STOLEN KISSES

Chapter Nine


The next few weeks or so, Harry and Draco had improved a bit in their Occlumency class, thanks to the help of the meditation. They found it helped especially right before they were to meet in the dungeons with Snape.

Professor Snape was surprised that the two of them appeared to get along .... in private. Out in the general public they appeared to be still at each other’s throats, hurling insults and threats against one another. He had asked the two of them how they managed to improve in the Occlumency class and was told they just practiced, wouldn’t tell how they did ite tre tried to use ‘Legilimency’ on them, but was chagrithatthat they managed to block it from him. He had his suspicions though. That Gryffindor know-it-all was too smart for her own good sometimes.

Hermione and Draco managed to meet in their room at least once a week for snogging, heavy petting, or just snuggling in front of the fire, talking. It turned out that they had a lot of similar tastes in food, music and books. Occasionally, you might see a robed arm pulling either one of them into an empty classroom or a darkened corner to sneak in a kiss or two between classes.

Umbridge was an evil witch, but she wasn’t too bright on the student’s behavior around her. She counted too much on the Slytherin’s or her Inquisitor Squad. She kept a close eye on Harry though and their quiddich practices. She would sit in the stands, gleefully thinking of the game at the end of the month. Once her scheme goes into action, she was sure to move up in the ranks of Voldermort’s followers. The death eaters were planning on attacking the school the night of the quiddich game, with the Dark Lord coming at the finale to finish off Potter and Dumbledore. She also needs to remember to give Snape the talisman to ward off the spell. The Dark Lord specified that Snape was not to be affected by her spell, he was still needed ..... so far.

Unknown to Umbridge, Harry had talked to the rest of the Gyffindor quiddich team and let them know the plot that she was planning. Since the other team members also happened to be in the DA meetings, which still met once a week, he thought this bit of information was valuable to them. He also told them about Draco’s defection from his father and the dark side. Quite a few of the team did not believe him until he told them what Draco had overheard and how he has been misleading the Inquisitor Squad and Umbridge away from the Room of Requirement when their DA meetings took place.

He made sure to let them know that Draco’s identity was to remain a secret. The other’s agreed, but were hesitant to agree on Harry and Draco’s plan for the quiddich game. In the end they did.


Finally the day of the quiddich game arrived, to a beautiful clear day, making it easier to spot that elusive snitch for the seekers. Some of the professors were at the two entrances greeting the students and telling them to behave themselves. As the students passed through the entrance, it could be heard that a few of them felt a slight tingling sensation pass through their bodies. It was shaken off at the excitement of the upcoming game. The games between Slytherin and Gryffindor were always a thrill to watch with the rivalry the houses felt for each other.

Dumbledore stood at the main entrance talking to Professor McGonagall when they were interrupted by Professor Umbridge, clearing her throat to get their attention. “Uh ... Doloris, come to watch the game?” He asked, smiling mischievously.

“No. Not today. Meeting at the Ministry.” She boasted

“You work too hard Doloris.” Dumbledore stated smiling. McGonagall trying not to smile behind her hand at that last remark from Dumbledore.

“Yes, well, someone has to, don’t they.” She sneered. “I’ll be back later tonight.”

“Fine. I’m sure we can keep everyone in line until then.” He said. Umbridge glared at him and then stormed back to the castle.

Professor McGonagall had watched her storm back to the school then turned to Dumbledore. “I hope this plan of ours works against the spell Albus.”

“It will. Moody and some other members of the Order used the ‘disillusionment’ spell on themselves to make them invisible to anyone last night to ward the pitch.” Dumbledore reassured. “And to charm a certain snitch.” He added with an impish smile.

“You have the other snitch?” She asked.

“Yes.” He took out a gold snitch with black carvings covering the base. “The boys will easily be able to see the difference. I will be letting it go from the faculty stands once I get a signal from the boys.”

Just then, Draco came around from the corner of the pitch, his broom clutched in his hand. “Mister Malfoy. I believe your team mates were looking for you a minute ago.” Dumbledore said as he watched the blonde Slytherin straighten out his quiddich robes.

“Thank you sir.” Draco replied, smirking as he rushed to the Slytherin end of the pitch.

Not a minute went by that Hermione came from the same area. Her hair mussed up and her lips just a little more redder than before. She clutched her robes tighter around her to ward off the chill and hurried past the bemused professors.


After both teams went into their individual positions, it was time to start the game. Madame Hooch, who was refereeing this game, told the teams to keep it clean and threw the quaffle up into the air at the whistle, then kicked the chest at her feet to release the bludgers and snitch.

Lee Jorden who was commentating the game announced play by play. The teams were often seen kicking or pushing one another just for spite, the students in the stands on their feet, eagerly watching the action.

Harry went into a dive towards the ground as if he was in chase of the snitch. Draco followed until they were side by side, each shoving each other with their shoulders. “Remember Malfoy, the snitch with the black markings is the one to catch, the other one has somewhere else to go.” Harry sneered in a very Slytherin way.

“Right.” Draco replied as his broom cut in front of Harry. They did a sudden stop as Draco kicked Harry at his hip. Harry came back at him and swung his fist at the blonde for Draco to spin and miss the hit. Draco swung his fist and caught Harry on the jaw. The crowd was up in their seats watching the fight that took place a couple of feet above the ground. Madame Hooch rushed over on her broom and blew the whistle and pulled Draco away from Harry.

“You didn’t have to hit so hard Malfoy.” Harry said through clenched teeth, clutching his jaw, moving it experimentally.

“Had to make it look believable, right Potter?” Draco sneered.

Madame Hooch leaned over the two boys. “Okay enough. Dumbledore was able to release the actual snitch to catch with your distraction. There will be no more of this fighting, fake or otherwise.” She stated and blew the whistle for the game to continue.

The game went on with Ron as keeper making some spectacular saves. Ron had gotten a lot better since he first started playing. Of course, it helped that Fred and George didn’t tease him anymore and tried to help him out.

Harry and Draco circled the pitch, staying away from the bludgers that were occasionally hit their way. They both noticed the hexed snitch fly towards Hogsmeade and smiled to themselves. They were both watching the game that was going on below them as they kept an eye out for the snitch. They did catch sight of it now and then, but it wasn’t time yet.

The Gryffindor chasers were good at what they do. They put an extra effort out there today and managed to score more so than the Slytherin team. The game was reaching the two hour mark when Slytherin scored another goal. The score was 260 to 120 for Gryffindor.

The seekers started to seriously look for the snitch now, while Alicia, one of the Gryffindor chasers headed towards the Slytherin side of the pitch. She ducked from a bludger hit her way by Gregory Goyle as Fred and George flanked her side protecting her from the other team for the next shot. The other Gryffindor chasers, Angelina Johnson and Katie Bell went below and over her, zig-zagging along the pitch as they neared the goal posts. Alicia flew upwards gripping the quaffle tightly, the chasers on the Slytherin team following. She then tossed the quaffle downwards towards Angelina who was flying below her, who in turn threw it up into the lower hoop to score another ten points.

“What a great play by Alicia Spinnet and Angelina Johnson who just performed the Porskoff Ploy for another ten points to Gryffindor.” Lee Jorden said excitedly.

Draco nodded to Harry from above and motioned to the stands by the faculty seating. They both leaned over their brooms to race towards the snitch as it zoomed in and out of the pitch. As it veered to the ground, both boys gave chase at a dangerously high speed. The snitch then pivoted back up fluttering around the edge of the pitch. Both boys, being exceptional flyers were able to pull up quite suddenly, not missing a beat in the chase. The boys were shoulder to shoulder, their knees brushing the tips of the grass on the pitch. Their hands outstretched, their fingertips touching the wings of the snitch.

Harry gave a smirk to Draco and pulled his fingers back slightly, but not too noticeable that anyone would notice. The pitch was filled with cheering and applause as Draco held up the snitch in his fist, the wings fluttering out between his fingers.

“The snitch is caught! Malfoy caught the snitch! Incredible! The score is 270 to 270. Tie game!” Lee annouced.

Harry scowled at Draco. “That’s the only time you’ll catch that against me Malfoy.”

Draco looked back at Harry. “Yeah, we’ll see Potter.” He sneered as he shoved his shoulder against his. “See you later.” He muttered to Harry as he was then surrounded by his team mates.

Draco may have caught the snitch, but it did not win him the game. The other Slytherin team members were just happy that Gryffindor didn’t totally waste on them in scoring. Tie game. They knew there would be a rematch, and they would be ready.


That night in the Great Hall for dinner, students looked up to the empty seat beside Professor McGonagall at the faculty table. Umbridge was not present. Some of the students who knew of the plan, were hopeful that it had backfired on her. Near the end of the meal a wizard who worked for the Ministry and also was part of the Order of the Phoenix came in quietly through the side door and sat beside Dumbledore.

Hermione looked to Harry and Ron who was also glancing to the head table. They both recognized the wizard from the meetings that were held at Grimmauld Place in the summer. “What do you think Harry?” She asked.

“Hopefully the snitch made it’s way to the meeting. Why else would Umbride not be here?” He smiled, then all of a sudden he closed his eyes in pain and pressed his palm down on his forehead by his scar.

“Harry! What is it?” Ron asked worriedly.

“It’s Voldermort. He’s very angry.” Harry said as he closed his eyes. When he did a vision appeared briefly in his mind of Voldermort and Lucius Malfoy. Harry opened his eyes and looked across to the Slytherin table meeting Draco’s eyes.


Draco had also been wondering what happened to Umbridge as he looked to the head table, then to Hermione, who shrugged her shoulders. He saw Harry smile then suddenly close his eyes as if he was in a great deal of pain. Harry then looked up to meet his eyes. A feeling of dread ran through Draco’s body at the look the two of them exchanged.

He then turned back to look up at the head table as Dumbledore shook the wizard’s hand and motioned for Snape and McGonagall to follow him. He finished the last bite of his food then got up. “Well, I’m done. I’m going to go for a walk.”

“Do you want us to come with you Draco?” Crabbe asked.

Draco sneered. “No. I think I’m perfectly capable of walking on my own, thank you very much.” And stalked off. Once he was in the hall, the doors closed behind him, he hurried up to Dumbledore’s office.

Back in the Great Hall Hermione was leaning over to Harry. “Harry, are you okay? Was it another vision?”

Harry nodded his head as the pain slowly started to recede from his scar. “Yes. We need to talk to Dumbledore.”

“Okay. Let’s go.” Hermione said as she, Harry and Ron went up to the Headmasters office.

When they got to the golden phoenix on Dumbledore’s entrance, Harry spoke the password and the three of them clamored on the moving staircase as it spiraled up to the Headmasters office.

They were greeted by Dumbledore as he smiled. “Come ine wee were wondering how long it would take for you to get here.”

Hermione went to sit by Draco as Dumbledore motioned everyone else to sit. Besides the three Gryffindor’s and the one Slytherin there was also McGonagall and Snape all looking eagerly towards Dumbledore for news.

“Albus, what news did Shacklebolt bring?” McGonagall asked.

“Well, the snitch found it’s way to the death eaters meeting in Hogsmeade, with our locating spell that we placed upon it.” Dumbledore started.

“But Voldermort was not there.” Harry spoke up.

“Are you sure Harry?” McGonagall asked.

“Yes. Just now at dinner, I felt his anger. He is very angry. I also saw.......”

“What Harry? What did you see?” Dumbledore asked kindly already knowing what the answer may me.

Harry looked to Draco. “It was Lucius .....”

Draco stood up, Hermione holding onto his hand. “What about him?”

Harry looked to Hermione, then back to Draco. “Voldermort was repeatedly using the ‘Crucio’ curse on your father. Your father tried to raise his wand to stop the curse, but there was nothing .... he had no power. Voldermort was laughing maniacally at him as he used one last curse ..... Draco, your father is dead.” Harry finished quietly.

“Dead?” Draco asked as he sat back down.

“Yeah. Sorry Draco.” Harry said sincerely.

“Are you sure?” Draco asked looking up to Harry, no emotion showing on his face.

Hermione put her arm around his shoulders. “Harry’s visions about Voldermort are usually right Draco.”

Draco nodded and put his hand over Hermione’s knee drawing comfort from her nearness. “What happened?” Draco asked.

“It appeared that the snitch did in fact find it’s way to the meeting. Professor Umbridge, Mr. Crabbe and Mr. Goyle, as well as Lucius were there among others.” Dumbledore said as he took off his spectacles to wipe a speck of dust from the lenses.

“How many death eaters were affected?” Snape asked.

“About twenty were left powerless, as I am told.”

“How do you know the numbers. If someone was there for the Order, they would have lost their powers also.” Ron asked.

“There is another wizard that is on our side among Voldermort’s followers, who I will not reveal at this time, as the son is still a student here at Hogwarts. The amulet that Professor Umbridge had given to Severus, we in turn gave it to our informant to ward off the spell.”

“So what happened at the meeting?” Hermione asked.

“The death eaters were gathered in Hogsmeade, getting ready to attack the school after the game. The snitch came amongst them quite suddenly, with most of them not noticing it’s presence. Gregory Goyle’s father was listening intently to Umbridge when he felt this annoying thing fluttering against the side of his head. He tried to swat it away, thinking it was a rather large bug, not too bright I’m afraid.” He twinkled. “Lucius looked over to the movement of Goyle trying to catch something and tried to stop him .... but it was too late, Goyle had grasped the snitch in his hands and the spell was released. They all fell back at the force of the spell and got up slowo tho their feet, dawning realization showing on their faces. Lucius was one of the first to realize he now had no magical ability and lunged at Goyle, pummeling him to the ground.” He sighed. “And that was when Voldermort appeared. Apparently, he did the ‘Crucio’ curse on Professor Umbridge and she collapsed to the ground in pain, where the final curse was given. She is now dead.”

“And my father? Was Harry’s vision true?” Draco asked.

“When Voldermort was doing the ‘Crucio’ curse on your father, the informant was able to slip away unnoticed. He did not see his death.” He placed his hand on Draco’s shoulder. “We will verify Harry’s vision .... just to be sure.” He said kindly.

Draco nodded his head. “You know, I’m not overly upset that he his dead. I have wished his death many times over the years for what he has done to me and my mother in the past. I do feel guilty that I don’t feel the loss though.” He lo to to Snape who sat beside him. “Is that bad?”

“No. Draco it isn’t. You have been through so much because of your father, as well as your mother. Lucius was an evil man. Do not mourn his death.” Snape said.

“Is my mother safe?” Draco asked.

“We will find someplace where she won’t be able to be found. She will be safe. I have sent a member of the Order to take care of that earlier today.” Dumbledore reassured him. “It also may be wise not to reveal how you really feel. Voldermort his still out there, as well as some of the student’s parents who are still loyal to him.” He added.

“Thank you.” Draco said then stood up. “If that is all, I’m going to go now.”

“Do you want me to go with you Draco?” Hermione asked.

He nodded. “Give me a few minutes, then meet me okay?”

Hermione went and kissed his mouth softly. “Sure. See you in a bit.” She smiled.

They all watched him go then turned to Dumbledore. “You know Harry, it could be a good idea for Draco to go to some of your Defense meetings.” Dumbledore suggested.

“I was going to suggest it.” Harry smirked. “But who’s going to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts now? Maybe I won’t need to continue with our little club.”

“I’m not sure. I have a few people in mind. Any suggestions? He asked as he looked around the room.

“How about Remus Lupin?” Ron asked.

“I would love to have him back on staff, but I’m afraid that the parents of some of the students may have something to say about that. When it was found out that Remus was a werewolf, the Ministry had a lot of angry parents on their hands.”

“What about Professor Snape?” Harry asked, not noticing the lift of Snape’s brow in surprise.

Dumbledore smiled. “Yes. That would be a good choice, but he is very much needed for potions.”

Hermione was sitting in silence, worried for Draco, but had caught part of the conversation. “What about Tonks?”

“Your classes certainly would be entertaining, wouldn’t it?” Dumbledore stated his eyes twinkling.

“What about Harry?” Ron asked, looking over to Harry who’s face flushed bright red.

“Unfortunately Harry is a student and cannot fill that position, although I do think he would do a splendid job. Some of the students, I’m afraid, would not take the classes seriously with Harry teaching.”

“And they think I’m a bit off my rocker as well.” Harry added.

“There is that.” Dumbledore agreed smiling. “I will talk to the other faculty members tonight and make a decision soon.”

The Headmaster then put an end to their little meeting, watching as the students left. Hermione was the last to go. “Oh, Miss Granger.” She turned. “Please tell Draco to be careful.”

“I will.” She answered, then went on to the library, to their room.


She had found that he was already there, sitting on the couch in front of the fire. She came around and snuggled into his side as his arm came around her back. “You okay?” She asked kissing the side of his neck.

“Yeah. I think so. In a way it’s kind of a relief, you know what I mean?” She nodded and hugged him tight. “All my life he was pushing me to be the ideal son. I tried, I really tried. But sometimes that just wasn’t good enough for him.”

“I think you turned out alright.” She started then kissed the corner of his mouth and smiled impishly. “For being such a git in your earlier years.” She added.

He gave her an answering smile and let his lips linger on hers, drawing in her strength. “Thanks Hermione.” He said as they shifted on the couch so they were laying down, just holding each other in comfort.