All of Harry Potter and anything related to it are the sole property of J.K. Rowling.
(Each title is derived from a song that, I believe, complements the overall narrative, if not the individual chapter.)
Hogwarts Still May 1997
Draco's Point of View
I spent the days apart from Hermione, striving to reclaim some semblance of my composure. I was acutely aware that I had allowed my emotions to slip from my grasp, and that had become dangerous for more than merely myself. The sight of Hermione in agony had instilled a fear in me, a fear that was accompanied by a frustrating inability to inquire about her condition from Madam Pomphrey. I felt helpless and guilty, cognizant of the distress I had inflicted upon her.
I spent the two days in the infirmary working on my Occlumency when I could, but other times were consumed by contemplations of our son. I had been truly terrified when I thought I was dying. Not knowing his name had been a pain to rival the lack of breath. I was painfully aware that I had failed him and his mother in that moment, but it was something I wasn't going to be able to change. It was something I was going to have to live with instead.
It was during the visit from Potter and Weasley that I was reminded of the book. I had always loved it when I was a child. I had once been certain of my role as the hero, but now I was confronted with the reality that I was one of the villains. Still, I wanted more for my son, and I recalled when Little Fire had discovered that his name was Aiden, a name that gave him the power to control his gift. It was a strange name in the magical world, but it had appealed to me. I hoped Hermione would like it now. I liked the idea of our son being the 'Little Fire Dragon.' I couldn't imagine any child born of Hermione Granger to be anything less than fierce.
After I left the infirmary, I used the formula she had unknowingly completed, and, as anticipated, it succeeded: the Vanishing Cabinet would work. Once more, I had to let my Occlumency take the guilt away and concentrate on something else. I ensured that I concocted the rest of the potions to advance the pregnancy that she would need, but I wasn't going to give them to her until I was certain it was safe for her to take them. I still didn't have the slightest clue what had been happening, but I was smart enough to discern that it was nothing good.
I also began other potions for her, including Polyjuice. Without the final ingredients, the potion itself had a shelf life of little more than a year, but you had to consume it within twelve hours once the essence of a person was added to it. I investigated potions for after the baby was born, but they were much too complex and time-consuming for the amount of time I had left, so I instructed Jomny to go order some from Knockturn Alley and to ensure they were of the highest quality before he paid for them.
I was also still working on my variation of the Forgetfulness Potion, and even with my ability to perfectly brew the original, I needed it to be stronger and more specific. I was also hoping to replicate the effect of the room with it. I didn't want the memories gone, merely hidden. If my goal was for them to be gone, I would have used the Obliviate spell or attempted to create something like it.
But now that the vanishing cabinet was all but ready and I had little more to do than watch the Polyjuice—which would be fine most of the time with a clean sphere ward over it—and attempt to perfect my potion, I resolved to attend classes more often. I was aware I was so far behind that I couldn't possibly catch up, but I could keep an eye on Hermione without arousing suspicion. I was also aware I would have to ensure I still appeared to be working here as much as possible, if only so that certain Slytherins didn't tell tales to the Dark Lord of neglecting my duties.
When I got back to the room after lunch on the fifth day, I saw that her trunk had been added to the room, along with a small bookcase over by the table, filled with study books. The books were mainly about advanced magic, such as Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, Charms and Transfiguration. On top, there were a small number of personal items, including the locket I remembered her getting from her parents for her birthday. There was also a framed photo of her with her parents and a ginger cat, smiling happily, but it must have been muggle because it didn't move. The vase with roses I had sent to her was sitting on one of the bedside tables with the storybook. I frowned, puzzled as to why it appeared as though she had moved in.
"Thank you, Jomny," I heard her voice say through the door.
"You are welcome, My Lady," I heard him reply, and then the door opened, and she stood there in the robe I bought her. Her hair was wet and tangled, but she held a towel over an arm and her toiletry bag in the same hand. She frowned when she saw me as she came in and then scrutinised my body.
"Are you okay?" she inquired, placing the towel and the toiletries down on the lid of her trunk. Then she sat down on it too, holding her swollen belly as she did so. She appeared pale and tired, despite having spent days in the infirmary.
"Why didn't you have a bath here?" I queried instead, gesturing at the claw-foot tub that still sat close to one wall.
"After five days of only Cleaning Charms, I wanted a shower," she said and studied my face, but she was also chewing on the inside of her lip, and I could discern her displeasure with me.
"Are you alright? Is the baby?" I inquired worriedly. I was fully aware of what she wanted, but these things were of greater importance.
"Aiden and I are fine," she replied.
"Aiden?" I found myself inquiring, a smile playing on my lips, and a thrill going through me. I felt another surge of love and pride for my son. I was also turned on by the fact that he was growing inside her, but I was aware now wasn't the time, so I pushed that feeling away. Nevertheless, he was one of the best things that had ever happened to me, and it was all thanks to this beautiful witch sitting in front of me.
"Aiden Drake, yes. Now answer my question," she said impatiently, snapping me out of my reverie.
"I am fine; I'm good, perfectly healthy," I assured her. She offered a nod of acknowledgment, her lip still caught between her teeth. Then, with a sudden burst of energy, she rose to her feet, one hand cradling her stomach to do so, and commenced to pace back and forth.
"Take it off," she demanded, without casting a glance my way. "The shirt," she clarified impatiently when I stood there, appearing puzzled. "I can see your face is healed, but what about the rest?"
"I'm fine," I replied, but she shot me a piercing glance, so I unbuttoned my shirt until it hung open. "See, I'm fine," I repeated, showing her my unblemished skin. She walked over to me and ran her hands over my chest, as if checking for any hidden injuries. Her touch was warm and gentle, but her eyes were scared and heated.
"Crucio? Really, Draco?" she inquired, with angry disappointment, and then went back to her pacing.
I winced, raking my fingers through my hair, but said, "I have never pretended to be a nice person, Hermione." She glared at me at that, but I kept going. "I would have thought you of all people would have known that I have a knack of kicking people. Especially those that are down. I may have become more aware of my actions and even regretted some, but I know who I am, and I can't apologise for that." I had learned from my father that the best defence was offence, that the only way to survive was to strike first and strike hard. It was a lesson that had been beaten into me, literally and figuratively, in the last year.
"From what I heard, Harry wasn't the one who was down," she said, a touch of ruthlessness in her voice.
"I have also always attacked when threatened," I responded with a shrug, but I was also embarrassed.
"I knew there was something wrong when you left this room, but I never expected it to result in a duel to the death between the two of you," she said, obviously choosing to ignore what I had said. "I know you are trying to be strong for me, but that kind of upset..." she shook her head and ceased her pacing to cast a pleading gaze my way. "Please never keep that much upset from me again. I know I cannot help you, but I deserve to be able to hold you." I averted my gaze, embarrassed again and more touched by that than she could possibly understand.
"We can't keep going like this, Granger."
"Don't!" She snapped, her voice ablaze with anger, as she marched over to jab a finger into my chest. "Don't you dare do that; I will not have you trying to hide yourself from me now. I deserve better! We deserve better!" She declared, putting her hand back on her stomach.
"What are you going to do when your friends find out about us?" I queried, casting my gaze downward at her standing before me.
"Why are they finding out?" she inquired, her expression one of genuine confusion. I frowned, bewildered at how she could be so oblivious.
"Wouldn't they come visit if you're living here?" I questioned her, pointing to her belongings. She stilled, as if the thought had never crossed her mind.
"I'll just have to make sure they don't," she responded, shaking her head and resuming her pacing again. But her movements didn't appear to be driven by anger now, more like she merely needed to be in motion.
"How successful have you been in keeping those two from doing what they please?" I queried with a bit of bitterness.
"I haven't been, but I won't let them take you away from me," she declared vehemently, appearing taken aback by her own response. It filled my heart with joy to hear it, even if she had only said it because the room made her. It only revealed truths after all. Her eyes filled with tears, and she grabbed my hand, needing comfort.
Moving closer to her, I placed my hands on her enlarged stomach and said, "If they discovered me here, they would never understand, and they would be furious if they saw this." She peered up at me with a bit of fear.
"Please don't ask me to choose," she whispered. I furrowed my brow, yet I was careful to keep any trace of pity hidden. Her naivety, at times, still managed to catch me off guard, but I didn't want to take it away from her either. I truly wished the world could be the pretty thing she still saw it as, despite her awareness of the unfolding events. I led her over to the bed, getting her to sit back down.
"I really don't believe I would be the one who would make you choose, Love. Why would I? When, as far as I can tell, you are mine," I stated, sinking to my knees before her, my gaze lifting to meet hers. She averted her eyes, and I dared to hope that her expression indicated I was correct, but I couldn't leave it alone. I had to inquire. "Are you mine, Hermione? Would you choose me?" Her eyes sparked with pain and anger as she cast her gaze back at me.
"I think I have been choosing you for months. I don't see that changing." And she wiped an angry tear from her face.
"And yet, you still plan on going to save the world with Potter," I accused her, as I reached up to wipe at the tears myself.
"You are one of the people I am going to try save!" She screamed at me, suddenly furious, but she didn't push me away.
"I'm aware," I replied sadly, my hands still on either side of her face. "Are you this mad at Potter?" I questioned her as carefully as I could, watching her brown eyes and attempting to read everything they contained.
"Yes. But I can't yell at him," she said with defeat, taking my hands from her face but holding them in her lap. "He wouldn't understand why I am angry, but I know he senses my anger. He keeps looking at me with confusion and guilt, as if he knows I have so much to say, but I'm not."
"And is that true?" I inquired, needing to comprehend how she felt about her best friend in this moment.
"I can barely look at him for the fury and guilt. I feel like I am betraying him every single time I even think of you, but I am so damn angry at him. How could he be so stupid? So careless. What was he even doing there? I told him not to use the spells in that book. He almost killed you, and I would have been alone. Alone, before I had a chance to prepare for that. And even when that happens, I don't think I am going to be prepared," she cried.
"I'm not prepared to lose you either," I told her, rising and pulling her back to her feet so I could envelop her in my arms, feeling her tears trickle down my bare chest. "I may not be able to change how Potter and I feel about each other, but for you, I will do better. I would do so much for you, Hermione. You merely need to request it," I conveyed to her, my mind filled with, 'I wish you would request me to remain with you. To flee and never glance back.' But I was cognizant she wouldn't make such a request, and I even loved her for her bravery and loyalty.
She leaned back and wiped at her face while inquiring, "Can you tell me what happened?" Then wrapping her arms around me once again and laying her face against my bare chest.
"I found myself overwhelmed," I confessed to her, my gaze shifting uneasily towards the rune-covered walls. "There's…so much…" My voice dwindled into nothingness. I had no desire to burden her, and there were secrets I still had to keep. I was wary of the room compelling me to reveal more than I wished.
"You have your project for... him," she whispered the final word, and I gave a quick nod. "But you also have me and Aiden," she said carefully, lifting her gaze to study my face with worry.
"Believe me when I say that you and Aiden are the best things that have ever happened to me," I told her with conviction as I peered down into her beautiful brown eyes.
"But no less stressful for you," she said with a sympathetic smile. I averted my eyes in shame. "It's hard for me too, Draco. This is a lot. I have been selfish. I know that. This," she said, rubbing her swollen belly, "is so present. Even when it is hidden, it is always with me, so it is easy to overlook and forget everything else that is going on."
"Please don't worry about me. I'm aware you believe I am stupid for saying that, but you and Aiden keep me going. I'm uncertain how I would have endured the constant stress of this year without you."
"Neither of us planned on this, though," she said, her voice getting strained again. I hugged her tighter to me, and she tightened her hold around me too.
"I'm aware that Aiden was never part of your plans. That you have or had a very clear picture of what you wanted your life to be. But for me... I am an inherently selfish person, Hermione. I wanted him from the moment you told me about him. I am accustomed to discerning what I want, and I've always known I would get it. And regardless of my age, I was not concerned. I may have feared what people would believe of me and how certain people would react when they found out, but that was only because I'm aware I am not strong enough to protect you from..." I closed my eyes in pain, unable to say the name of the monster. I reopened my eyes and glared at those damned runes again for making me almost say too much. She began to rub my back in soothing circles and make a shushing noise as though she understood my pain. Perhaps she did.
A few moments later, she questioned softly, "Just him or from those who follow him?"
I swallowed hard and uttered, "Primarily him. I'm not an equal adversary for the others either, but I would have at least made an attempt."
"And your parents?" she inquired carefully. I let out a sigh of sadness.
"I would have to fight them too," I admitted. I was acutely aware that of the two, my father would be the most repulsed by my deeds. I was certain he would disown me. My mother, conversely, would be heartbroken, but I believed she loved me enough that she would eventually forgive me. However, I was unsure what our relationship would be after that. Despite the pain it caused, I would gladly relinquish them both for Hermione. The one thing I would lament surrendering, and I recognised this as the epitome of selfishness, was my birthright.
"I'm sorry," she said, and we stood quietly holding on to each other for a few minutes, lost in our own thoughts. After a while, she withdrew with a reluctant sigh and began walking around the small room again. I was always glad when she was reluctant to release me, but at times she became restless and required movement. "Did Madam Pomphrey see your tattoo?" She inquired.
"No," I responded, clenching the fist of my left hand in distaste for the tattoo adorning my forearm.
"How is that possible?" she queried, her expression one of bewilderment.
"Severus. He used magic to conceal it," I told her. She furrowed her brow at me once more, shaking her head in persistent confusion.
"That makes no sense. She would have been able to sense that," she countered, and I gave a resigned sigh.
"Dark Arts, they're more potent than typical magic. The concealment spell he employed—it's not something she could sense, let alone detect, with any of the spells she used while healing me. Also, casting that particular spell requires a significant amount of energy, which is precisely why he doesn't usually resort to it," I explained, fully aware she was already informed about him too.
"But why would a concealing spell be considered dark magic?" she queried, her brows furrowed in confusion still. I cast my eyes downward, a frown etching itself onto my face. I didn't like discussing dark magic with her. I may like some of it myself, but it felt wrong to taint her with it. However, in here, I couldn't and wouldn't lie to her.
"Every hex, jinx, and curse—they're all technically dark magic, although some are decidedly more sinister than others," I began, and I heard the cool detachment in my voice. "The curse Sev employed was one I couldn't lift, and it sapped at his strength for the entire duration he maintained it. Had he wished, he could have concealed me entirely, making me a prisoner, and I wouldn't have been able to even interact with a single person. We could have been in the same room, and you would not even be able to hear me. The only person who would have been able to observe or hear me would have been my godfather," I divulged, watching as shock registered on her face.
"Why doesn't You-Know-Who use this spell on people?" she questioned softly, her tone filled with apprehension.
"He has, but it isn't practical for long-term use. The more individuals you attempt to conceal, the more energy you're required to expend," I stated. She shook her head then and fixed me with a stern gaze that I was sorely tempted to smirk at. She appeared so damn adorable when she was about to be bossy.
"We've completely lost track of what we were discussing. The point was to find out how you're coping. Do you swear you're alright?"
"Yes. I'm feeling much better now." I couldn't tell her that she had helped me, but in doing so, she had saved me more stress than she could imagine. She had also inadvertently assisted me in saving my parents, and I was not able to thank her for that. Not only would it ruin things between us, but it would also involve revealing things she couldn't know. "I liked hearing you say you love me when we were in the hospital wing," I confessed. Her pacing slowed, and she offered me a gentle smile.
She sighed and suddenly said, "I hate this room," and I raised my eyebrows in surprise. She gave me a weak smile, but it appeared forced and unhappy. Moving to her trunk, she took a seat once more. "I realise that we most likely would not have even spoken if not for this room, but if we had and if things had happened the same way, then everyone would know by now. I despise that this room has turned me into a liar. I detest keeping secrets from people I love. But most of all, I abhor not recalling everything about us when I'm out there. Diaries and journals can only reveal so much."
"Yes," I agreed. Being uncertain of what else to do, I went over to her and held out my hand. "Now, come on. You should be resting," I told her. She groaned in annoyance, but nodded and took my hand. I took her over to the bed, helped her up, and pushed her back towards her pillow.
"My hair is wet," she said, sitting back up. I went and got her towel, and I took the chance to put the chair under the door latch. I then went around to my side, got up next to her, and commenced to rub her hair dry.
"I'm worried you have stopped seeing me, Hermione," I told her as I concentrated on her hair, but she turned and cast a disbelieving glance over her shoulder. She then sighed and turned back around without saying a word. "Talk to me," I said after a prolonged moment where she simply sat there, fiddling with the lengthy satin belt of her robe.
"Perhaps you are right, but you are different here. With me," she whispered and sounded sad, and resigned. "But I have always... I believe I still see you, Draco. Not disregarding the conversation about dark magic and the knowledge that you are a…" she stumbled when she came to the word and then said, "that you are a reluctant follower of You-Know-Who. There is so much that is hard to forget. I remember all the times you tormented me, and even then, I could see that if I hadn't been with Harry and Ron, you most likely would have said none of it. Not because you are a better person when not faced with people who you view as rivals, but because I was so far beneath your notice, your regard for someone not of pureblood. I just happened to be in the wrong or right place, depending on your view of the situations. Take second year, for example. I think your exact words were, 'you'll be next…'
"Don't," I interjected, stopping her with a sigh of shame and resignation.
"Even then, that was not directed at me so much as everyone beneath you and said solely for the purpose of being cruel and amusing your friends. Is this the person you still want me to see you as, Draco?"
"No, that is not the image I wish for you to have of me, but I am relieved you still perceive all that. I remain largely unchanged, although I like to believe myself to be more circumspect and deliberate in my actions and words. I can't help but perceive myself as superior, that some others are beneath me, and for that, I won't apologise because I still maintain that I am. But you are wrong about one thing, Hermione; I noticed you immediately." I let out a little scoffing laugh.
"True, it wasn't all positive at first, but even I could discern how smart you were from the first day. You became a rival in the classroom because I genuinely could not understand how a Muggle-born, someone whom I had always been taught was magically weaker than us and far more inferior, could be so much better than me. And then you became friends with Potter and, even worse, the Weasel. You're correct, however; sometimes the things I said to you were more to provoke the two of them. And let's not forget the violence of third year. I'm conscious I have referred to the Muggle-punch to you once before."
"You were trying to have Buckbeak killed!" she stated indignantly and huffily crossed her arms.
"Hush, I'm talking," I teased, kissing the back of her head, and then pulled her to lay down against my still-bare chest, having already thrown the towel to the floor. "There you were, appearing more beautiful than any other girl in the school, and the fury on your face was enthralling. Even Crabbe and Goyle thought you were hot," I said.
"Ew," she replied with disgust. I liked that.
"Believe it or not, I was a late bloomer compared to other boys in my dorm. But the next day, I was in my shower and totally offended that you had first insulted me and then dared to break my nose, and yet I still rubbed one out to a very satisfying fantasy about you."
"That is disgusting," she said, but sounded amused.
"You were masturbatory inspiration for years and on so many different occasions, but your brilliant brown eyes spitting fire at me still turns me on," I told her, and she laughed.
"Why do I feel like we have gotten off topic?"
"Have we?" I inquired, completely forgetting what I had been originally talking about and letting my hands creep up to caress her breasts.
"Hmmm, that feels nice, but I should stop you," she said with a content sigh.
"Why?" I questioned and began to kiss her neck.
"Because Madam Pomphrey made sure to mention that I can't have intercourse for another week, with quite a bit of disapproval, I might add." I froze at that and then lifted my lips.
"Why would she say that?" I questioned.
"Well," she began and sounded terribly embarrassed, "she could tell that I have still been having sex. Did you know that your... ah?" She waved her hand around lap height, searching for a word and making me grin.
"Cum?" I suggested.
"Yes, that," she agreed. "Apparently it stays inside of me for up to seventy-two hours," she said, and my cock, being the debauch he is, punched her in the back at that thought. I cleared my throat, ignoring his blatant attempts to gain her attention.
"And why can't we have sex now?" I queried, not happy with the idea.
"That night in the infirmary, Draco. My blood pressure levels were way too high, and labour started," she said as factually as she could, but I could feel the slight tremor in her at the frightening situation she had faced. "It took almost a whole day to get it to stop all together."
"I am so sorry, Hermione. It's my fault; I understand that. I was careless," and it was true.
"She also mentioned that I was a little over a week further along than she had thought but that he looks healthy, and she wasn't worried. She said sometimes gestating babies who are around high concentrations of magic develop a little faster."
"That is interesting," I said. "I wonder…" I began, but then stopped the thought with a shake of my head. None of that was important now. "And now, for some reason, it appears you have moved in here?" I quired.
"I am on restricted movement. I hope you don't mind, but Jomny has agreed to help me around the castle?" She inquired and leaned back to peer at my face. I kissed her nose, and it made her smile, as I was certain it would.
"He is at your disposal," I responded, not telling her precisely how true that was. "So, restricted movement. Why does that mean you are sleeping here?"
Sadness entered her face. "Professor McGonagall believes I am a distraction from everyone else's learning," then she laughed bitterly. "That is ridiculous, of course, but I can appreciate her point of view. I'm just glad I don't have to go back to that room with Lavender and Parvati. They have driven me mad for years, and nobody cared when they were disturbing my learning."
"So, you are here now?" I questioned. I couldn't help but be pleased. I had ceased sleeping in my dorm months ago, and now this really was our bedroom. At that moment, I resolved to relocate my trunk here as well. My former dormitory served merely as a place to freshen up and change attire. However, given my contentment to bathe here with her, it only appeared logical for my garments and personal effects to find a new home here.
"Yes. Did you know Jomny couldn't pop me into the dorm, even though he could go in himself?" She queried.
"Yes, it is a security feature to prevent rival families from kidnapping children from the school," I told her.
"That makes sense," she said with a nod. "I told Harry and Ron that I was moving down here to be closer to the infirmary. I told them that I have an ongoing medical condition that will be resolved in a matter of months and then will be fine."
"And they simply accepted that?" I questioned incredulously.
"Neither is very comfortable with female medical issues, and it is not as if they can see that I am more than six months pregnant."
"So, Jomny will also be assisting you in getting to classes?" I prodded, and she nodded.
"For the next two weeks, yes. This week, I must meet with all my professors to make sure I am ready for testing next week. After that, I am free to do independent study. Oh, Merlin… I am going to need to study so much. I don't think I am ready for my exams," she began to fret, and I laughed.
"You will be fine, Hermione. These are not even really all that important. They merely serve as a method to maintain your familiarity with the process of examinations so that you are less stressed when it comes time to sit for your N.E.W.T.S."
"You don't understand," she said, then fell silent. I arched an eyebrow and moved a little so I could see her face. She offered a sheepish grin. "Exams are not stressful to me. I find them thrilling." I laughed so hard at that, falling back onto my own pillow.
"Oh, that is insufferable." I continued to laugh. "All these years, I thought Severus was merely being nasty, labelling you an insufferable know-it-all. Who would have guessed it was an accurate character assessment that you live up to proudly? He would be so upset to realise his insult meant nothing to you," I teased and laughed. She sat up and commenced whacking me with a pillow, which made me laugh harder.
"Stop it, Draco," she was saying, but I could hear the amusement in her voice.
"I am going to send Jomny out to find every exam this castle has," I told her, still laughing, and she whacked me again. I grabbed the pillow and threw it towards the end of the bed. "I will have you so relaxed with writing exams that you will believe you are in heaven." She pulled my pillow out from under me and whacked me with that one too, but she was smiling.
The next morning, when Hermione was off to do her morning routine, I summoned Jomny to the room.
"You are not to leave her side when she is outside of this room. I want you to be aware of her whereabouts at all times," I instructed him.
"Of course, master," he replied.
"I don't trust her safety to anyone but you and myself. She mustn't overexert herself," I conveyed to him.
"Madam Pomphrey was very careful in outlining what she could and couldn't do, master. Jomny will, of course, take care of your Lady and your son," he told me.
"She doesn't want me to fuss, and she also wants me to be happy, but I couldn't do that without talking to you. I am unable to remain by her side all the time," I explained.
"I understand, master," he said again. Perhaps I was being a bit high-handed, but I was certain my mind would be in disarray if she was getting around the castle and something happened. I went to say something further, but the door opened, and Hermione entered. It was always amusing to observe what appeared to be a flat stomach inflate as she moved through the entrance.
"Good morning, Jomny," she said happily to the little House Elf, and then turned a peculiar gaze towards me that had my body sit up and take notice. Down boy, I thought at a certain part of my anatomy and was glad I had slipped my pyjama pants on.
"Good morning, My Lady. Are you hungry this morning?" he inquired of her.
"Hmmm," she hummed, then shifted her gaze away from me and smiled back at him. "I was thinking of going to the Great Hall in a little while."
"Very well, My Lady, but please call for Jomny when you need him," he reminded her.
"I will, thank you," she said, and then watched him go. When she had the door shut, she had her bottom lip bitten between her teeth, and she was giving me a gaze that suggested she was entertaining thoughts she shouldn't be. It was making it very difficult to keep that piece of anatomy from going further than half mast.
"What are you contemplating?" I questioned her, a grin playing on my lips as I reclined back against the bed. I was utterly convinced that if I could recall it, that singular glance alone would carry me throughout the day.
"Well, it occurs to me," she said casually as she moved the chair into place under the latch. Then she turned an incredibly seductive gaze on me that made my heartbeat increase. "I may not be able to have sex right now, but you can," she said, coming closer.
"I can?" I questioned stupidly; the expression she wore was making me feel as if I were in a daze.
"MMHUMM," she hummed, and that was when I lost the battle with my body, my cock punched to full life, and began waving at her. She laughed a sound of pure self-satisfaction, so I didn't feel any shame about it. She came over and ran her hands over my bare chest, and leaned up to kiss me. "Will you do that for me, Draco?" she whispered against my lips.
"Do what?" I inquired, pulling her closer to me.
"Show me what you look like when you touch yourself. You say that I was of great inspiration to you. I would like to see that," she told me, and I became a bit breathless.
"Really?" I questioned uncertainly.
"Very much so," she said at once.
"Will you let me do it as I've fantasised the most?" I queried her. She bit her lip, a gesture that sent a shiver down my spine, and nodded again. I couldn't help but observe that this was rapidly becoming one of my favourite expressions on her beautiful face.
"Okay. Up on the bed and lose the robe. I need to view your gorgeous breasts." I laughed when she dropped the robe because not only was she wearing the green Slytherin underwear I got her but also a pair of knitted green socks. I helped her up on the bed but pulled off the ridiculous socks while she grinned mischievously at me. Standing at the edge of the bed, I suddenly felt a wave of nervousness wash over me. She was more beautiful than I had ever imagined when I was younger, even with her swollen belly. She cast her gaze back at me expectantly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
When I was younger, I never gave much thought to how she would appear beyond imagining that she would want me as much as I wanted her. I pulled my pants off, and her eyes dropped down to my cock and back up into my eyes with a smile. I crawled up the bed and had to lean down and kiss her thoroughly, her tongue stroking mine. She sighed into my mouth, and that sound felt like home to me.
"Show me, Draco," she whispered when I sat back up beside her, my knees spread a little to give myself some leverage. She hissed in a breath as I took myself in hand, as if she could feel it too. I worked myself slowly at first, and she watched in fascination. When I sped up, she glanced up to watch my face, her eyes shiny with lust and panting a little herself. I hadn't had the imagination back then to perceive her in this way, and it was probably a good thing. I wouldn't have lasted seconds.
Her eyes dropped back down, and she licked her lips before biting the bottom one, and the tension in my body was really ratcheting up. As if she couldn't stand it anymore, she reached out to touch my thigh, and solely her hand on me had me throwing my head back and increasing speed. She reached her hand between my thighs and caressed my balls, and I almost lost it then, but I gritted my teeth and held it back.
"Hermione," I managed to grit out, and she gave a little laugh but stopped touching me. I could feel I was about to burst, and aimed my cock at her chest. I glanced down to watch as I pumped my cum all over a breast and watched as it slid down the valley between them. She was watching in fascination, no disgust on her face. I then did the thing I had always wanted to do the most: reach down and rub my cum all over her breasts, feeling a defensive vindictive vindication over any wizard who dared even contemplate her. I remember the first time I had imagined this part. In my mind, it had been a way to humiliate her, but over time, my desires had shifted. I found myself wanting her to want it as much as I did.
"It's warm," she said in a whisper as I made certain her breasts were shiny with my cum, pinching her nipples with the sticky stuff. She gave a little moan of pleasure.
"Was this alright?"
"Yes," she responded, her voice barely above a contented sigh, yet she radiated genuine happiness. I smirked back in satisfaction. However, a frown quickly replaced my smirk as I realised the mess I had made on her and that we had no way to clean it up.
"I should summon Jomny for some soap and water," I told her, feeling a little foolish now but with a whole lot of possessiveness too. I was still worried she would deem this repulsive any second now.
"Not yet," she said. "I just want to lie here and hold you for a bit. If you don't have anywhere you need to be this morning?"
"I have some time," I drawled, laying back down beside her and pulling her over so we were chest to chest, wrapping my arms around her, and getting equally as sticky as she was. A very real part of me liked her being coated in my cum. It felt like a claiming, perhaps a warning for other males to keep their distance. Weasley entered my mind on a wave of jealousy, and I wondered if she still thought about him when she was out there. Out of this room.
"Do you still want the Weasel?" I questioned without my consent and closed my eyes; certain, I had ruined the moment.
"You know, I don't even know when it happened, but I really don't. Even when you are almost still just... I'm not even sure how to put it, because clearly, we know about each other out there. Things always feel so much more complicated out there. It is almost like that is the make-believe world, and we only get small pieces of time to live in the real world. But no. No, I don't think about Ron, not like that anymore. It has made our friendship much more bearable," she told me.
"I'm glad," I told her. She cast her gaze upward, a smile gracing her features. Unable to resist, I leaned down to kiss her. I loved how soft her lips were against mine, and I licked over them before delving my tongue deep inside her mouth to massage her tongue with my own. She gave a moan into my mouth that filled me with happiness.
When I was done, she told me a bit breathily, "I would be jealous of anyone I thought you may have a crush on too." Her hand gently caressed my face as she met my eyes.
"I'm that transparent, am I?" I questioned, a smirk playing on my lips.
"I don't know about transparent. I just know how I would feel, even out there," she said, waving her hand at the door. Suddenly her stomach growled, and she buried her face in my sticky chest, laughing in embarrassment.
"You're hungry," I said, amused.
"Yes, but I don't want to leave yet," she said with annoyance. As she lifted her gaze back to mine, I made an attempt to erase the shiny spot adorning her forehead.
"A few more minutes, and then you go feed Aiden," I commanded, pulling her tighter to me once again, realising it was a failed gesture, and she didn't appear to be bothered by being covered in the sticky substance.
"Yes, dad," she said sarcastically, and then we both froze. We laid like that for a few minutes until the tension backed off. Neither of us said anything about the Freudian slip.
Hermione's Point of view
After a quick clean-up with some soap and water, I left the room, and the past half hour vanished from my mind. Still, I felt happy and hungry, so I assumed that I had had a nice morning. I got to the entrance of the Great Hall, and Luna was waiting for me. I was in such a good mood; I hugged her, making her smile widely at me.
"Do you want to eat at the Gryffindor table with me today?" I asked her.
"Yes," she said, and skipped a little, her waist-length blonde hair swinging as she moved, getting in front of me. I wished sometimes I could be as carefree as she was. She sat down next to Ginny, who was sitting beside Harry, so I went around and sat next to Ron.
"Good morning," I said, and was glad it was pancake day again. I seemed to have a real craving for them now. I smiled when a small platter of bacon appeared on the table. I picked a piece up, rolled it into a choc chip pancake, and bit into it with a moan of pleasure. I looked up to see everyone looking at me.
"Oh, that looks good," Luna said with a grin, and copied me.
"It is so good," I agreed.
Ron gazed at me with horror in his blue eyes. "Ah, Hermione," he croaked, and I was sure he was going to comment on my breakfast.
"Yes?" I asked.
"Are you wearing a new perfume?" he asked, and I noticed Harry and a few of the other boys giving me strange looks.
"No, why?" I asked, but he scooted further down the bench from me, making me frown. I picked up my wrist to sniff, but smelt nothing. "Do I smell bad?" I asked and tried to move my hand towards his freckled face, but he threw himself out of the chair and landed on the floor.
"No, no, not that," he said and scrambled up but didn't sit back down.
"Do I smell?" I asked Ginny. She stood and leaned towards me. She sniffed my wrist but then shook her head. "There is something different, but I don't think it is bad."
Luna said, "I like it. Kind of earthy."
"I didn't use anything different," I said with a frown, sniffing my wrist again. Harry, I noticed, was still looking at me with a fascinated horror in his green eyes, and some of the other boys were getting similar looks.
"Something weird is happening," Ginny said, noticing it to. "Harry, what is wrong?" she asked him.
"I think..." he started, licking his lips, and then looked to where Ron was still standing, staring at me. "I think Ron and I need to leave. We'll see you ladies later," Harry said politely.
"Well, that was rude," I said with annoyance. They had insisted I have breakfast with them today, and then they just left.
"Boys are weird," Luna agreed. The three of us laughed at that, never noticing other boys either leaving the room or moving away, or the wizards at the main table looking around the room, wondering what was causing the uncomfortable feeling in the air. Only Albus Dumbledore wondered where Hermione or her beau had found that bit of obscure magic or if it had been an accident. He was also embarrassed that he knew the details of how it was performed.
It was a ritual that wizards used to use in times when they had to go on long journeys or battles. It made sure other wizards knew the witch was claimed and that great harm would come to those who had impure intentions towards the female, while leaving all others with a sense of dread if they were even just too close. Usually, the sensation lasted until the couple was intimate again or the wizard was dead.
Albus was always uncomfortable knowing that the young people of the castle were getting up to certain activities, but they always seemed to manage it no matter the precautions that were put in place. The saying 'if there was a will, there was a way' came to mind. He knew firsthand, from his own school days, just how imaginative teenagers could be. He was also interested to note that neither Ron nor Harry could have been her beau. He had felt sure Hermione had been trying to protect one of them, but it seemed he was very wrong in this assumption, and for the life of him, he had no other ideas who it could be.
The next day, Jomny dropped me off at the door, and when I went inside, it was to see Draco reading that horrible, dark pregnancy book. I placed the chair under the latch and then went around to my side of the bed. I was feeling tired, and Jomny had only let me climb one set of stairs. I was sure the lack of exercise was not helping my fitness levels at all, despite what Draco had said about that. He threw the book onto the floor beside him without concern for its ancient bindings and held out his hand to help me up beside him. I laid down gratefully but smiled as he leaned over my face and kissed me thoroughly.
"Tired?" he asked.
"A little, but I'll be alright in a few minutes," I told him. With my eyes still closed, I asked, "Why were you reading that book?"
"Inspiration," he said, and started to kiss my neck.
"Planning on sacrificing me after all?" I asked with nonchalance, enjoying his lips on my neck. He gave a little chuckle.
"Not that kind of inspiration," he said, and then started to unbutton my shirt. "There is more in that book than that, and some of it is quite useful. I believe a lot of wizards would pay handsomely for it if it didn't contain all that other stuff," he told me, even as he continued to undress me.
"Like, what?" I asked.
"Sex positions," he told me, and I laughed.
"We can't have sex," I told him, and felt disappointed about that.
"Well, that got me pondering. You said no intercourse at first, and from what I read in that book, the actual problem is my cum," he told me.
"How so?" I asked.
"Apparently it contains an enzyme that can induce labour, but because magical's are geniuses, we would never let that deter us. Thus, Madam Pomphrey will give you potions so we can be back at it in a matter of days," he informed me, and I laughed loudly.
"You are awfully sure of yourself," I accused, and he leaned down to kiss me again.
"Yes," he said proudly. "Of course, that being said, there is no reason you can't have an orgasm. In fact, from what I have read, it is encouraged."
"I see," I said with a grin. "And we are going to trust an evil book with the safety of our son, are we?"
"That may be an evil book, but obviously the writer or writers wanted the mother and child to be safe and healthy in most cases, and so they took a lot of care to make certain there are details on how to take care of you and your needs."
"Needs?" I asked.
"Yes. All your needs, not solely that. Now who is dirty?" My mouth dropped open, I went bright red, and then I started to stutter.
"I… I… I never," I got out, and he kissed me while laughing.
"You are still so cute. How can you still get so embarrassed?" He asked with amusement.
"I don't think about sex all the time, Draco," I told him indignantly.
"I am certain I think about it enough for both of us," he agreed. "In fact, I am thinking about it now," he told me, and licked a nipple he had freed. I shivered a little at the sensation. "Can I show you a little of what I learned?" He asked and licked the other.
"I don't know if we should," I said, but I really wanted to.
"Anything feels wrong, and I stop straight away," he promised me, but already looked as if I had said yes. I bit my lip, and he grinned in triumph and started to take the rest of my clothes off as I laughed. I really couldn't and didn't want to say no, and so he was back at my breasts, licking, teasing, nibbling, and caressing until I felt boneless. He kissed over my belly, which really was getting in the way these days, and then he started to lick at me gently, making me suck in a breath.
"Turn your knees to one side, Love; take a bit of pressure off your back," he told me, and I did as he asked. My back was instantly grateful. He leaned down and licked a few more times, but it was a difficult angle, so he got his pillow, folded it, and placed it between my knees so my legs were spread a little again. He then leaned over to his bedside table and picked up a little dish of something.
"What is that?" I asked.
"A lube the book recommended. It helps protect you from germs as well as to ascertain your comfort," he explained, coating his fingers—all his fingers on his right hand—in it, making me frown. He saw the look and grinned at me. "Relax, Love; it's nothing to worry about."
"Easy for you to say," I told him, but then he touched me, and I hissed in a breath.
"Like that?" he asked as he rubbed me carefully up and down and then just as carefully inserted one finger. I just hummed in agreement, and he grinned again. I started to pant, and he added another finger, making me cry out a little. It was all going as expected until he pushed his little finger into an area I was sure it wasn't supposed to go, and I froze before turning my head to look at him. He slowed down, moving his fingers in and out of me slowly, but I knew I was looking at him with fear.
"Does it hurt?" he whispered. I swallowed, no less scared, but shook my head. "Do you want me to stop?" he asked, and I nodded automatically. I was worried about how wrong it was. He removed the finger but didn't stop moving the others.
"The book spoke a lot about that. Apparently, you could do it to me too," he said, and looked a little embarrassed about that, going slightly pink. My heart was beating hard, and I was trembling as though everything was new and scary again. My fingers covered my lips in my confusion, not knowing what to do, and my shivering and fear was overriding any positive feelings I was getting from his fingers.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I won't do that again," he said, and leaned up to kiss my shoulder in apology. He removed his fingers all together, and he laid down behind me, pulling me close as I shivered, still feeling confused and afraid. "I want every part of you, Hermione," he whispered after a few quiet moments in which my shaking had not stopped at all.
"I feel crazy for my want of you. I feel as if I may go insane sometimes if I haven't claimed every inch of you, and I have dreamed of thrusting my cock into this perfect arse," he told me crudely, running a hand along a curve of my butt cheek and then giving a little squeeze. I shivered harder, and even though there was still fear, there was also excitement. I really hated that I loved that he spoke to me that way sometimes, as if nothing but the coarsest language could convey how much he wanted me.
"I want you with an insane degree too, Draco. You have no idea how much that scares me." I really wished the shaking would stop, but I was scared and incredibly turned on, and it was affecting my body in unusual ways.
"Do you dream of me?" he asked, kissing my neck again. I knew what he was doing, and he was good at seducing me.
"Yes," I said, tilting my head so he could get better access. He kept kissing me, and I knew he was waiting for me to decide. "I'm scared," I whispered.
"I would never hurt you," he said just as softly.
"I know," I said, and I did.
Draco's Point of view
"I won't fuck you today, but I do want to finger you. Can I do that?" I inquired of her and felt her tremble once more. I was fully aware I was being a bastard, but I needed this with a kind of fury.
"You'll stop if I don't like it?" She queried with worry.
"Yes," I promised, and I would, even if I hated doing so.
"Okay," she said softly.
"Okay," I repeated, and I made a considerable effort to keep the relief and eagerness from my voice. I believe she was too distracted to notice anyway. I got some more lube and touched her again. She was incredibly wet, and I smiled. She might have been scared, but she wasn't as disgusted as she was telling herself she was. I found the little nub and applied slight pressure, making her sigh.
She was more than ready for me, so I inserted two fingers in her dripping pussy and pumped slowly. When I thought she was ready, I pushed my pinkie finger into her arsehole and watched as it was swallowed by it. She froze again for a few seconds but then must have told herself to relax because everything gradually loosened, and I was able to move the finger in and out a little.
Her arsehole did feel different, tighter, and not wet, but the lube helped with that. I was shaking myself, but in anticipation. I imagined how good it would feel to shove my cock in there, and he kicked in my pants. She moaned loudly as I increased pressure and speed.
I leaned over her and whispered, "I am going to cum so hard in here someday soon," and she instantly cried out, squeezing my fingers in both holes with an intense orgasm. I really liked that reaction and cried out my own orgasm, making a mess of my pants. 'My Hermione might be a proper lady, but she really did like the dirty talk,' I thought as I pumped my fingers harder, wringing every bit of the orgasm from her.
"That was so wrong," she said, but sounded shyly amused when she could speak again.
"I'm aware," I agreed, and a self-satisfied smirk spread across my face. "Let's give it a little while to be certain you are okay, and then we can do it again." She remained silent, but I was certain that if she didn't agree, she would have told me. I pulled the blanket up over us so she wouldn't get a chill. "Maybe tomorrow I can attempt two fingers," I told her, and she gave a huge shiver. I pulled her closer. Perhaps I was pushing too far with this.
I had finally decided I needed to back off when she whispered, "Maybe." I kissed the back of her neck as I smiled.
Two weeks later, I was working on my potions in the Room of Requirement when a crash caused me to carelessly cut my hand, and a few drops of blood landed in my Forgetfulness Potion. I growled in irritation. All that hard work, ruined. I extinguished the flame and went to investigate what had caused the noise, even as I employed a spell I was acquainted with to heal the small wound.
That dingbat of a Divination teacher was disposing of sherry bottles again. She had come in multiple times during the year, but thankfully, she had never seen or heard me. I watched her now as she fumbled about, hunting for somewhere to stash her latest collection of empty bottles.
Clearly, she was well into her cups. She was knocking things over left and right, which would account for the crash, and then had the audacity to shush the noise as if it were to blame. She staggered over to the vanishing cabinet and carefully placed a couple of bottles inside. I had to suppress a growl of irritation, cognizant of the fact that I'd have to relocate them once she'd departed.
She continued her aimless wandering, her robes clinking with the sound of glass bottles and her arms still laden with them. She stumbled upon a small wooden box. Dumping the remaining bottles onto the table where the box sat, she picked it up and turned to survey the room, her gaze unfocused and glazed, sliding over the stacks of junk. She took a wobbly step forward, corrected herself, and then disappeared around a corner.
I followed her from a distance, prepared to keep her away from my potions if I had to, but when she returned, she was without the box and appeared content to leave. Typical.
I made my way back over to my potion with the intention of beginning my current batch of Forgetfulness Potion again. I had already figured out how to make it more potent by adding Galanthus Nivalis which is known to increase the longevity of many potions while also making them stronger. I also chopped Mandrake, which I had to boil on its own and only add a few drops of the broth it made. This, I hoped, would allow the user to select the memory or memories to conceal. The usually orange potion had cooled to a gold instead and was stable. I had tested the concoction on one of Kai's friends, with pleasing results for both of us. The younger witch had been paid, and I was certain my potion had been effective thus far.
When I went back, I was astonished to find the potion not only intact, but the golden colour had turned to a shade of honey and had a similar aroma coming from it. It was unexpected, given that blood doesn't always react well with some of these elements. I pondered if it was the speed with which I took it off the heat that saved it. I also realised I was going to have to attempt recreating it because I had no idea how many drops of blood had landed in it. Furthermore, I was uncertain if it was my blood that mattered or if the person using it had to add their own. And that was assuming the addition of blood served any useful purpose at all.
With a pleased smile, I set about concocting a fresh batch, determined to work this all out. I was hoping I would have it done by tomorrow, allowing me to proceed with the testing.
It took me another three days to figure out that I needed to use the blood of the subject you wanted the user to forget perfectly. It didn't appear to matter for innocuous questions, but for the more personal ones, it did. Today, I decided I needed to test the aspect I was truly banking on. My hope was that the room would restore these memories, much like it did with the ones it concealed and gave back whenever Hermione and I entered and exited the room. Kai was my test subject today, and after negotiating his fee, he consented to the questions I had in mind. None of them truly mattered anyway. The true test would be taking him to the room.
"Jomny," I summoned once Kai and I had exited the Room of Requirement.
"Master," he said, bowing upon his arrival and presenting me with a blindfold.
"Thank you," I said, accepting it and tossing it to Kai to don. "How is everything?" I inquired of the diminutive House Elf, certain he would comprehend what I meant.
"All is well, master," he assured me. I nodded in acknowledgment and turned my attention to Kai.
"Ready?"
"Yes," he responded. I gave Jomny a nod, and with a pop, we were both transported to the Room of Forgotten Truths. I opened the door and guided Kai inside.
"You can remove your blindfold," I instructed him as I shut the door and hoped this would be a productive half hour. He complied, his gaze sweeping over the room with evident curiosity.
"Blimey, you're shacking up with the mud-blood, aren't you?" Kai blurted out, surprise etched on his face. My fist connected with his face in the next instant.
"Don't ever refer to her as such again," I warned him, my voice steady, but I was certain he could perceive the fury in my eyes as he held his jaw in shocked surprise. Clearly, I wasn't as adept with my fists as Hermione. There wasn't even any blood.
"I don't really give a shit about blood purity, but I thought you did. Aren't you a Death Eater?" He inquired, still holding his sore face, and his green eyes widened in surprise at the question. I smirked at him and wondered which part of what he had said surprised him the most. I was aware he liked to play the perfect Slytherin, so perhaps the former.
"Yes, I am," his eyes widening further at the confirmation and dropping to my covered arm. I ignored him and kept saying, "but that doesn't mean I give a Nundu's arse about it either. Not now," I informed him. "Now, let's focus on why we are here."
"Aren't you worried I am going to tell people?" He inquired of me, and I laughed. My laugher had him recoil in alarm, which only served to fuel my amusement further.
"Hardly, but let's not worry about that for now," I retorted, wiping a tear of amusement from my left eye. Half an hour later, it was clear that my hopes for the day had been dashed. I needed to find an ingredient that would allow this room to restore the memories, and what I had so far hadn't done that. When the door clicked open, I instructed Kai to don the blindfold once more. As we stepped out, I summoned Jomny, who once again assured me that Hermione was fine with only a few words. By the time we were back at the Room of Requirement, Kai had no memory of the Room of Forgotten Truths or my relationship with Hermione. I paid him, and we parted ways.
The following day, when I went back to my potion, I attempted at first to incorporate ingredients from known memory potions. It wasn't until after lunch that I took notice of my most frequent line recorded in my diary about the RoFT. The main function of it appeared to be the truth, or so the runes implied. I contemplated the truth serums I was familiar with, and I didn't have time for any of them. I determined I would simply have to pay Severus a visit and hope he was in a generous mood. But then a thought struck me, and a smirk spread across my face. There was no need to visit Severus. I would merely go and take what I needed from the Potions storeroom. I was aware Slughorn was less paranoid about the room than Sev had been, and he might not even notice anything missing for quite some time.
Hermione's Point of view
I was feeling incredibly proud and relieved after finishing the last of my exams. Professor Vector was so impressed with my project that she suggested I take it further in seventh year. I didn't mention that I wasn't coming back next year, but I still thought I would do as she suggested in the future. Evidently, nobody else had thought of the equation I had come up with before, which I found surprising. Jomny had promised to let me walk down a flight of stairs today, but even I agreed that seven would be too much; I happily walked down to the sixth floor before calling for Jomny, who was as prompt as ever.
"How did your exam go, My Lady?" He asked me.
"It was exhilarating," I told him truthfully, and he smiled at me. He then took my arm and popped us down to the door to mine and Draco's room. I opened the door and was about to step inside when Jomny pulled me back with magic. I was glad about that because in the room were none other than Harry and Ron, lying carefree on the bed. "What are you two doing?" I asked in whispered shock.
"Visiting you, of course," Ron told me with a grin, while Harry looked a little embarrassed. Ron's red hair looked incredibly wrong on Draco's pillow. "Now that you have your own pad, we can finally see where you sleep, instead of you always barging into our room."
"I have not done that in months, Ron," I told him, getting a slight headache. I backed up so I was leaning against the wall, and Harry frowned at me.
"This room is fantastic, Mi'; no wonder you want to keep it to yourself," Ron said.
"Are you alright, Mione?" Harry asked, sitting up. "You look a little pale."
"I am fine," I said, and turned to speak to Jomny, but he was gone. I was beginning to feel sick. "How long have you been in there?" I asked.
"Only a couple of minutes," Harry said, swinging his legs off the bed and standing up. Ron noticed Harry's actions and did the same.
"Oh, ah, Mi'. Sorry, I didn't realise this would upset you so much," Ron told me, finally noticing I wasn't coming in and didn't look as if I intended to. I heard running footsteps and turned to see Draco coming towards me. I shook my head at him, and he stopped where he was, but his eyes drifted to the open bedroom door.
"Who's that?" Harry asked, walking towards the door, but Jomny popped in from out of nowhere and slammed the door in his face, making me jump. "What the hell?" I heard them both exclaim, and then the door started to rattle as they tried to open it.
"What is happening, Hermione?" I heard Ron ask through the door.
"I think the security measure is backfiring," I said, and realised almost at once how lame that lie had been. I hadn't noticed I was rubbing my head until Draco pulled me into his arms. I held him tightly for a few long seconds, burying my face in his chest.
"Go to the Great Hall and let Jomny take care of you. I'll keep an eye out here," Draco told me.
"Whose voice was that?" I heard Harry ask angrily, and I winced.
"Whose fucking trunk is this?" I heard Ron ask almost at the same time.
"Promise me you won't go in there," I begged him.
"It could be a good way to gauge their reactions," he told me.
"Is that fucking Malfoy?" I heard Ron shout. Draco turned and thumped the door, making me jump again.
"Don't speak that way in front of Hermione," Draco yelled angrily back, and suddenly all kinds of threats were coming through the door as well as vicious pounding on the wood. "Perhaps you are right, Love. I believe I should remain out here. They may not have the use of their wands in there, but I still do not fancy facing both at once," he said, mostly ignoring the vulgarity aimed at him through the door.
"Bloody coward," Ron accused him.
"You don't need to be here, Love. I promise I won't go in," he said, and bent down to kiss me. I let him, but I wasn't really in the mood to kiss him back when my friends were yelling all kinds of threats at him. I was just glad they hadn't moved on to me.
"Come, My Lady," Jomny said, taking my arm. I nodded and allowed him to pop me into the Great Hall, even though it wasn't that far. I sat and pulled out a book, but couldn't concentrate on it. A moment later, Jomny popped back with some apple juice and a calming draught.
"Please," he said when I looked at it in question. I knew he was right. I had just been given the all-clear medically, and I really didn't want to end up in the hospital wing again. I drank it and then had some apple juice, feeling my blood pressure drop considerably. Luna came in just a few minutes later and sat with me, chatting once again about nothing in particular.
When the half hour was almost up, she said to me, "Oh, I nearly forgot. Harry and Ron were searching for you. Should we go look for them?" I gave her a terrified look, but she completely ignored it, got up, took my arm, and we started down the hall towards my 'study.' I kept looking at her, trying to decide what she knew.
"Oh look. It's Mr. Malfoy," she said, giving him an exaggerated wave. He frowned at her from the wall he stood against. "Why don't you go and freshen up, and I'll stay here? I might run into the boys. I was sure they were headed this way," she said, giving me a little push towards the bathroom. I was confused by her behaviour and convinced now that she really did know about Draco and me. I went to say something to her, but I saw Draco looking at us curiously from down the hallway and decided it could keep.
"I'll be out in a few minutes then," I said, wondering how I had ended up being forced into a bathroom break, but now that I was here, I really did need to go. When I came back out, Luna was chatting happily with Harry and Ron, and Draco was nowhere in sight.
"Mi', we have been lookin' for you everywhere," Ron told me with a grin.
"You have?" I asked lamely.
"Ron thought you might show us your room," Harry told me with a shrug.
"Oh, what a shame that she can't," Luna said with commiseration.
"Yes," I agreed weakly.
"Professor McGonagall had Professor Flitwick add the ward to stop boys," Luna told them smoothly. I had no idea she was such a good liar.
"We could still peek through the door, can't we?" Ron whined.
"It is a bedroom, Ron. Not much to see," I said, rubbing my cold arms.
"I s'pose," he agreed. He then came over, slung his arm over me, and pulled me into a sideways hug. "We just miss havin' you up in the common room, that's all."
"It has only been a few weeks, Ron," I said, allowing him to pull me into a walk.
"Actually, it's been most of the years, Mi'," Harry corrected me, and I felt bad for that.
"Sorry. I have missed you guys too," I told them honestly, and the four of us fell into step, heading back to the Great Hall.
"You've been working your socks off. We know that. But you've also been ill, and that's not good," Harry said.
"I really will be fine," I told him again.
"She really will," Luna said, reminding them of her presence as we turned into the Great Hall.
"That's good," Harry said, running his hands through his hair. "Next year is going to be tough… I reckon."
"Things are getting bloody awful out there," Ron agreed, and he finally removed his arm so we could all sit down at the long Gryffindor table.
"There's been more trouble in Diagon Alley, and more Muggle-born families have been attacked," Harry told me.
"I really hope my parents are safe. Perhaps I should be sending them away now," I replied with worry for their safety.
"I'm sure they're all right, Hermione," Luna told me, and I really did think she knew so much more than she was saying.
"Why are you being nice to me?" I suddenly asked as if I were in the room. The boys looked at me in confusion, but she just laughed.
"Friends are found in strange places, Hermione Granger, and love is found in stranger. If we got to choose, it wouldn't be fun."
"Do we want to know what you two are on about?" Ron asked.
"I recently joined the drama club, and Hermione agreed to run lines with me at random. Makes learning lines so much more entertaining," Luna told him.
"I can see that," Harry told her with a grin.
"You are a wonderful person, Luna Lovegood," I told her sincerely.
"Wonderful people tend to attract other wonders," she agreed with a nod. "Another function of the wrackspurts, I believe." I couldn't help but laugh happily at that, and she grinned back.
"Didn't I warn you girls are mental, mate? You've got no idea what you're in for with my sister," Ron told Harry.
"You and Ginny are finally together?" I asked, happy for him. Harry rubbed the back of his neck, going a bit red, but nodded, happy.
Author's notes: - Thank you to everyone who has been reading my story. It is so much harder than I thought it would be to write, but I love it, and knowing people are actually enjoying it just makes it so much better.
ForsakenKalika: - Thank you for continuing to read my story and for the advice. I am still thinking. Lol.
ARandomGirlInRavenclaw: - Thank you for your continued support.