Sleep held Hermione captive. She'd attempted to wake multiple times, but her exhaustion dragged her back down into unconsciousness. When she finally emerged, wrenching herself from her pillow and rubbing sight back into her eyes, she glanced around the dark room. She had no idea how late it was. Had she slept for two hours or six?
She reached under her pillow, searching for her wand. She brushed her wild hair back from her forehead and checked her watch. The party had been going on for about an hour now. She stood and stretched. She did feel better after sleep. But she definitely was not in the mood to get dressed up and go be social.
She walked to the window and looked out. A beautiful full moon filled the winter sky with light. The entire landscape was visible. She spent a moment admiring the view.
The door to their dorm burst open and Lavender and Parvati rushed into the bathroom giggling. They hadn't even turned on the light in the dorm. Hermione listened a moment as the girls rushed around in the bathroom. She didn't mean to eavesdrop, but the girls weren't being quiet.
"I can't wait to see it! I'm sooo excited! Here can you do the eyeliner all bold and winged like before?" Lavenders voice floated through the lighted crack of the barely open door.
"Are you going to wear that short skirt? I'm imagining something similar to Zabinis first party. But the possibilities are really endless. That room can turn into anything." Parvati this time.
"I know. He's so clever to have a decoy party. They won't suspect a thing."
"There. How's that?" Sounds of tubes and pencils being thrown about into bags and counter tops echoed through the space.
"Yesss perfect. Seamus is going to lose his mind."
"We should silence our heels. Just so we don't draw attention to ourselves on our way down." Parvati suggested.
"Good idea. How does my hair look in the back?" Lavenders voice faded as she turned around.
"Perfect. Let's go."
Hermione stepped further into the shadows by her bed as the two girls left the bathroom, covered in cloaks. They never noticed her.
So that sneaky bastard made the professors party a decoy and he was having another rager somewhere else. Did Harry and Ginny know? Ginny hadn't mentioned it. But they could have just gotten the word around. Kept it secret as a precaution.
Parvati had said "that room can turn into anything" and Hermione had a sinking feeling in her gut. She'd avoided that corridor on purpose. She had a few good memories there with DA meetings, but mostly she thought of the smoke filling her mouth and lungs, choking her as he held onto the broom, letting Ron fly them out. The weight of Goyle jumping on the back and dragging them down towards the flames. The sound of Crabbe screaming in the distance. At the time she hadn't known which one of the slytherins had died. She'd only been concerned for hers and the boys safety. Once they saw Malfoy and Goyle at the top of a pile, she was as ready as Harry to turn around and save them too.
She'd never spoken of that event with Malfoy. She hadn't spoken about anything in the past with Malfoy. Which she suddenly found odd. They'd spent a lot of time together this year. He of all people probably had the most trauma. Voldemort marked him and lived under his roof. She could only imagine the horrors he'd had to witness.
Her heart twinged a bit at the thought. The person she knew now... he was... different. She couldn't reconcile the type of person who chose to be a death eater and the guy who leaned his knee against hers today. The smirks, the flirting, the confidence. She'd danced with him, sat on his lap, kissed him. They'd laid in his bed together. All of that seemed like a weird fever dream. She had all of these memories and experiences with him, both past and current years. And nothing she could make sense of. That's probably why she had the biggest hesitation.
Remembering her talk with Ginny, she thought about how she couldn't bring herself to reciprocate Malfoys obvious willingness to continue spending time together. Because she didn't know him. She had no idea who he was. And part of her felt like he was putting on a front for her, to get into her pants. But a larger part of her hoped that the mean guy was the front and the nice guy she saw sometimes was the true him, looking for a safe person to come out to.
Her thoughts were running away from her. She sat down on the bed, scrubbing her face with her hands. "Don't get your hopes up." She whispered to herself. He'd disappointed her greatly the last time she had trusted him. He'd been disappointing her since the day she met him. The moments that were causing her confusion were definitely not the norm. But they were more consistent this year. Did she believe that people really can change? Would she be able to give him the space to try?
Her stomach growled and she realized she'd slept through dinner. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail, deciding to go see what was going on with this decoy party and hopefully find something to eat. She tugged on her fuzzy boots and secured her wand to her forearm under her sleeve with a couple of hair ties.
It was a little after 10:30 now, and quite a few younger students were still in the common room. Hermione grinned to herself remembering her younger years. Wizards chess, exploding snap, the twins testing products and making people laugh. She already missed it.
Climbing out of the portrait hole, she saw Ron coming back. He was in formal dress robes, hands in his pockets, walking alone. Hermione cleared her throat and he finally looked up at her.
He stopped abruptly. Surprised to see her.
"Hi." She tried.
He seemed to war with himself before he chose to respond. "Hey." They stood a few meters apart in the silent corridor. Neither one moved.
"How was the party?" She gestured at his robes.
He looked down at his chest and smoothed a hand over the formal attire, clearing his throat. "It was... stuffy and lame. Hence why I came back early." He quirked a lip, almost a smile.
Hermione waited, hoping he would ask her about the trial, if she was ok, anything. The awkward silence was killing her. "I slept through dinner. Was just going to find something to eat." She tried. Maybe he would accompany her. The old Ron would have.
He just nodded, looking behind her now. She realized he wouldn't. That this was as cordial as they could be right now. Maybe this was progress. He didn't scoff and walk past her at least.
She started walking around him. "Goodnight then." She said cheerily.
"Night." Was all the response she got. Before she turned the corner she looked back and watched him enter their common room, not looking back at her.
She continued on, analyzing their almost conversation in her head as she went. Part of her wanted to cry at what she had lost. But part of her, the logical and realist part, knew that it was gone. That it was her fault. That he was also coping. And that this truly was progress. He didn't scoff or show any negative emotion in his face. She wanted to consider this a positive encounter. Ginny was right, she can't punish herself forever.
She walked the familiar path toward the room of requirement.
Draco was in a bad mood. He'd been at this inane party for an hour and there was no sign of Granger. And the she-weasel kept grinning stupidly at him from across the room. He checked his watch again before watching the weasel whisper something to Potter and then leave. As soon as he was gone, his sister immediately walked over to Draco.
"Lovely party, isn't it?" She sipped from a champagne glass and eyed him.
Draco merely raised a brow.
"Hermione is probably not coming."
Draco furrowed his brow this time. "Why are you telling me this?"
Ginny Weasley smirked "well, you've been watching us all night. I assumed... unless I should actually be jealous, if you're checking out my boyfriend." She winked.
Draco rolled his eyes. "Why isn't she coming?" He gave in to the taunts.
She shrugged "she wasn't feeling up to it. She's probably still asleep."
He scratched his jaw, attempting to not give away anything, until he looked at the knowing smirk on the smug redheads face. "Well, would you look at the time." He sneered "wouldn't want to be late to water our plant tomorrow..." he turned to leave.
"You have the noon shift." She called after him, amusement in her voice.
As Draco descended the steps, he turned back to see the future Mrs Potter smirking at him. He flipped a rude gesture back at her and she just grinned widely and waved.
He jogged down the stairs, eager to get out of there. His anger building. He was mad at himself for all the time and energy he spent on this night, getting his hopes up. At Granger for never once mentioning to him that she didn't want to go out tonight. At the she-weasel for waiting an hour to come and tell him that. But mostly he just felt stupid because in hindsight, he was acting like a bloody child with a crush and that made him a fool. And the she-weasel knew it. Which meant potter probably would too.
He continued to spiral in his angry thoughts, taking the left staircase instead of the right to avoid the room of requirement corridor. He was going to bed now, there was absolutely no point in going to that party. Blaise would insist he drink, probably take an edible, let the flashing lights and drugs and music take the anger away. But without her being there, the night was ruined. Better to drink alone in the quiet solitude of his room.
When he turned the corner he stopped abruptly. He hadn't been quiet enough because as soon as he did, she froze and looked up.
Almost immediately, his negative mood seemed to disapparate. Granger seemed to be pacing in front of a staircase. The one that came out on the opposite side of that corridor that Draco had just avoided. He quirked his head in silent amusement, descending the steps. He took great satisfaction watching her gaze rake over him.
He'd not worn full dress robes, planning to attend the party afterward more than the formal one. He merely wore his black shirt, no tie, sleeves rolled casually up the forearm. Tucked into his black pants neatly. He'd taken extra time on his hair.
She, however, was exquisite. He waited until he'd come down to her level before he returned the scrutiny, smirking in appreciation. She huffed in annoyance, crossing her arms self consciously across her middle and turning her head in defiance.
"Granger, what are you doing?" He zeroed in on the pout of her lips.
Without looking back at him, she said "I was just on my way upstairs." He could tell she was pretending it was inconsequential.
"Why?" He pressed, amusement leaking into his voice.
She cleared her throat, "to see what sneaky shit you all were getting up to. I overheard someone talking about the 'decoy party' " she finger quoted and raised an unimpressed brow.
"Well you came dressed to the nines, were you hoping to find someone to impress?" He smirked now, glancing down at her legs.
She lifted her chin more, scoffing. "I was hoping to see what you all were up to, and also to find some food, because I slept through dinner." She said matter-of-factly.
Draco grinned, "well, after you." He gestured up the stairs behind her.
She raised a brow, shaking her head, "uh uh. You first." She was on to him, very aware of what those shorts did to him. And yet she still wore them here, now, fully expecting to see him here.
They walked side by side up the steps, Granger seemed to cling to the banister. Just before they could see the corridor above them she froze, gripping the bar tightly. Draco suspected why, and suddenly got a clue as to why she was pacing at the bottom when he came upon her.
"I just, I haven't..." she finally looked at him, eyes wide, she chewed her lip. "I've avoided this place, I haven't been back yet."
He nodded "my first time was this afternoon." He admitted. He stepped below her and leaned back against the wall. They were nearly the same height now. "I wouldn't even bring Blaise here when he asked to throw the party. I hadn't told any of them what had happened. They just knew that Crabbe had died in the battle."
She faced him now, away from the bad memories above. She leaned her shoulder on the same wall, she was trembling slightly.
"I never... that was not what I intended to happen. When I followed you. I just wanted my wand back." He cleared his throat. Apologies were not his strong suit. And he wasn't trying to apologize really, he just wanted her to know that.
"There's no trace... of damage." He gestured upward. "But take all the time you need. I get it."
He was surprised when he felt her take his hand. He looked down, watching her fingers lace through his, and something calmed inside of him. He finally met her eyes.
"I'm ready now. I think." Was all she said. But she squeezed his hand. He wasn't sure if she was trying to give him support, or needing it herself. But he held on, and they continued upward.
When the corridor came into view, she gripped him tighter but didn't stop again. Together they stepped in front of the door. She took a deep breath, holding onto his harm with both hands now. He used to hate when Pansy would do this. It was annoying to have her hang all over him. He always shook her off whenever she tried to.
But this with Granger... he didn't mind it.
"Ready?" He asked, and she nodded, staring at the door.
He reached out and opened it. As per Blaise's instruction, no light or sound left the room. She didn't hesitate to follow him over the threshold.
As soon as they stepped inside, the flashing lights and loud music assaulted them. Draco felt her jump and he let go of her hand, sweeping his arm behind her and holding her close to him. She clung to him gratefully, burying her face into his shoulder.
"It's just the party, I'm sorry, I should have warned you." He had to shout in her ear to be heard over the noise. "Do you want to leave?" He added when she didn't move.
She shook her head against him, before finally looking up at him. "No, I was just startled!" She shouted up at him. Her terrified gaze dropped to his mouth, and she swallowed. And at this proximity and the circumstance which had them holding onto one another, he felt his heart skip a beat and his skin warm.
"Want a drink?" He shouted back, just to get them moving because he had planned to be really suave tonight and have her begging him to kiss her. And at this rate he was nearly ready to throw caution to the wind and act like the lovesick fool that Potters girlfriend thought he was.
They broke apart naturally as he took her hand again and led her through the crowded room. Wild teenage debauchery surrounded them. She stayed close to him. His heart didn't stop the wild pounding that had started.
Daphne had found some huge jar that may have been magically enlarged and filled it with vibrant fruit slices and a bright blue and bubbling punch. There was an elaborate display of small foods covering the table. Granger went straight for it, filling a small plate and digging in. For some reason, to watch her in her casual attire, no makeup, hair chatoic, focusing on the food table in this party where everyone was dressed up and getting drunk and dancing provocatively, was extremely endearing to him. And he had to focus on not getting hard right now.
Blaise appeared between them, clapping his hands on both of their shoulders "Welcome!" He shouted.
Granger ignored him, filling up a cup of Daphne's punch. Which was good because Blaise was grinning like a fool looking between the two of them and raising his brows suggestively at Draco.
"What happened to the booze?" Draco shouted to make sure the conversation stayed unassuming.
Blaise gestured to the blue punch, "it's actually really good. Give it a try."
Draco leaned back in time to watch Granger drain a whole cup in one go. She didn't even flinch. "Wow. That's lovely." She said back to Blaise before refilling her glass and plate and turning away from them, wandering away, observing the room as she went.
Blaise filled a cup for Draco when he didn't move to try it himself. While handing it over, Blaise leaned in close, holding Draco's shoulder to say as quietly as possible over the music, "There's an area in the back with sofas. The room wouldn't make the private rooms that I attempted for. I suppose it is still a school after all. But I made sure it stayed very dark over there." Blaise pulled back with a wink and a grin.
Draco just shook his head at his mischievous friend and returned the grin. He sipped the drink and winced. "That's incredibly sweet. There's alcohol in this?"
"Every bottle we had. Careful with it." Blaise warned.
Draco turned, looking around the room. He couldn't see her wild curls anywhere. "How are you keeping this from Potter?" Draco was curious because it seemed everyone else was down here now. All the people he'd seen milling about upstairs in relatively professional attire were now down here in vastly different attire and completely untamed.
"Strategically." Was all Blaise said in response.
When Draco raised his brow in apprehension, Blaise added, "I promise they will not set foot in this room tonight. Or tomorrow morning. Because I plan on being here that long. Now where's Daph? I have a sofa in the back with our names on it..." and with that, Blaise left Draco behind and meandered through the dance floor, getting lost amongst the chaotic group of bodies and flashing lights and loud music.
Draco drained his cup and set it down. He didn't want to get wasted tonight. He had plans. And he needed Granger relatively sober too. He was going to snog her senseless and he wanted both of them to be fully in charge of their own capacities this time.
He finally caught sight of her, standing off to the side next to Lovegood. Of course. The two girls seemed to be silently observing the dancing while Granger continued eating. Draco began to walk toward them when someone grabbed his forearm, yanking him into the dancing crowd.
He stumbled a bit and tried to pull back. Lavender Brown was clinging to him, clearly drunk. She pulled him close as he leaned away. "Draco Malfoy! You're fucking fit and I want to dance with youuuu!" She shouted.
"I thought photography was your newest passion, not dancing. Given it up already?" He smirked meanly as she gasped in anger.
"I... that's not..." she spluttered incoherently. Her drunk mind trying to keep up.
"Do not touch me again, and don't ever go after Granger again. No matter how much McLaggen tries to pay you. I'll destroy you if you do." He said menacingly into her ear before pushing his way back off the dance floor.
When he found Granger again, she was giggling about something with Lovegood. Her plate of food was gone. Both girls were sipping on their blue drinks, leaning into one another. A totally different scene than the one just a moment ago. Draco wondered what had he missed.
She spotted him as he walked toward her. She was mid laugh and it was the hottest she'd ever looked. Carefree, genuine laughter. The smile didn't leave her face as she watched him close the distance between them.
"Hello Draco." Came Lovegood's aloof voice from Grangers side.
He nodded at her before leaning back against the wall next to Granger, pressing his shoulder into hers. "What did I miss?" He asked, turning his head and looking down at her. She was the perfect height for him. She wasn't too short but he loved the way she had to tilt her neck back and look up at him when they were standing close together. He'd never have predicted standing close enough to Granger often enough to notice that this year. But he was into it.
"Absolutely nothing." Grangers eyes sparkled with a secret as she looked up at him.
Lovegood muttered something about Longbottom and wandered off.
"Want to dance?" Draco asked, still smirking down at Granger.
She shook her head immediately, ponytail shaking with the movement. "Why not? We were pretty good at it last time." He quirked a brow and she blushed, looking away finally.
"Is there anywhere to sit? Or is this a dancing only party?" She looked around the room while asking.
Perfect. "Blaise mentioned something about sofas in the back. Let's go find them." He held out his hand, palm up and waited for her to take it. She seemed to hesitate this time, for just a moment, before slipping her hand into his.
He chose to ignore the way his heart seemed to beat harder, the way he could feel the pulse in his fingers. He held her hand behind him as he led them around the room to the back. There were steps leading up to a platform where an array of couches faced the dance floor. It was very dark back here but not any quieter. There were tables next to each sofa. They walked past the first two couches, which were occupied. Before they found an empty one.
Draco sat first, and Granger let go of his hand as she sat next to him, leaving just a little space. She shivered a bit.
"It's much colder back here." She said. Draco felt along the back and found a throw blanket. He didn't think Blaise provided them for the cold, though.
He spread it out and laid it over both of their legs. "Perhaps you should think about wearing more clothing when you go wandering about an ancient castle in the night." He teased.
Granger scoffed but scooted closer to him. "It's just for warmth." She grumbled. But he put his arm around her shoulders and held her to him.
After a few moments of watching the flashing lights above the dance floor, Granger looked up at him. "I'm truly grateful for all you did with the trial and everything. I wouldn't have known what to do or how to..."
Draco forced himself to look into her eyes instead of her lips. "You would have." He stopped her.
"Would have what?" She asked, confused.
"You'd have researched the laws and all the solicitors and found someone to represent you pro-bono just because you're the golden girl. Or the minister would have taken care of it without a solicitor. You didn't need me to do anything." He couldn't help the brief glance at her full and parted lips. He grinned.
"Well... yes." She conceded. "I supposed you're right. But it was nice to not have to worry about it. I can't tell you how much of a relief it was to not have to think about any of that. I trusted you and you came through. So thank you."
He couldn't stop himself this time. It was as if his lips took over the rest of him. He leaned down and his hand came up to touch her neck as he kissed her. A wave of warmth pulsed from his chest throughout his body as her lips moved gently on his. Just like coming out of the daze and kissing her on the broomstick. This feeling was different than any time he'd made out with a girl or even when he fucked Pansy. He'd been craving this ever since.
Too soon, she pulled back. She held onto his wrist as his thumb traced her jaw, cleared her throat and licked her lips. He let go of her and let her lean away from him slightly. She was flustered, but she didn't get up and walk away.
He gently pushed her opposite shoulder with the arm still around her and leaned to her ear "we can kiss without being dosed with a love potion, Granger." He said quietly to her. He said it with a grin but dropped it as soon as she looked back at him. It was a look filled with something intense that made him nervous but drew him in.
"I don't think we should." She said, dropping her gaze to his mouth. "I..." she swallowed and her fingers found their way to his jaw, his chin. Her thumb traced his lower lip. He fought the urge to lick it. "I just know that I'll fall in love with you." She said to his mouth before her eyes met his again. When she said it, his heart leaped in his chest and it startled him. But he forced himself not to react. It would scare her away and he felt like everything he wanted was within his grasp if he remained cool and calm.
Her face seemed to drop as she lowered her hand and looked down at his chest. She continued "and I know how that will end for me. And I just don't want to do that." She sighed and turned, resting her head on his shoulder and looking out at the party.
He held her close as he contemplated her answer. He hadn't wanted to think about any of this. Because she was right. But he wanted her. Even now. Here in their little Hogwarts bubble, everything would be fine and fun and free. And as soon as they left this bubble it would pop and the grim reality of their futures had no room for silly trysts. He absolutely would break her heart.
And yet, it felt like he already had.
"Plus, those drinks are super strong. And that gummy bear Blaise gave us might be starting to kick in." Granger continued.
"What? Tell me you didn't." Draco sat forward and turned her to look at him.
She grinned "Luna and I split one."
"Goddammit." Draco muttered. "Can't have one fucking moment." He stood, tugging her up with him. She tossed the blanket on the sofa and followed him.
"What? I had a long day! Why can't I relax." She laughed a little behind him and he rolled his eyes. He was livid and it felt like an overreaction.
He was going to walk her back to Gryffindor now and have the she-weasel put her to bed. Fucking Blaise, how did he even get to them without Draco noticing?
Granger was jogging to keep up with him and they left the room of requirement, taking the stairs back down and making their way through the castle.
"Ope, yep. I'm definitely starting to feel it." Granger started to giggled as she leaned heavily into him. "Why are there so many stairs in this place?"
He stopped them abruptly, pulling her back into an alcove as professors from the upstairs party seemed to be leaving and making their own ways back to rooms. She giggled and he shushed her but that just made her giggled some more so he covered her mouth with his hand. She snorted in uncontrollable laughter so he spun her around and covered her mouth with his.
He was putting his pent-up frustration and adrenaline from sneaking around into this kiss now. It was all he was going to get. And it wasn't a total loss, but his night had not gone anywhere remotely close to what he'd planned. He kissed her hard, turning them and pressing her back against the stone wall. His hand behind her head so as not to hurt her. The wall scratched his skin and her hair tangled in his fingers.
She seemed to match his passion, her arms circled his neck and she pressed her hips into his, sliding her tongue eagerly into his mouth. After a moment, he pulled back. He needed to get her back, and he needed to go vent his frustrations elsewhere. Otherwise, they'd both be waking up together tomorrow with major regrets.
He checked that the coast was clear and then continued pulling her through the castle, finally reaching the Gryffindor entrance. Before she gave the password, she stopped him from leaving.
"Wait, Draco." She said slowly. The use of his name making his ears ring. "Thank you." She smiled up at him and touched his cheek. "You're always so good to me. This whole year. I mean. You're..." footsteps echoed through the corridor and he stepped away, her arm extended with him before she dropped it to her side.
"hello... what have we here?" Potter and his girlfriend were coming back from their party. They approached the pair, Potter looked awkward but Weasley looked nearly deranged with satisfaction.
"Granger decided it was a good idea to split a marijuana edible with Lovegood and now you two get to make sure she gets to bed alright." Draco gestured at Granger as he took another step back.
"Where the hell did you get a marijuana edible?" Potter was looking at her incredulously but Weasley was observing Draco too closely.
He raised his hands in innocence. "I had nothing to do with it. But hey, I'll take the first shift with the herbology assignment tomorrow. No worries." He smirked as he stuffed his hands in his pockets and turned.
"Goodnight, Draco!" Granger called out and he turned back, ignored the weird and shocked looks from Potter and said "Good night, Granger."
Then he left them. Going straight back down to the dungeons. He'd deal with Blaise tomorrow. Tonight he needed some good strong whiskey without any fruit in it and he needed to sleep. And maybe just like a good mind clearing wank...