Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

In the Arms of her Dragon	By : Wolf.Blossom Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 101559 -:- Recommendations : 8 -:- Currently Reading : 50
Disclaimer: JKR owns Harry Potter and all characters. I am not making any profit form this fiction.

Chapter List
- 11
- 12
- 13
In the Arms of Her Dragon
"Why're you crying?" Draco whispered, sitting down beside Hermione in a deserted Great Hall. Looking up at him with puffy eyes, she admitted what happened earlier at the Gryffindor Tower. Without a moment's hesitation, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and said: "Come on, you're spending the night in the Slytherin dungeon. With me."
.xx.
In a secluded corner of the Restricted Section, Hermione ran her fingers over the spines of some books that she was examining. She wasn't looking for anything in particular; she was waiting for Draco (even though she wasn't actually sure he followed her or not. She left the Great Hall without watching for him). At the end of the third shelf from the top, beside a book on resurrecting spirits, was a dusty book-spine titled Greatness: Mythology of the Dragon Empire. Hermione's interest was immediately piqued. She pulled the book off of the shelf and blew the thick layer of dust off of the cover.
On the black leather-bound book a picture of the majestic golden dragon; the dragon looked in both directions before yawning. Hermione pulled the cover open and read the preface on the rough parchment paper inside.
This book is a research conducted by Isadora Gryffindor to study the habits of the legendary Dragon Empire. The Dragon Empire is a clan of the most majestic and rarest bred beasts from across the lands; their philosophies, ideologies, and habits are studied so that we can better understand their kind. According to Isadora's elder brother, Godric Gryffindor, there will be a time in the 20th Century when the Great Dragon's spirit, hidden within the body of a mortal, will be called upon. When a union is formed between the heavens and the seas, the spirit will unleash. This book's main purpose is to understand where this prophecy came from and whether the Dragon Empire has any control over it.
Hermione couldn't believe what she was reading. What the book was researching was exactly what the Sorting Hat prophesized about. Can the sea run away... can the sun burn out... The hat talking about the heavens and the seas. And that bit about a dragon and his lady? This can't be just a coincidence. Hermione turned the page and saw that the title was printed in big bold cursive writing.
Greatness: Mythology of the Dragon Empire, by Isadora Gryffindor with thoughts and comments provided by Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin
"No way." Hermione breathed seeing that both Godric and Salazar had both been consulted to conduct research on the Dragon Empire. Hermione was about to turn the page to read the introduction when she felt a pair of strong and rugged arms wrap around her waist. Because her hair was tied into a bun, Hermione felt hot lips press against the back of her neck, kissing her not once, not twice, but three times.
"What've you got there, bookworm?" His voice was a sinfully sweet whisper, his lips moving against the nape of her neck. He gave her waist a gentle squeeze and pressed another soft kiss, this time more towards the side column. Hermione felt the molten lava in the pit of her stomach begin to heat up. Her insides quaked and the heat rushed to between her legs, where an unfamiliar throbbing erupted. Hermione felt herself begin to tremble, ever so slightly. Without shutting the book she managed to whisper a soft 'nothing.'
Her response elicited a sexy chuckle from the back of Draco's throat. "Doesn't look like 'nothing,' Hermione."
The way he said her name sounded like a sweet moan after a satisfying round of aggressive sex. Hermione's senses were on fire.
"It's… uh… a book?"
"Cat got your tongue, Hermione?" His breath splashed against her ear and she felt his lips graze against her right earlobe. Draco pulled her more into his body and she, very distinctly, felt him thrust into her behind. He squeezed her waist even tighter. "Last time you were this speechless, you learned our D.A.D.A. professor was Marcus."
Hermione gulped but was too afraid to move. "Marcus… didn't have such a… a…"
"A what?" His lips were back to the base of her nape. "Come one, sweetheart… articulate for me; he didn't have such a what?"
"A effect on me."
"An effect, sweetheart, Marcus didn't have such an effect on you." Hermione was just about ready to implode when Draco whirled her around and pushed her against the bookshelf before planting his lips on hers. Hungrily, Hermione dropped the book she was holding and ploughed her fingers through his hair, needing to feel more of him. From somewhere on the shelf (luckily they were in the farthest corner of the Restricted Section, shielding them from plain site), a book cat-called.
But neither were fazed.
Draco had one hand firmly gripping Hermione's waist and used his other one to release her hold from his hair. Expertly, and with utmost strength, he pinned her hands above her. Hermione groaned in desire as his lips left her mouth and assaulted her neck; Draco had no mercy. He nipped, bit, and suckled on her creamy soft skin and only went harder when he heard her moans of pleasure.
"How much did you miss me, love?" He purred against her neck.
Hermione twisted her hands, trying to free them from his grip but her efforts were in vain.
"Draco…" She trembled with desire. She wanted his lips on hers; she needed to taste him.
But he wasn't giving her that release. His tongue ran over her jawbone and he nibbled on her bottom lip. He simply smirked when she tried to capture his lips with hers and continued his ministrations of maddening pleasure. Draco's body enveloped Hermione's, covering her entirely. Without holding back, he ground his hips against hers.
"How much?"
Hermione was losing her mind, but she still had the sense to not give in to Draco. "Is… this you… proving to me… that… I missed… you more?" She managed to pant. "Because," Hermione tried to wretch her face away from him but he still managed plant kisses on her, "it isn't working."
"Frankly, I don't care much to prove anything to you. I just want you, and now that I have you, I have no intention of letting you go. And teasing you is just so much fun." With the force of his face, he tilted her head up and gently enveloped her lips with his once more. Hermione melted and Draco let go of her hands to wrap her fully, bringing her body as close to his as possible.
Hermione's hands were limp around his shoulders; she was on cloud nine.
"It's so strange," Draco whispered as they broke away from the kiss to breathe. "How in a few short months you've become one of the most important people in my life."
"Have I now?"
Draco placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "That shouldn't be surprising." He ran his lips down the bridge of her nose and placed a chaste peck on her lips once more. "By the way, Granger," he pulled away from her and took two steps back. He crossed his arms and, with the cockiest smirk on his face, said: "I missed you more than you can ever bring yourself to imagine." He blew a kiss in her direction and turned to leave. Hermione simply gawked; Draco glanced over his shoulder and called out: "I'll see you in Potions."
Hermione stood, stunned, for a few moments longer before realizing that the book on the Dragon Empire was sitting on the ground. Calming her racing heart, Hermione retrieved it and went to check it out—she was intending on showing it to Draco but he clearly distracted her so much that she forgot how to breathe.
Damn that man and his bloody kisses. Why must they be so perfect?!
.xx.
Hermione made it to the Potions classroom alone, lost in her thoughts. The book on the Dragon Empire was in her book bag beside her journal and her Potions textbook. She was both anticipating and nervous about seeing Draco—and, despite that they didn't have Potions last week, Hermione knew that they were in a seating arrangement (courtesy of Draco consulting Snape on Sunday) and she was seated beside Draco.
The professors probably arranged the seating chart based upon average grades throughout the last seven years—no way could she be beside Draco in practically every class (except Transfiguration and Divination; the only classes that didn't have a seating arrangement. And Care of Magical Creatures didn't even have seats, let alone a seating chart.). She and Draco had scored the highest on their OWLs, and received top marks every year for their exams… that had to be the basis for sticking them together all the time.
Hermione entered the classroom to see the eighth years straggling towards the back of the classroom, right where the door was. Hermione frowned and approached her group of friends standing in the Gryffindor circle.
"What's happening?" She inquired as she squeezed in between Neville and Harry. Ron stood opposite of Hermione and didn't catch her eye; Hermione assumed that Harry had had his talk with him.
"Waiting for Snape," Harry announced. "He came in earlier and said there's a seating arrangement and left again."
Dean had his arms crossed in front of him. "I still don't understand this house unity rubbish."
"It's a load of horseshit." Seamus muttered. "I say we all go down to Hogsmeade and have a round of butterbeer."
"How about regular muggle beer?" Fay chirped. "I had some his summer… it's bitter, but it's good!"
Hermione and Harry exchanged glances and Seamus began chortling in laughter. Dean simply shook his head—the four aforementioned were the only ones integrated in the muggle world enough to know things that Fay couldn't know.
Like the possibility of getting very drunk and passing out.
"Let's just stick to butterbeer, Dunbar." Seamus said affectionately. "You can't handle real beer yet."
"Says the Irish man." Hermione grinned teasingly and Seamus winked at her.
Their words were drowned out with the noise from the other houses; Hufflepuff were speculating on how the Quidditch season was going to end, Ravenclaw were talking about their NEWTs, and the Slytherins were discussing which Death Eater could still be on the run, trying to resurrect Voldemort. The four houses were oblivious to Severus Snape entering the classroom.
"Settle down!" His voice bellowed and everybody immediately hushed up, turning their heads to look at their never aging professor. He just did not seem to grow old at all.
"Now, I will call upon the names and the seat number. Take your seat, no hesitation or questions." Snape flicked his wand and each table had a number appear, floating overtop of them. Hermione glanced over her shoulder and saw that Draco had an arm wrapped around Pansy and cracking a joke which caused his whole group or friends to laugh quietly. Smiling silently (remembering what happened not even an hour ago in the library), Hermione turned back to her friends.
"Dean Thomas. Susan Bones. Table one."
Dean broke away from his group of friends and hugged Susan before they took their seat.
"Draco Malfoy. Hermione Granger. Table two."
Parvati whispered under her breath: "No surprise." Hermione silently shoved her before walking up to table two. Before she could take her seat, Draco pulled her chair out and smirked cockily at her.
"Ladies first, Granger."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Shut up, Malfoy." But took her seat nonetheless. She knew that whatever he did in public was an 'act' from revealing their true relationship. But, even within the acting, there was a hint of realism in the things he did.
The list continued and, finally, the last two students were seated (Luna Lovegood and Blaise Zabini). Snape flicked his wand once more and the numbers disappeared; Draco was slouching in his chair and, inconspicuously, reached his hand over from under the table and interlaced his fingers with Hermione's.
Her back stiffened in reaction but she was good in holding back the full blunt of her body's response. Draco and effectively hidden their hands with his robes; he gently squeezed her hand and lazily began to draw patterns where her thumb connected with the rest of her hand. Hermione recovered from her momentary shock and squeezed back in response.
And that was how they sat for the rest of the class.
Draco, being the ambidextrous genius that he was, was able to record his notes with his left hand as his right hand was too busy holding Hermione's left. Everybody was oblivious, including Snape.
"Now that we've had a brief overview of what we're doing for the rest of the term, I find it a suitable time to discuss your term-long project with your table partner." Snape peered at all of the students in his classroom. "You must create a potion that incorporate ingredients specific to your team that will cure an ailment, again, specific to your team." Snape waved his wand and two folded pieces of parchment appeared in front of the students; one for each team member.
"You may open your parchment and discover your ingredients and ailments."
"Basilisk poison, elephant ivory, smoke from a lightning bolt, and the tears of a virgin." Draco whispered to Hermione before they even reached for their parchment. She glanced over at him.
"Those are the ingredients you never got around to telling me?"
"You were sad; my primary concern was making you feel better, not telling you what our bloody potions project should include." Draco murmured back quietly. Hermione's heart all but melted but she hid her emotion well. Everybody in the classroom reached for their parchment—Hermione grabbed the one that had the ingredients listed in it and, unsurprisingly, it was everything Draco said.
"What are we curing?" She asked, glancing over at him. Draco shrugged and passed the parchment to her. In neat cursive, Hermione saw Snape had written heartbreak on the tiny slip. Her eyebrows rose in amusement.
"We have to create a cure for heartbreak?"
Draco, who was still holding her hand under the table, looked over at her and smirked. "Of course, Granger. Then, after we're successful in our feat, we should sell the recipe to all the Potions Masters of the world and earn you a small fortune."
"Why me?"
"Because I already have four Gringotts vaults to my name. Do you even have a vault?"
Hermione rolled her eyes and wretched her hand away from him. A few of the students turned their heads to look at the bickering duo and Snape could only shake his head. Hermione and Draco would never change. And Snape, being one of the few adults that knew of Draco throwing himself in front of his aunt's Crucio, thought that the two would be at least a bit more civil with each other.
Snape made a mental note to have a talk with his godson. Try to get him to be less greater-than-thou (though he was a Malfoy and the trait was something that all Malfoy's possessed).
"Settle down," Snape droned. "Potions will be split into two halves; the first half is your lesson, and the second half is collaboration. Today I will be showing you how to find similarities in your ingredients to concoct a potion that won't poison the drinker."
Draco reached for Hermione's hand again but she kept it a safe distance away from him. He fought his smirk; he loved riling her up (Draco felt like he thought that at least ten times a day since he and Hermione became close). Oh well, he'd get her to relent eventually.
.xx.
"Lovegood and I got 'flaccidity'!" Blaise roared as they left potions. "We have to cure a man that cannot find it in himself to perform for his woman." Everybody that was in earshot burst into laughter and even Luna couldn't help herself.
"We," Tracey began as she referred to herself and her partner, Terry Boot of Ravenclaw, "have boredom."
Padma Patil, who was walking past the Slytherins with her sister, heard Tracey's ailment and stopped. "Boredom is at least normal. Vincent and I," at this she nodded at her table partner, "have rudeness. How do you cure rudeness?!"
The Slytherins erupted into laughter and Vincent Crabbe groaned. "It's not funny! And we have to use toe jam as an ingredient."
Everybody paused and looked between Vincent and Padma to see if either of them was lying—they both had a look of dead seriousness on their faces and Adrian commented: "Ouch. Good luck, ladies." Which caused Vincent to scowl in Adrian's direction
"Thanks." Padma muttered and walked off with Parvati.
"What did you get, Malfoy?" Theodore inquired and Draco shrugged nonchalantly. Gregory Goyle, somehow, pulled a cupcake out of thin air and was stuffing his face (as per usual).
"Heartbreak."
Everybody paused and looked at him. Pansy, who was walking arm-in-arm with Tracey, raised an eyebrow. "Heartbreak? I believe this is karma for all the times you've broken girls' hearts."
Draco grinned toothily at her. "I'm not a believer in karma, Parkinson. You should know that by now."
Pansy groaned and turned away from her classmate. "Whatever, Draco."
"Well, while you need to cure the lack of erection," Theodore nodded at Blaise, "and you cure boredom, and you find a fix for heartbreak, I am lucky enough to cure the common cold."
Everybody gawked at Theodore who could only grin in superiority. "Told you, Snape loves me!"
Draco sighed. "And I'm supposed to be his godson." His comment caused his fellow Snakes to howl in laughter. Draco simply shook his head and turned the corner in time to see Gunnar – the idiot from Durmstrang—tap Hermione's shoulder. He stopped, which caused Blaise to run into him from behind.
"What the fu—" Blaise cut himself off when he saw what Draco was looking at. Secretly, he nudged Theodore who couldn't help but smirk. They could practically feel the anger radiate from their friend (anger that Tracey and Pansy were oblivious to).
"Aww, look! The Durmstrang is interested in Granger." Pansy muttered snidely. Blaise didn't miss the way Draco's jaw tightened and how he clenched his fist after he heard what Pansy said.
Adrian cracked his knuckles. "Hey! Granger!" He pushed away from his group of friends and began walking up to Hermione and Gunnar. Draco's jaw dropped.
What is he doing?!
Hermione tore her gaze away from Gunnar (the Slytherins noticed Fay and Kellah standing afar, watching Hermione. Kellah began to walk towards Hermione when she saw Adrian heading her way). Cocking an eyebrow, Hermione's eyes flickered to the Slytherins a few feet behind Adrian. She saw Draco watching her intently.
"Yes, Pucey?"
"I need your help with something." Adrian glanced at Gunnar. "If I may."
Gunnar, visibly disappointed, nodded. "She is all yours." At that precise moment, Kellah and Fay stopped short of them.
"What's wrong?" Kellah asked frantically and Adrian could only smirk.
"I require Granger's assistance. Goodbye." Adrian caught Hermione's upper arm and half dragged her away from the vicinity. Kellah and Fay watched, stunned, Gunnar was disappointed and the Slytherins — especially Draco— watched in disbelief.
The same thought echoed through everybody's mind: What just happened?
.xx.
When Adrian was positive that they were out of sight and earshot, he let go of Hermione who was in shock the entire time. He took a step back and looked at her closely—her shock melted into pure anger.
"What do you think you're doing, Pucey?!" She shrilled. "Whatever it is you had to ask me, you could've done so in front of my friends!"
"I was saving that idiot's arse." Adrian scowled. "If he spent an extra second with you, Draco would've hung him up from the Astronomy Tower in his underwear."
It took Hermione a second to truly understand what Adrian was telling her. From anger, her expression changed to pure shock. "Dra—he told you?!"
Adrian seemed pleased. "No. But you just did." Hermione was confused and Adrian took it unto himself to explain to her what was happening. "We're Draco's best friends, just like how Potter and Weasley—" Adrian didn't miss the look of annoyance on Hermione's face when he mentioned Weasley, "are to you. We know what he feels, when he feels it, before he even knows himself. I have no idea what is going on between the two of you, I just know something is and the anger Draco felt when he saw Gunnar approach you was very obvious."
Hermione only stared at Adrian before crossing her arms in front of her. "So you dragged me out of there before Draco could—"
"Hex Gunnar to oblivion." Adrian grinned toothily. "Contrary to popular belief, Granger, the Slytherins are very kind to those who they are loyal to. I don't know what the hell is going on between you and Draco, I just know something is. And I just saved a bloke's ass by dragging you out of there."
Hermione could only stare at Adrian Pucey. Well then, she was not expecting him to say that to her. "Who else knows?"
"Blaise and Theo have inklings. Vince and Greg don't really hang out with us as much anymore, so they're oblivious… as are the girls."
Hermione nodded. "Okay… umm… thanks? But I'm sure Gunnar can take care of himself—"
"Draco would never lay a hand on you, no matter how much you piss him off. The Durmstrang idiot, however, I can't say the same for." Adrian peered down at Hermione. "I may have been there to save the day once, but don't think it'll become a habit, Granger."
"Oh gee, thanks. Now, if I have the hero's permission, I'd like to go back to my friends now."
Adrian's lips twitched. "Hero? I like the sound of that." Without even saying goodbye, Adrian left the little corner where he and Hermione were standing, leaving her stumped and stupefied. Of all the things that Adrian Pucey could've approached her for, she would never in a thousand years thought it'd be for that.
Just like she believed, once upon a time, that never in a thousand years Draco would've saved her life.
And she would've cried for him.
And they would become close friends.
Perhaps, eventually, something more?
.xx.
"And that was?" Kellah said without even greeting Hermione. She found them in the Gryffindor Common Room, sitting in front of the fireplace. Harry and Seamus were playing chess and the other boys were nowhere to be seen—apparently Ron was pinning up the list of those who made the Gryffindor Team on a wall outside the Great Hall.
"Nothing." Hermione said quietly. "He just had a potions related question about his ingredients."
Fay and Kellah exchanged looks and Fay leaned towards Hermione. "Listen, I'm getting worried. First Malfoy defends your honour then Adrian drags you off to ask you a question? Are you hiding something from us?"
Hermione feigned the best aghast expression she could under the circumstance. "No! They just had a change of heart Fay, you know that. There is nothing going on here."
"I don't know… it's okay if Malfoy fancies you and all but you know you shouldn't involve yourself with them." Kellah whispered quietly. She didn't want Harry or Seamus to overhear them; it was a girls-only conversation.
"You don't know when one of them will go back to the dark side in hopes of resurrecting the Dark Lord."
Hermione knew her friends had her best interest at heart but she really didn't want to talk about the Slytherins anymore. She felt suffocated: her girlfriends were watching her back, Adrian was watching her back, Draco was constantly on her back (kissing her neck, which really wasn't a bad thing), and Ron was an annoying prick at her back—she wanted her back to be empty and alone for a while.
"I know. Listen, I'm going to the bathroom to take a bubble bath. I'll see you girls in a bit, alright?"
Fay and Kellah exchanged looks but nodded. Hermione rushed to the dormitory to retrieve a change of clothes, towels, bubble solution, and her enchanted journal and a quill before hurrying to the Gryffindor Girls' Bathroom. She locked the door behind her and enchanted it so that nobody could Alohamora their way in.
She prepared the water and stripped down before stepping into the welcoming warm waters.
Hermione was in dire need of relaxation.
Settling into the tub comfortably, Hermione reached for the journal and quill. She felt that the journal was warm, indicating that Draco had written to her; enchanting the quill so she wouldn't have to prop the book on something to write in, Hermione opened the book and whispered the words that allowed Draco's writing to bleed onto the page.
Adrian told me what happened earlier. On his behalf, I'm sorry. I wasn't going to hang gunman's arse off of the Astronomy Tower and neither was I going to react overly jealous and possessive. I was slightly angry that he approached you—to be frank, I'm not fond of other men approaching you but I am nobody to ask you to stop talking to people because of me. I suppose Adrian sensed my anger and took charge of the situation when he shouldn't have. I didn't make him do it, so on behalf of himself and me, I'm sorry. Granger.
It looked like he tacked on her name as good measure. Hermione glanced at her quill which was arched, ready to write when her mind commanded. She looked back at the journal and thought the words that her enchanted quill began writing.
I don't know what to think. You don't have to apologize, it wasn't your fault… you just have very… loyal friends.
I gave the loyal bastard a piece of my mind. Draco was in the boys' dormitory listening to Crabbe snore, while writing to Hermione. Truthfully, he was taken back when Adrian decided to take the situation into his own hands, and wasn't expecting him to drag Hermione off (though he was silently glad, but wasn't going to admit to it. He knew that Adrian doing what he did was enough to have Hermione be mad at him straight till Christmas, and not talking to her for four months was not something he was willing to risk).
You have good friends. But if any of them interfere with me and the people I associate myself with, you will be in a world of hurt, Malfoy. Hermione wrote the last part in good humour.
Think I already don't know that? But if the people you associate yourself with are quite evidently bullying you, I hold no responsibility over what my Snakes will do to them.
I'll keep that in mind. And when were you planning on telling me that your friends had an inkling that we were friends?
Never.
His response came quickly and Hermione couldn't help but smile.
Good to know. Have you received hell from them?
If I did, do you think Adrian would rush to your heroic rescue?
Adrian said he was saving Gunnar's fate from you.
If gunman was faced with a horrible fate, you'd be upset at me for the rest of the school year which indirectly is saying that you were also punished. So, in short, Adrian saved us all.
That's one way of putting it.
But I'll see to it that Adrian doesn't do that again.
And Blaise and Theodore?
Them too.
And you?
I can't make promises for myself, Granger.
That's comforting. Hermione wrote, hoping he'd catch the sarcastic undertone in her writing. She was amused at how when she wanted to get away from the world (including Draco), she turned to Draco. That had to mean something.
I'm glad you see it that way. Apart from Adrian and gunman and everything else associated with that moment in time, how are you?
Hermione snorted. Great. Hufflepuff Malfoy cornered me in the library today.
Draco began smiling; now she was talking. Did he now? What did he do?
Things you Slytherins cannot ever fathom of doing. Quite the moment in my day, I must say.
Left you speechless?
Left me breathless.
Good to know, Draco's face was beginning to hurt. Was it possible to want to smile so much?! I'll keep that in mind for when I meet the bloke (eventually) and get pointers from him.
It would do you some good, too.
I'm sure it would. What're you doing?
Bathing.
Naked?!
Normally nakedness and bathing go hand in hand, Malfoy.
Clearly, that must've been the way you saw me in the nude.
You weren't bathing when I saw you, but close enough. Hermione could hear him squawk in surprise. And Malfoy's don't squawk.
I'll get that story out of you, if it's the last thing I do. But, seeing as you won't tell me now, I was wondering if you wanted to head over to the Quidditch pitch in an hour? The list of those who made tryouts was posted today and Slytherins have the field for practice for the afternoon before Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures.
Are you going to be doing more acrobatics in the air?
Possibly.
Consider me there, then. Though those air chin-ups gave me a fright, they were rather impressive.
I'll keep that in mind, as well.
Are you sure your mind is large enough to store all this information?
I assure you, my mental capacity is alarming.
In a positive way?
In a positive way. Draco was trying to figure out why he enjoyed her so much. He just did. And perhaps later tonight we can take another flying lesson?
I was wondering when you were going to ask.
You could've asked me.
And ruin your Malfoy reputation? I thought Malfoy men always asked the girls out, not the other way around.
Times have changed, Granger. Draco quickly wrote. If you ever want to ask me out instead, be my guest.
Now I will keep that in mind. Hermione teased. Remind me to show you the book I checked out today.
The one I caught you reading in the RS?
Yep, that one.
I thought it was 'nothing.'
Shut up, Malfoy.
Come on! Tell me I have a wonderful effect on you—say it!
Nope.
I'll make you say it.
I won't stop you.
Is this you indirectly telling me you thoroughly enjoy me kissing you?
I don't know. I think you need to remind me how well you kiss.
Draco clamped a hand over his mouth to stop himself from laughing. She was fiery, that was for sure. Alright, I shall. I need to get ready for Quidditch practice now. See you on the field?
See you on the field. Hermione affirmed and quickly whispered Malfoy to have the words disappear from her journal. She wanted to evaluate what her relationship was like with Draco, but didn't know where to begin. There were so many unanswered questions between them, primarily the one regarding the Crucio.
Subconsciously, Hermione picked up the Healer Pendant and put it in her mouth. And then there was the question of why he bought her the pendant. And why they talked. And why they kissed.
And why he was jealous over Gunnar—and how his emotions were so strong that his best friends picked up on it.
But… did that make Hermione just another girl though? He hadn't said anything about taking their relationship further. But did he have to? They were already in a taboo friendship; a romantic relationship would push the limits of everyone's sanity. But then why constantly take her out on picnics and flying lessons, and why buy her anything?!
Hermione didn't want to overthink, but she was a woman; she couldn't help herself. And, unlike a normal situation with any other boy, she couldn't talk to her girlfriends. Well… she could owl her muggle best girlfriend, Gabriella Mitt, in London. She knew about her magic and also didn't live through the house animosity that Hogwarts was known for; Gabriella would be able to provide an unbiased answer for her.
That was an option too.
Hermione didn't want to ruin what was going on between her and Draco by bringing up relationship-related questions, but she couldn't help ponder why. Why was he doing what he was? What was his intention? What did he hope to gain?
Did he want to be with her?
Hermione sank into the water, fully submerging herself. She couldn't deny that his kisses made her forget everything and when his arms were wrapped around her all of her worries melted away. And the way he got jealous—it was slightly endearing, and Hermione appreciated that he apologized on Adrian's behalf.
But why get jealous if she didn't mean something more?
Hermione broke the surface and inhaled deeply. Her mind was running a mile a minute and she was sure that if she didn't voice her thoughts to somebody, she'd go insane. She could either owl Gabriella or floo there; Gabriella was a part of the floo network after Hermione petitioned for it. It took a lot of persuading, but Kingsley Shacklebolt eventually agreed.
Exhaling loudly, Hermione swished the bubbles around her. She only wished she could talk to Ginny or Lavender or Kellah or Fay or Parvati, but she couldn't. They were biased against the Slytherins and if they found out that Hermione and Draco were having an illicit friendship then all hell would break loose.
Besides, they didn't know about the Crucio. Only Harry and Ron did, and she was not going to go to either of them for advice.
Gabriella it was.
But would she owl her or floo?
Owling would make the most sense. She couldn't floo and see Gabriella and come back for dinner and flying lessons with Draco in time. Hermione pulled herself out of the tub and toweled herself dry. She was already formulating the letter in her head…
.xx.
Dearest Gabriella,
How are you? I miss you greatly and hope that when I come home for Christmas that we can have a girls' night out. We can plan that later, though, because right now I need your advice.
Remember Draco Malfoy? Well, we're friends. Kind of. We've been in contact throughout the summer, as you know, but our relationship has grown a lot since then. We're a lot more physical (you can figure that one out yourself, but no hanky panky), and he makes it a point to go out of his way to spend time with me. I mean, when I was in Diagon Alley to buy my school supplies he made an effort to come there and spend one day with me, preparing a picnic and everything! He even got me a magical pendant from Italy, and we weren't even close then.
Since school started, he's been spending more and more time with me, taking me on more picnics, giving me flying lessons (he found out about my irrational fear of heights), et cetera. He's even a tad bit jealous of the other boys (not Harry or Ron, he doesn't like them enough to be jealous of them). But the thing is, I'm unsure on where we stand.
We're kissing, yes, and he compliments me and makes time for me, which is fine and dandy, but I don't know what his intentions are. Am I just another notch on his broomstick (verbatim what Ron said), or could I mean something more? I don't think he's ever gotten presents for past women in his life, or taken them on picnics and what have you, but I never really paid attention to his relationships to actually know. Haven't cared much, to be honest.
I know I can't approach him and ask him what the situation is, and I can't ask the girls in Gryffindor because they inherently hate Draco. Therefore I've turned to you. I know you'll be honest with me; unbiased and truthful. I wish you could be here right now, helping me. I've never been so confused and I've helped defeat the cruelest man the world has ever seen.
I do hope to hear from you soon, Gabriella. The owl has been instructed to hang around as long as it takes for you to write back. Give your parents my regards.
Love,
Hermione
Attaching the letter to a barn owl in the Owlery, Hermione took it to the giant window and whispered into its ear where it had to go. With a final breath, Hermione released the owl into the afternoon sky and watched it for as long as she could, until it disappeared into the horizon.
Now all she could do was wait.
In the distance she heard cheering and looked over to the opposite side of the Owlery to find the Slytherins flying high above the Quidditch pitch, far in the distance. Realizing that she had given Draco her word that she'd be there to watch him, Hermione quickly left the Owlery and headed to the Gryffindor Tower.
She had to change and find somebody to bring with her, so that she didn't seem suspicious watching the Slytherins practice.
Get back to me soon, Gabriella. Hermione thought anxiously as she flew past Peeves (who was drawing graffiti on the walls). Her heart raced, both with the anticipation of what her friend was going to say, and of seeing Draco.
Hermione knew, deep down, that she was in a predicament that was going to be rather difficult to get out of.
.xx.
Edited: August 9, 2016
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In the Arms of her Dragon