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Change of Mind	By : hermyoneminusone Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 26841 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 4
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 9
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- 11
It had been a few days since Hermione's less than pleasant encounter with Draco, and to her dismay, she wasn't feeling any better than she had on that particular evening. She had been skipping many meals, owing to the fact that she did not want to be graced with his white-blonde presence three times a day. Harry and Ron had been questioning her frequent absences, but she managed to shake them off by telling them that it was “that time of the month.” She wasn't sure how long that ploy was going to hold out, for Harry and Ron didn't seem to buy it, however mortified they were at her candor.
She didn't understand why she couldn't just have a normal relationship like any other girl at Hogwarts. She was sane, mildly attractive, and she did not have body odor. What more could a teenage boy ask for? The infuriating question had been burning in the back of her mind for a while now, recently ignited by her row with Draco. Draco. Just hearing his name made her want to hex someone into oblivion. What she hated the most was that she couldn't truly figure him out. In terms of mental ability, they were on the same level. He was much smarter and craftier than he let on. Hermione found that fact enthralling. And she wanted to kick herself in the back for thinking so. Draco was someone that she could see herself speaking to. Relating to. Even if they had their differences, she convinced herself deep down that there could be something there.
But then, she would reminisce about past memories, and all glimmers of hope would be drowned by a tsunami of negative memories. No matter how much she wanted to believe that they were somehow compatible, Hermione knew that she was feeding herself lies. She was playing the fool, and she would be damned if she allowed herself to play such a shameful role.
~*~
Draco had made himself scarce the last few days. Being in the Slytherin house did have its perks, for he was rarely pestered with personal questions about his whereabouts and his feelings. He was not one to confide in others, something that had been instilled in him ever since he was a child. Draco had his way of relating with his fellow housemates, and he had been doing just dandy up until that point. Blaise's unnecessary interference in Draco's personal affairs had put a dark cloud over the blonde, making him a little more lethal than usual. He kept a sour guise, in the hopes that everybody would get a clue and leave him the fuck alone. It was working so far.
He had evaded all “guys' nights” for a while now, and he was impressed that Crabbe and Goyle had yet to question his absences. The last thing Draco felt like doing was messing around with girls. He was revolted when he actually realized what they did every week. He didn't understand how he managed to go along with it for all this time, nor the other seventh-year Slytherins. He really didn't have any scruples if he agreed to what went on in their dormitory on a weekly basis. Oh sweet Merlin. He had gone soft. All this thinking was making him go mental. When did he ever consider scruples? When did he realize those girls they always fooled around with actually had feelings? His heart sank like the Titanic. He couldn't deny it, because he felt the answer burning a hole through the back of his head.
It was on Christmas day. The day he had sex with Granger. Oh, if he knew what he was getting himself into, he would've nicked a Time Turner from the Ministry, went back in time, and scolded himself for giving in to such selfish desires. It was all his fault. He couldn't even blame Goyle for this one. Him and his stupid gluttony, always getting what he wanted.
And why did he want her in the first place? He wasn't entirely sure. Yes, her naked body had made him think dirty, dirty things, but there was something else. He couldn't pinpoint it exactly, but he knew that he would drive himself into insanity if he kept prodding at the bloody question. For that reason he bottled up the entire situation, and cursed it to hell and back.
~*~
Her stomach grumbling from hunger, Hermione decided she would go down to breakfast to grab a quick bite to eat. She quickly made her way to the Great Hall, and to her great pleasure and relief, she did not see Draco's blonde head at the Slytherin table.
She sat down at the Gryffindor table comfortably, not minding being alone. Instead of her usual “girly” breakfast that Harry and Ron convicted her of always eating, Hermione filled her plate with foods that were less than figure-friendly. After a few delicious minutes, she turned to see Richard Praxley sitting beside her. She looked around the Hall; it was still quite deserted. Nobody paid them much attention.
“Hello, Richard.” Hermione said a little frostily, putting down her fork.
“Hermione, can I please speak with you?” Richard asked.
She raised an eyebrow. What did he want?
“What is it then?” She asked, sighing impatiently.
“Okay, so here I go.” Richard took a deep breath. “I know there is no excuse for what I did to you, but I swear on Merlin's grave Hermione, it meant nothing. There was a photographer, and the girl – he said he wanted a kiss for the cover story and everyone was watching – I didn't know what to do – ”
“So you kissed her.” Hermione cut him off.
Richard looked blankly at her.
“You could've refused, you could've said they needed to find a different cover story! But, you didn't.” Hermione crossed her arms. Why was she even speaking to him? She had already settled this unpleasant incident.
Richard looked defeated. “Yes, I know. And you have no idea how much I regret that. I really miss you, Hermione. I really do.”
Hermione looked into his hazel eyes, and she could really see the honesty in them. She felt a small twinge of pity in her heart.
She sighed. “Oh, I don't know Richard!” She twisted her hands in her lap. She looked up at him. “You really hurt me.” She said quietly.
Richard reached for her hand, and held it in his.
“I know that I did, and there aren't words enough to express how sorry I am.”
Hermione felt a spark of annoyance that he felt entitled to touching her on such an intimate level. But she didn't withdraw her hand from his.
“So please, give me a second chance. Take me back?”
Although a tiny part of her was expecting it, she still was startled by his words. Take me back. That would kind of mean that she was opening another can of worms, would it not? She was not over the whole fiasco with Draco, and she wasn't really looking for a shoulder to cry on. However, Richard was penitent, and as much as she wanted to make excuses, she couldn't ignore that fact.
She withdrew her hand from his. “Can I think about it?” She asked.
He looked a bit crestfallen that she did not agree immediately, but he nodded yes.
“Thank you.” She got up to leave.
“See you in a bit?” Richard asked.
“Maybe,” She responded.
Hermione was barely out of the Great Hall when she was practically assaulted by Parvati and Lavender.
“Hermione! What was that?!” Lavender whispered viciously.
“I – I don't really know.” Hermione responded. She barely had time to even think about what had just happened.
Lavender looked at Parvati, and they nodded curtly in unison.
“This calls for an intervention, Hermione.” Parvati said sternly, grabbing her by the arm. The trio made their way back to Gryffindor Tower, and when they got to their dorm room, they shut the door and set Hermione on her bed.
“Hermione, what is going on?” Lavender asked, hands on her hips.
Hermione said nothing, puzzled by their sudden authoritative disposition.
“Parvati and I have been noticing your strange behavior – skipping meals, avoiding people – is there something you're not telling us?”
“Maybe it's a Muggle disorder, like the one I read about in a Muggle magazine.” Parvati piped in. “Hermione, are you – anorexic?”
Lavender clasped her hands over her mouth dramatically.
Hermione snorted. “No, I am not anorexic!”
“Then what is it?” Parvati asked, her eyebrows raised. “Hermione, you can tell us anything. We're here for you.” She said, her tone gentle.
Hermione stared at the dresser in front of her blankly.
“Well, will you at least tell us what is going on with Richard?” Lavender said. “Are you two back together?”
“What? No, we're not.” Hermione said, snapping back to reality.
“Then what happened?” Parvati asked. “Hermione, he was holding your hand.”
Hermione sighed. “He wanted me to take him back. He apologized for what he did, and he wanted a second chance.”
“And you said no?” Lavender asked.
“I told him I would think about it.”
“But Hermione, he cheated on you!” Parvati said, raising her voice a bit.
A flood of emotions came crashing down on Hermione at that instant. It was so unexpected, she began to cry. She was so confused. She didn't know whether to take Richard back or not, she didn't even know if she could trust him. If she took him back, there was that small chance he would cheat on her again. It was all so frustrating and overwhelming!
“Oh my gosh Hermione!” Lavender rushed to her side. She shot Parvati a death glance.
“I'm sorry! I didn't mean to remind you again...” Parvati apologized, looking guilty.
“It's just all so confusing! I don't know what to do, and I don't know why I'm so upset!”
“It's okay Hermione, just let it all out,” Lavender said, rubbing her back affectionately.
“With Richard, and Dra – ” Hermione stopped and covered her mouth in horror.
Lavender's eyes widened. “Hermione, were you about to say Draco?”
Hermione sighed, and wiped the tears from her eyes. She decided that she might as well tell them, or they would never get off her case. Besides, they were the only people who would even remotely understand.
“Well?...” Parvati inquired.
“Yes, I was going to say Draco.” Hermione said quietly. She began to wring her hands.
“So what does Malfoy have to do with all of this?” Lavender asked.
Hermione began picking at her fingernails. She couldn't believe she was actually telling them this. What will they think of her?
“Well – uh, Malfoy and I kind of had a fling.” She said, obviously agitated.
“You what?!” Lavender and Parvati shrieked in unison.
Hermione cringed at their outburst.
“Oh my gosh Hermione!” Lavender exclaimed, jumping up from her seat. “When did this happen?”
“Er... on Christmas day.” Hermione replied uncomfortably, reminiscing on that fateful morning.
Lavender had an intense look of concentration upon her face. She seemed to be seriously analyzing the situation at hand.
“I've never told anyone before... about Malfoy, I mean.” Hermione said softly, breaking the silence.
Lavender's head snapped up. She saw the burdened expression on Hermione's face.
“Oh Hermione! I know this is a big deal for you, I mean, I understand why you told us!” Lavender explained.
“Don't worry, we don't hate you for 'fraternizing with with enemy' or anything like that. And despite what you might think about us, our lips are totally sealed.” Parvati said, pulling an imaginary zipper across her lips.
“This is all just so... unexpected!” Lavender admitted.
Hermione felt a huge weight being lifted off her shoulders. She could openly share her hindrance with Lavender and Parvati, without remorse.
“Thank you. I really had no one else to tell, especially Ron and Harry.”
Lavender nodded in an understanding, almost motherly way. The atmosphere had brightened up considerably, and Hermione didn't feel as encumbered as she had minutes ago.
“So... Hermione... Now that you've let the cat out of the bag, you have to spill all the details!” Parvati said, grinning.
Hermione knew this moment would be inevitable. But she really didn't mind, now that she knew they didn't think of her actions as wrong or immoral.
“What happened exactly?” Lavender asked, resuming her seat on her bed.
Hermione felt a tiny rush of adrenaline surge through her. She hadn't felt like this in days.
“Well, like I said, it was Christmas day. Malfoy came over to wish me a Happy Christmas when you two went to talk to those boys.”
She at her roommates sitting in front of her. They were staring back at her with their utmost, undivided attention. A naked Filch could run through their dormitory, and Hermione doubted they would even blink.
“Well, I talked to him for a bit. It was really awkward. Then, I – I started crying. Someone was reading that wretched magazine with Richard on the cover, and I couldn't hold it in any longer. I remember yelling at him, and I left the Hall.”
Hermione took a deep breath. It was strange, giving them a play-by-play account of what had went on.
“It's honestly such a blur!” She said, her cheeks turning pink.
“Oh no you don't! I know the best part comes next! You're turning pink!” Lavender said, pointing at Hermione's flushing face.
“Well, I ran down the hall, and he followed me. I asked him what he wanted and he –” Hermione rolled her eyes, and chuckled.
“WHAT?!” Parvati yelled.
“And he what?!” Lavender was practically shaking in anticipation.
“Well, the next part is incredibly cheesy, now that I recall.”
“So? We don't care! Just tell us!” Lavender pleaded.
“Well, I asked him what he wanted, and he said he wanted me. And then – he kissed me.”
Hermione's little tale was greeted with giggles and squeals from the girls in front of her.
“Oh my gosh! Who knew Draco Malfoy was such a romantic!” Lavender gushed, bouncing on her seat.
“What happened next?” Parvati asked.
Hermione felt really daring at that point. What she was about to reveal would discredit all the prude-related rumors about her that floated through the halls of Hogwarts. “We kind of got to it in the hall...” Her words were greeted with gasps of delight, “And then we moved on to an empty classroom.” She finished sheepishly.
Lavender and Parvati gave each other identical smirks. Hermione found their correlation to be rather unnerving.
“I think we can figure out what happened from there,” Lavender said slyly.
Hermione flushed at her knowing gaze.
“Okay, last question!” Parvati insisted. “How many times have you... you know?”
Lavender slapped Parvati on her arm for her brashness.
Hermione felt her face flush again. “Just twice.”
Parvati giggled. “I've heard he does this thing with his tongue, and – ” Parvati was cut off by a scandalized-looking Lavender.
“What have you learned about invasion of privacy? Did all those magazines mean nothing to you?” Lavender hissed.
Hermione was glad that Lavender had enough sense to silence her friend, despite how hypocritical her words were.
Parvati shamefully covered her mouth in an attempt to mollify Lavender, but there was still a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
“What Parvati meant to ask you was if you plan on seeing him anytime soon,” Lavender said pointedly.
“No,” Hermione said, attempting to keep her voice even. “Last time I spoke to him was last Thursday, before dinner. He decided to break things off.”
“Lav, didn't Nott ask you out that day? Before dinner?” Parvati suddenly asked her friend, excitement evident on her face.
They seemed to share some sort of telepathic message, because Hermione was at a loss where Theodore Nott was concerned.
Lavender gasped. “You're right!”
“I'm missing something here,” Hermione stated simply.
“Hermione, when Nott asked me out, Malfoy was with him!”
Hermione sat on her bed, dumbfounded. This had to be an oversight. If this had indeed occurred last Thursday before dinner, then who was she with on the seventh floor? The girls had to be mistaken. Or maybe she had gotten the date wrong?
“That can't be.” Hermione said confidently. “Malfoy was on the seventh floor, with me. Right after I left, I went down to dinner.”
“We remember seeing you down in the Hall! You were really distracted, and Harry and Ron were talking about their stupid Quidditch things,” Parvati elaborated.
“Malfoy had left with Nott minutes before you arrived. Trust me, I'm certain about this.” Lavender said with some finality.
Hermione sat there, still doubtful. She wasn't sure she could take their word on it because Draco had been with her. That, or someone could have pretended to be him... She felt her blood freeze as that thought crept into her mind. It couldn't be. What if he were in two places at once? It was most definitely a possibility. And, they had been brewing Polyjuice in Potions a mere few weeks ago... anybody could've taken some for their own personal use. Double crap. She tried to control her breathing as the realization of what had happened crashed down on her.
Hermione felt the eyes of her roommates on her. She had to play it cool, because they couldn't know about this. Nobody could know about this!
She looked up and tried with all her might to feign a smile. “I suppose you two are right, I must've mixed up the dates. I – I think I want to see Harry and Ron right now. I haven't spoken to them in a while.” She quickly stood up and made her way to the door, not waiting for their responses.
Dread filled her heart as she made her way to the Dungeons. She had to find Draco, and she had to find him fast.
- 9
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