whole time, Hermione. Come on, please?" Draco pleaded. He'd been dying to get her to fly for… well, years if he were honest with himself. She was so headstrong, so brave, so intelligent, yet she didn't trust magic to keep her safe while on a broom. She'd yet to respond to his question so he pleaded again, this time gathering her to his chest and dropping a kiss across her knuckles before speaking. "Please, Hermione? For me?"
Hermione sighed in what sounded like resignation mixed with anxiety. "You promise not to let me get hurt?"
"Never, Granger."
She held his gaze as she threw question after question at him.
"And you promise to stay low?"
"Sure, this time." Draco gave a terse nod.
"And you promise to be careful?" Hermione gnawed on her lower lip.
"I swear on Salazar's grave, Granger, this will be the safest broom flight on record."
"And you promise to go slow?"
"Well, that might be a step too–"
"Draco!" Hermione growled in warning. The fire in her eyes that he loved, that spark when she was angry, had him acquiescing to her requests immediately.
"Fine, we will go slow. Though, I am willing to bet you'll be begging for more speed and height before our afternoon flight is up."
His grin widened and she deadpanned in return, "Sure, Draco. Whatever you say."
"That's the spirit. Let's go before Ravenclaw has the pitch for practice later this evening." Draco wrapped an arm around her waist and led Hermione to the locker room.
"What are we doing here?"
Draco gave her an incredulous look. "You're not flying in that skirt that barely covers your arse, Granger."
"Draco, maybe you've forgotten but I'm not much of an athlete, I don't have clothes to wear to fly. If we go back to the dorm–"
"I have something you can wear. I keep some clothes here just in case." He shrugged at her skeptical look.
"Right. Exactly how long have you been plotting to get me to go flying, Draco?" Hermione stood in front of the locker in question with her hands on her hips.
Draco sighed in resignation and raised his gaze to the ceiling above her. "Long enough that I stole some of those stretchy muggle trousers you wear, the ones that hug your arse? Yeah those. Stole a pair to keep here because I knew if you had a chance to go back to the dormitory and think about this too hard, you wouldn't go through with it. So yes, Granger, you have clothes here to wear. You'll also find one of my white t-shirts and those old ratty trainers of yours."
" You stole my trainers? You slimy ferret! I've been looking for those for weeks, Draco. What the fuck!" Her eyes were wide and her hands were balled into fists at her side.
"Those are all great points, Hermione, but I really feel that the ferret comment was uncalled for. I haven't resembled a ferret since I took up strength and conditioning, thank you very much. Now, if you're done stalling, look in that locker, pick up your clothes, and get changed. We have some flying to do." Draco felt winded from talking so much. He had anticipated she wouldn't react very well to knowing he'd been planning this for a while, but it was a risk he was willing to take for the reward of getting her on his broom.
"Bloody fucking hell. Only you could convince me to fly, Draco. I resent that you know me well enough to have gone through all of this trouble to ensure I couldn't back out." Hermione spoke in angry mutterings as she yanked her clothes from the bottom of the locker Draco had pointed out.
Draco observed with a hungry gaze as she changed out of her uniform. His erection had just abated during their argument and was now threatening to make a reappearance as Hermione bent to pull up the stretchy trousers, her arse on full display and her cunt barely covered. She'd called the knickers she liked to wear, a 'thong'. Hermione had informed him that they were quite popular among the muggles.
"Alright, if you're quite done ogling my backside, we can get this over with."
Draco refocused his vision to find Hermione staring back at him, her mouth shut in a thin line, barely concealing her displeasure at the situation he'd put her in.
"Right, just let me– hold on." Draco was flustered. Draco never became flustered.
He reached into the locker and began to change as well, not wanting his uniform to be ruined. Though when he changed, he did it while facing Hermione. He watched as her hungry gaze roamed over his torso as he unbuttoned his shirt. Her eyes followed the movement of his fingers as they unbuttoned his trousers and moved to the zip. As he unzipped his trousers and pushed them down over his hips, Hermione looked as if she'd been panting from running a race.
Pulling on his usual flying clothes, minus his quidditch gear, Draco summoned his broom with a quick accio .
"I thought you kept your broom in- wait, nevermind. Slytherin. You've been keeping it here for just this occasion, haven't you." It wasn't a question, and Draco smiled at her quick thinking.
"I told you, Hermione, I've been wanting to get you on a broom for a very long time. Now, follow me."
They walked silently out to the pitch and Draco watched as Hermione wrung her hands together, clasped in front of her. It was actually quite endearing just how terrified she was of flying. Draco had flown since he was a toddler. A broom felt quite like an extension of himself at this point in his flying career. But Draco also knew that Hermione did not have that privilege, the privilege of growing up in a magical home, with magical parents, where she could have learned these things at a young age like Draco had. He wanted her to love it, so he planned to make her lesson as enjoyable as possible.
Draco pulled her hands apart and brought her to him, chest-to-chest.
"It will be fine, Hermione, I promise. If at any point it's too much, we will stop and I will return you to solid ground, I promise." Draco watched as she chewed on her lower lip, then gave a terse nod in acceptance.
"Alright, I'll mount first, then you in front of me. That way you will be as secure as can be guaranteed. I will be right behind you the entire time." Without waiting, Draco mounted his broom and extended a hand to Hermione to help her get situated in front of him. Once she was on the broom, Hermione wobbled a bit before she found her equilibrium. Draco snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her back until Hermione was tucked securely against him.
"Promise not to let me go?"
"Never, Granger."
"Alright." Hermione took a shaky breath, and Draco realized in that moment just how much trust she'd put in him to make this a memory she wouldn't regret.
Draco brought his lips to her ear and reveled in the shiver that coursed through her as he spoke in low tones. "You rode a Dragon, Granger. I don't think I could do that, even if the opportunity presented itself and was my last option. So, just remember that this broom is predictable. My magic, the magic coursing through me that tells me you and I are soul mates? That is what is leading this broom. Let's trust the magic, shall we?" Draco dropped a kiss to a spot just below her ear and watched from the corner of his eye as Hermione seemed to steel her nerves.
"You're right. I- I should trust the magic, your magic. Let's- let's go, Draco." Draco smiled into the curls at the back of her head before slowly raising them into the sky.
Hermione gasped when they reached the level of the pitch stands. Draco knew this would likely be her limit for her first day of flying. He began by allowing her to adjust to the height before moving at all. She seemed to take several deep breaths as he felt her back against his chest. Soon, her breathing evened out and she began to take in the view around them.
"I think I'm okay. I- I think you can move now."
Draco tightened his grip around her waist and spoke into her ear again. "I've got you, love. Just breathe."
Draco slowly increased their speed, leaning forward a bit into Hermione as they gained momentum. He flew in wide circles for a bit until he felt Hermione relax into him and observed her grip loosening on the broom handle.
"It's not so bad, is it?" He grinned next to her ear.
"No, I suppose it's not. I actually think I'd quite like it if you'd go faster?" She spoke the last several words as a breathy question.
Is she getting off on this?
"Are you certain?"
Hermione whimpered in reply, "Please."
Draco's cock hardened against her arse at the sound. What the fuck was going on? She hated flying. Draco increased the broom's speed and on a hunch, dropped them into a near freefall, spinning back up toward the sky before they hit ground.
Hermione's loud gasp and head thrown back were the only indicators of her enjoyment of their flight so far, but when she backed up and intentionally ground her arse into him, he knew she'd enjoyed it far more than he'd thought.
Interesting.
By the time Draco had lowered them back to the ground, Hermione's head rested back against his shoulder, her eyes were shut and she'd been writhing against him.
"Did you- fuck - did you enjoy that, Hermione?" Draco asked as he gathered her to him, still seated on his broom.
"I never knew the adrenaline could feel like that- that fucking euphoric . I- Draco, I need you. Please." Hermione whined and ground against him, his cock hard and straining against his trousers.
Draco drew his wand and cast a quick tempus , looking around the pitch to ensure they were alone. He hopped off the broom and drew Granger off with him. She let out a squeal of surprise as he hiked her over his shoulder and headed toward the stands.
"Draco, put me down!"
"You can't say shit like that and not expect me to act on it, Hermione. Bloody insatiable witch."
As he rounded the corner to the nearest set of stands, Draco dropped Granger to the grass, Hermione nearly toppled over. They were concealed behind banners– though the banners were nearly opaque. Hermione didn't seem to care and neither did Draco at that moment. Draco stalked toward her and backed her into the wooden beams of the stands until her movement was halted.
"We have ten minutes before Ravenclaw is set to practice, Granger. Think you can stay quiet for me?" Hermione parted her legs for him and Draco stepped into her, bending to trail kisses down her throat. He stopped at her pulse point and sucked and laved at the spot until she ground her hips against him wantonly.
Draco felt a primal need for release, his magic begged for relief. He suddenly found himself wound so tight and he couldn't explain it– or didn't want to.
Draco thrust against her and felt incredible heat against his cock, straining against the zip of his flying trousers.
"Fuck, Hermione. What- I can't-"
"Keep going, please Draco, I need more-"
Draco pressed his lips to hers urgently, kissing her with more intensity than he'd thought possible. His tongue immediately sought entrance to her mouth, swiping along her bottom lip before he nipped at it. A growl rumbled up through his chest as she opened to allow him entrance. Their tongues battled for dominance for a minute as they shared breath between them.
Draco continued shallow thrusts against her clothed core, providing her the friction she seemed to seek. He smirked against her lips at the whimpers and moans that Hermione breathed into him. When Hermione pulled back to gasp in air, Draco took in her disheveled state. Her hair was wild from their flight, her lips swollen from fervent kisses, and her neck was mottled with red blotches from where he'd marked her.
A possessiveness had consumed him– a desire to possess her.
Draco's hands gripped her hips and spun her to face the worn wood of the stands. He pulled her hips back to meet him and spread her legs with his feet.
"Fuck-" Hermione whispered, "Draco, please!"
"I know- I feel it too. Hold on, love." Draco ground out. His hands grasped the fabric of her trousers and pulled it down below her arse. He palmed her rounded flesh roughly and her shaky exhale told him her patience had run thin. A need to be inside her unlike he'd felt before swallowed him whole.
Draco released himself from the confines of his fitted flying trousers and sighed in relief. One hand grasped the flimsy material of her knickers and pulled it to the side, while the other stroked his cock with a firm grip. As he swiped two fingers through her folds, he found her more than ready. He brought the other hand up to her lower abdomen and whispered a contraceptive charm, returning his hand to her hip after.
"Granger, did flying with me get you this fucking wet?" He grit out through his teeth, the tips of his fingers rubbing tight, firm circles against her clit.
Hermione did not answer, but she cried out and ground into his hand.
"Please, Draco. Please, fuck me now-" Hermione sobbed into her arms, her head braced against them.
Draco positioned himself against her and slowly thrust into her cunt. She was hot, tight, and wet. The heat emanating from her should've been concerning, but Draco could only think enough to move.
"Yes, please- more." Hermione sighed.
"Fuck, Hermione. You- you feel so good." Remembering their time constraints, Draco began to fuck her in earnest. Each thrust had Hermione grunting into her arm. Draco slid his hand around and slipped two fingers against her clit, once again rubbing in tight, firm circles, the movement he knew she preferred.
Hermione cried out the moment he touched her.
"Shh, you've got to be quiet, or else someone will hear. Can you be good for me, Hermione?"
"I- I don't know- ugh!" A particularly hard thrust hit that spot against her front wall that Draco knew would make her see stars. "I- I can't!"
"You can, love– and you will-" Draco brought the hand still gripping her hips up to her mouth. "Open."
Hermione turned her head to the side to meet his eye and opened her mouth, her tongue flattened. Draco slipped three fingers into her mouth. "Fuck, such a good girl for me."
Draco resumed his motions and watched as his cock, slick from her cunt, moved in and out of her at his quickened pace. His fingers never stopped moving against her clit and he could feel as she began to tightened around him. The fluttering of her cunt caused his eyes to roll back, the pleasure unbearable.
"Come for me, Hermione. Come for me. You're so fucking beautiful with my fingers in your mouth, fucking yourself against me. Come."
Hermione moaned and cried out around Draco's fingers and he clenched his teeth at the same time her cunt spasmed around him.
"Fuck- yes, such a good fucking girl, Hermione. That's it-" Draco thrust one, two, three more times before he came with a grunt and a stifled moan, following her over the edge. He closed his eyes and rode out his pleasure as he listened to Hermione's labored breaths around his fingers.
"That was-"
"Yeah." Hermione sighed as he removed his fingers from his mouth.
Draco stepped back, sighing as he slipped from her warmth. He tucked himself back into his trousers and fastened the buttons quickly. Hermione was still braced against the stands, head leaning on her arms.
"Are you alright?"
Hermione laughed quietly. "Yes- more than alright. That was incredible. Transcendent, maybe."
Draco returned her laugh and knelt to drop a kiss to her temple as he returned her clothing to rights. Hermione turned and adjusted her clothing some more before stepping into him and pressing a heated kiss to his lips.
Voices broke the spell and she leaned back, removing her lips from his.
As she stared at him, he watched the honey swirl around her irises and thought to himself for the first time, I'm in love with Hermione Granger .
I love you too, Draco." Hermione's heart felt as if it were about to beat out of her chest. Had he said it out loud, or had it been another one of their silent communications thanks to the bond?
She watched with an amused smile at the corner of her lips as Draco's eyes widened.
"Did- I didn't say that out loud, did I." It wasn't a question. So, it was the bond.
It was becoming more apparent the longer they lived with an unsealed bond that the magic of the bond itself would do anything to try and pull them closer together, as if that truly mattered. Hermione already counted herself a goner when it came to her feelings and affection for Draco.
There was no doubt in her mind she loved him. Hermione had over seven years for her feelings to evolve, and the past several months for those feelings to wedge themselves inside of her– filling every void, every crevice she thought would remain empty following the loss of her parents– and become this, love.
"I love you, Draco. I know it's likely a bit early by typical relationship standards, but we're not very typical, are we? I mean, we're soul bonded. On top of that soul bond, there's more to it– a potential rare bond. Mind, blood, soul. I think it's safe to say that love wouldn't be far behind all of that. Don't you think?" Hermione's hand found his face and her thumb brushed over his heated cheek. Her eyes stayed locked on his and she knew he could feel exactly what she felt, knew what she said was true.
Draco released the breath he'd been holding and Hermione's smile widened.
"I love you." The words were whispered and Hermione realized approximately two seconds later why. The Ravenclaw quidditch team exited the locker room and took to the field, raised voices and whistles could be heard around them. A startled laugh burst from Hermione and Draco raised his fist to his mouth to stifle his own laughter.
She'd never felt so alive, so in love, as she did in that moment. Trusting him and trusting the magic of the bond might have been the best decision she'd ever made.
How they found themselves back out in the December cold, Hermione would never understand. The warming charm cast around the group left a pleasant hum in the air, but the biting chill in the air somehow still lingered. Hermione swore it would snow soon, likely the first snow of the season. Since she was a little girl, the snow held its own magic in her eyes. Each year as the snow began to fall, she'd silently wish for the stars to bring her happiness. And each year, she thanked them for what she had.
Until last Christmas as she watched Harry nearly die by the hands of a snake disguised as an old woman. That year, she cursed the snow for the wet chill it brought to her socks through her worn boots. She cursed the snow for low visibility while they hid from snatchers. She cursed the snow for the memories it brought her of her parents, of happier days at Hogwarts with her friends. Of snowball fights with Harry and Ron and of butterbeer in Hogsmeade as the snow fell outside.
But this year, as she watched the unlikely group of students laugh around her, Hermione decided the snow couldn't come fast enough. Because this year, Hermione intended to thank the stars for the love and light brought into her life through the magic of an ancient bond that she still knew very little about. Somehow, it felt as though her heart had grown to accommodate not only Draco, but his friends as well. They'd studied together on a few occasions, and after their eventful flying lesson, Hermione and Draco thought it was time they brought the snakes into Hermione's group of friends.
Seamus and Dean sat on a conjured flannel blanket, laughing with Pansy about a ridiculous muggle pop-culture magazine Dean was flipping through. Theo and Blaise sat with Neville, Ginny, and Luna, all discussing their plans for the Holidays. Harry and Ron had written the day prior to inquire about a rumor they'd heard from Ginny that Hermione and a blonde ferret were now an item. She'd smiled at the letter and huffed out a laugh. Leave it to Ginny to not be able to keep a secret. Hermione was secretly thankful, as she knew Harry and Ron had been aware of her affection for Draco for years now, but she'd still worried how they would react in the end when those affections were returned. Hermione had worried herself for nothing, both boys had written that they were happy if she was happy, and they'd like to get to know Draco better sometime soon.
Hermione sat leaned back against Draco's chest, his coat wrapped around her. His hands wound around her waist and his thumbs circled absentmindedly against her soft sweater.
It was perfect. Absolutely perfect, and more than she could have asked for. The magic hadn't calmed by any means, and Draco actually seemed to be affected more now as well. She wasn't going to complain about his increased physical affections, but it was worrisome that the bond seemed to be pushing them to some inevitable breaking point.
They'd decided that since his probation required him to reside at Malfoy Manor for the holidays, Draco would discuss with his mother the truth of his relationship with Hermione– to the extent that the blood curse would allow him to share– and would then ask Hermione to join him for a few days in order to speak with Philippe Malfoy's portrait. Beyond the bond, Hermione was curious as to the magical history that Philippe might be able to speak to and she couldn't wait to ask him every question that had plagued her since she found out the cypress tree was a real place.
A sudden chill on her nose caught Hermione's attention and she smiled up at the sky, leaning her head back onto Draco's shoulder and closing her eyes.
"Snow." She breathed out, a sudden sense of peace overtaking her.
"Observant, Granger." Draco's voice rumbled low in her ear. Hermione suddenly felt the chill disappear and opened her eyes to discover Draco had cast a light weather shielding charm.
"Thank you, Draco. I love the snow." She leaned her head back to smile widely at him and the content smile on his face as he watched her nearly heated the chill from her bones.
"I love watching you love the snow, Granger." Draco laughed, raising a gloved hand to smooth away the snow that had caught on her face before he'd cast the weather shielding charm. "Are you certain you're alright coming to the Manor, Hermione? I would understand if you'd prefer to stay with Potter and Weasley. You don't exactly have pleasant memories of my ancestral home." Daco's brow furrowed and Hermione reached up to bring his lips down to hers in a soft kiss.
"Of course I'm alright, Draco. I- I've done a lot of reflecting, and a lot of healing, and beyond all of that, I have you. I am not worried. I think my curiosity outweighs my anxiety. Plus, you did promise me a tour of the Manor library. I'm Hermione Granger, am I not? Did you really think I would turn down a tour of one of the most expansive family libraries in Europe?" The laugh bubbled out of her and when Draco's grin widened, she moved to kiss him again. Her lips pressed against his insistently and when she traced her tongue along the seam of his lips, the clearing of several throats brought her back to reality.
"Bloody hell, Hermione. It's like I never knew ya at all!" Seamus snickered.
Hermione glanced around to find eyes averted and barely concealed laughter on the faces of all of their friends, except for Pansy.
"Granger, I think I love you. I mean, you got this surly wanker to open up and live a little, I approve. Snog all you like. I mean, he was a bit repressed for years–"
" Repressed ?" Draco sputtered. "Me? Excuse me, miss "my hair must be pin straight at all times and exactly two inches above the collar"."
The group burst in laughter and Hermione laughed harder when she watched Ginny wipe tears from her eyes.
"Why didn't we do this ages ago?" Ginny and Blaise spoke at the same time.
More laughter ensued, and as the snow fell heavier and the sun began to set, the group decided to head back to the castle for the night.
"Draco, were you planning to fly today? What's with the trousers?"
Hermione let out a sound of disbelief before she covered her mouth. She looked up to find Draco's eyes wide but a smile twitching at the corner of his mouth.
"Ah, I just needed some fresh air. Took Granger up for a flying lesson earlier today."
"You did what ?" Ginny's incredulous voice sounded next to her.
"A story for another time, I'm bloody cold and I'd like to warm up now?" Hermione gave Draco a searching and knowing look before he nodded in agreement. Hermione took his hand in her own and led him in the direction of their shared dormitory as she called out over her shoulder, "Goodnight, see you all at breakfast before we leave!"
XXX
Leaving Granger at Kings Cross was miserable and left Draco in a state of unrest. He'd felt so content the past several weeks they'd spent together and having to leave her felt like a piece of him had been ripped away. He knew it was dramatic, she'd be visiting the Manor in no time, as soon as he could speak to his mother about her. She'd left a note for Draco upon his arrival that she would be in a meeting at the ministry with the aurors until Dinner. He was disappointed to find she was not home waiting for him, but he was also thankful for the time alone to reacquaint himself with his ancestral home.
The nagging feeling in his chest that something was not right would not subside, no matter how many times he tried to convince himself otherwise. His headache worsened as well, leaving his head in a constant state of pressurised pain. No amount of pain potion seemed to relieve it. As dinner his first night home neared, Draco was determined to tell his mother about Hermione and have her back with him as soon as possible.
As he opened the ornate wooden doors to the formal dining room, Draco took one last calming breath before stepping inside. His mother sat at one end of the table appearing radiant and calm. Draco couldn't remember a time in recent memory that she seemed so at ease. The constant pinch to the skin around her eyes had disappeared, and the near frown on her lips was gone, replaced by a soft smile. Her eyes were a bright, shining blue– not unlike a bright summer sky. Her hair, dull and lifeless following the war, fell in soft waves around her face. The once nearly grey dull coloring had returned to the beautiful blonde he remembered from his childhood.
Draco breathed out a deep sigh of relief before rushing to greet his mother. She stood from her chair and a bright smile overtook her.
"Draco, love, I missed you so much." His mother's arms wound around him and he breathed in the comforting scent of earl grey tea and white roses. His mother.
"I missed you too." Draco released her to take his seat at the table and his eyes widened at the sight of what looked like muggle pizza on the table in front of him. "Mother… is this pizza?"
Her smile only widened to a mischievous grin. "I might have asked for a little help with your welcome home dinner. I- well, lately I've been out and about in the muggle world and I gave it a try once, it's quite delicious. I'm told you've come to love it?"
"Mother, who told you that-" Draco paused and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Hermione told you, didn't she. How long have the two of you been communicating?" Draco huffed a sigh and raised his gaze to his mother's.
"Oh, it's Hermione now, is it? I don't believe I've ever heard you use Miss Granger's given name?"
Fuck, smooth transition, Draco.
"Yes, well, Hermione and I are–" Draco was cut off by a very un-Narcissa Malfoy-like squeal of delight from his mother.
"I just knew it! I– Lilly!" His mother called. In an instant, his mother's house elf, Lilly, appeared clothed in a frilly yellow frock-dress. Draco's confusion only mounted, as he'd thought the ministry required their elves to be freed.
"Yes, Miss Cissa?"
"Oh Draco, don't look at Lilly like that. She is no longer employed here. She lives here as this is her home as much as it is yours. Lilly kindly partakes in household chores just as I do, and you will as well." The look his mother gave him had Draco quickly back-pedaling. He'd learned a lot from Hermione, and he knew that being with her meant elves were a non-negotiable subject. Draco spent plenty of time arguing the subject of family magic with her, and in the end he agreed that elves should be paid a livable wage and given ample time off.
"I'm sorry mother, you misunderstand." Draco turned to Lilly, "Lilly, it is lovely to see you. I'm so glad you're here. I was only surprised that you are still here as I believed the ministry would have sent all of the elves away?"
"Miss Cissa offered a home to all elves employed by the family Malfoy, Mister Draco. Lilly and Tilly decided to stay, the other elves could not go on without work. They's is with the Nott estate now. Mister Theodore is very kind, though he's not being home, he writes the elves weekly to see how they's is doing." Lilly's big eyes shone bright at him and Draco couldn't help but smile back. His head still pounded, but he found joy in Lilly's excitement. "You's needed me, Miss Cissa?"
"Oh yes, I believe you owe me the recipe for your apple turnovers. Draco was just about to tell me about his budding romance with Miss Granger!" His mother clapped her hands together joyfully, not unlike a giddy teenager. Draco nearly thought he was having an out of body experience.
Would pain potions cause hallucinations? He mused.
"Mother, you mean to tell me that you already knew?"
"Draco, I am old, I am not blind. And, I am your mother. Mother's know everything. You've been smitten with that girl since you were a young child. You used to talk about her constantly. I know what happened the night that she was tortured here– the night that Bella carved that slur into her arm. You do realize I know all about Sanctissimus, Draco. I knew the moment the Chief Warlock informed me about your probation what it all meant. She did it for you, did she not? Not because it was moral or ethical, but because of you. She loves you."
Draco hadn't noticed his eyes had welled up with unshed tears until they spilled over, slowly drifting down his sharp cheekbones.
"I- yes." He cleared his throat and wiped his face haphazardly with one hand. "Yes, I love her. She- she loves me. We're, well, we're not quite sure. We're soul bonded but it actually appears to be something much bigger than that alone. I really need that book, mother. I'm-" Draco sucked in a breath. He felt as if a hippogriff sat on his chest. His lungs ached for more air, but he couldn't seem to take it in, no matter how hard he tried.
"Breathe, darling. It's alright. Lilly, would you mind grabbing a calming draught from my personal stores for Draco, please?"
"Of course, Miss Cissa!" Draco heard two prompt cracks and his mother handed him a phial. The soft blue swirl of liquid shone like a beacon for his peace of mind. Draco downed the potion quickly and closed his eyes until he felt the tension in his chest dissipate.
"I'm sorry, mother. I've just been a bit stressed is all. This has all been a lot, and without occlumency–"
"What? What about– Draco–" His mother gasped beside him and her hand landed softly on his arm. "How long have you been able to go without your occlumency, Draco?"
"It's been over a month now. I- well, I had help. It's horrible, but–"
"I'm incredibly proud of you, Draco. It takes immense strength to live through and survive all that you have at such a young age, but it takes courage to live it again for the sake and sanity of your mind." Draco met his mother's gaze and gave her a grateful nod, ready to change the subject once more.
"Now that you know about Hermione, I will just tell you our holiday plans. She will be coming here, once she receives word from me. We need to speak with one of the family portraits. It is a long story, but I think one of the Malfoy ancestors can help us figure out what is wrong with the bond." Draco reached for a slice of pizza while his mother seemed to turn over the information he shared.
"Of course, Miss Granger is welcome here for as long as she'd like. I'll have a room prepared for her. Unless she would prefer to stay with you?" His mother gave him a knowing look and Draco willed away his unease.
"That is more likely." He managed to choke out before stuffing another bite of pizza in his mouth.
"What do you mean something is wrong with the bond, Draco?"
"After dinner, mother. I will explain it all after dinner."
And so he did. Draco sat with his mother in one of her reading rooms and explained– without the sordid details– how oddly the bond had been acting and the troubles to his health. He had owled Hermione shortly after dinner, just before meeting his mother to talk. Draco thought it would be simpler if he were able to explain as much as possible to her before Hermione's arrival so that they could work together to find answers.
However, when his mother indicated she would visit the portrait hall to seek out Phillippe, he appeared to be missing.
Salazar's balls.
Nothing seemed to be easy, and something always seemed to go wrong. Draco was beginning to think the universe was working against him. Just when his mind began to get away from him, the rush of the floo swam through his ears and he bolted to meet Hermione. He grinned to himself at the thought that she also hadn't waited an entire day to see him.
When he reached the floo parlour, Draco scooped Hermione up into his arms before she could finish vanishing the floo powder from her clothes. A bright laugh spilled from her lips and he sighed in relief.
"Draco, it hasn't even been twenty four hours! Merlin!" More of her laugh filled his ears.
"Is it so wrong for a man to miss his soul mate, Granger? Cut me some slack here." Draco frowned. "Beside that, I've got a headache about to slice through my frontal lobe. I need you to kiss it and make it better." Draco smirked into her mess of curls as she swatted him away with her hand.
"You're incorrigible, Draco. But come here." Hermione pulled him down by the neck to place a kiss against his forehead, then each temple, followed by his lips. "I love you and your dramatics."
A throat cleared and Hermione jumped away from him, clearly startled. "Miss Granger, welcome to our home! I'm delighted you're here. Draco just filled me in on–"
"Woah, mother, slow down please. I haven't had the opportunity to tell Hermione about our conversation yet."
"Conversation?" Hermione looked at him with a furrow in her brow.
"Yes– turns out mother is much more perceptive than I ever gave her credit for. It also turns out that I might be much more obvious in my affection for you than I ever thought. So, I filled in the gaps for her. She knows we need to speak with Phillipe, she is aware of the uniqueness of the bond, the dreams, the physical–" Draco was cut off by Hermione digging her nails into his forearm before she nearly screeched at him.
" What? " Understanding overtook him and Draco scrambled to provide her details before she jumped to further conclusions.
"Yes, I told mother about the headaches. And I told her about our ability to seemingly know what the other is thinking without consciously perceiving it. She also knows you entered my mind once when I was stuck, for lack of a better word." Draco looked at Hermione and felt her calm, her magic calming with her.
"Do not worry yourself, Miss Granger. I was young and in love once. Draco spared me the saucy details of your relationship. Though, I did inform him you're more than welcome to simply stay with him while you're at the Manor, if that is more comfortable for you. The choice is yours. I also have a lovely guest suite prepared–"
Draco observed the bright shade of red that took over the apples of Hermione's cheeks down her neck with barely concealed amusement.
"That won't be necessary– I think we're fine to stay together. Thank you though, Miss– um,"
"Call me Cissa, dear. No need for formality."
"Thank you, Cissa." Hermione nearly whispered, embarrassment evident in her posture.
"I'll leave you two to get settled. I've sent out a search party for Phillippe, Draco. He should be back by morning. Get some rest, my dragon." Draco nodded at his mother and wished her goodnight. As she left the floo parlour, Granger shook next to him and he worried she was upset by the interaction with his mother.
"Are you alright, Hermione?"
Her quiet shaking turned into hysterical laughter, and Draco joined in purely out of contagion. They laughed until tears flowed and they both grasped onto one another to walk up to his room.
"I'm– how utterly awkward was that? That was a thing of nightmares, Draco!" Hermione couldn't keep the laughter out of her voice as they approached the door to his room.
"Please, you had it easy. She pried for details, Hermione. I think she knows what kind of dreams I was referring to without even having to say it! I shudder to think about her and father's bond, she tried to speak about it but I cut her off, it's me you should pity!"
"Again, with the dramatics. Will you tell me about Philippe? Where is he I was looking forward to some answers."
As Hermione settled in and searched every nook and cranny of his room and bathroom, Draco shared details of his first night home. He watched with adoration as she carefully perused his personal selection of books as he told her about Lilly and the other elves. As they lay down to sleep that night, Draco noted that his headache had dulled, but a sharp point had nestled itself like a needle from the middle of his forehead along the top of his skull, down the back of his neck to his spine.
Sleep , Draco thought. I just need sleep. Hermione is here and we will speak with Philippe in the morning.
XXX
When Hermione awoke, something instantly felt off. Draco lay next to her, still asleep, but he hadn't moved from his position on his back. Draco typically woke up on his side, and usually curled her into him in his sleep.
Hermione brushed the fringe from his forehead with a heavy touch, intending to wake him up. When he didn't move, she became more insistent, rubbing her hand up and down his arm in a soothing motion. "Draco, it's time to get up."
Only silence permeated the morning air.
"Draco?" Hermione lightly shook his shoulder. His heavy, measured breathing did not stop its steady rhythm, but he did not wake.
"Draco!" Hermione was frantic. Draco was not a light sleeper.
"Draco, wake up! Fuck!"
XXX
The stream was quite pleasant, and his headache was gone. Though, in this dream, dream Hermone hadn't made an appearance yet. It was calming to sit on the bank of the stream and listen to the sounds of the water softly running.
As footsteps approached, Draco knew it wouldn't be dream Hermione. No, these were heavier footsteps.
"Young Draco, I think we need to speak. You've frequented your ancestral garden's enough for a lifetime unbounded, don't you think?"
Draco's eyes popped open at the sound of a male voice with a lilt of a french accent. As he turned to face the stranger, Draco realized with a start that he was staring at Philippe Malfoy himself.
What a strange dream, Draco thought.
"No stranger than the bond with your young love, Draco." Philippe smiled.
No thought is safe, I guess , Draco mused.
"We cannot waste time, Draco. I know the rites, you must seal your bond with Hermione, but first I feel it is important that I tell you a tale– the bond you share is unique, and I want you to cherish it. You will not wake until we are finished here. Do you understand?"
Draco nodded in comprehension, nervous about how long he had already been asleep. He felt as though he'd been sitting by the stream and wandering the gardens for days.
"Will you help me? Help her? I just want her to be safe and happy."
"Of course, Draco. That is all that the Malfoy family magic wants as well. Shall I begin my tale?"
Apprehension filled him to the brim, but Draco steeled himself. This was the closest he'd been to answers about his bond with Hermione, yet.
With a nod, Draco motioned for Philippe to begin.