Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Despising You	By : Chillkat Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 24289 -:- Recommendations : 3 -:- 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
- 12
- 13
- 14
Shaking, why was his body shaking. The more he thought about it he realized it was the bed that was shaking, not a hard shake but a small subtle quaking. Opening his eyes he looked over to see Hermione’s body trembling ever so slightly.
Now that he was awake the room did feel a little--cold.
Confused he looked around until his eyes settled on the window. The window that was across the room showed him something he wasn’t prepared to see—snow. Lots and lots of snow. Hell it looked like a blizzard out there. With a few long strides he was across the room in seconds staring into the black sky that was littering tons of white crystals onto the earth. Magical weather sucked!
Putting a good amount of logs into the fire he waited until he had a healthy sized blaze going before he grabbed another quilt and trekked back into bed. By his clock it was almost noon, but with the weather like this it made working in the fields an unavailable option. Besides the warm glow of the fire and the soft bed that smelled of honey and lemongrass was much more inviting.
~*~*
An incredibly warm sensation covered her stomach. It was almost too warm, pulling herself out of her deep sleep she decided to appease her curiosity. Reminding herself not to move around too much because of her wound she looked down her stomach to see a familiar hand lying on top.
In spite of that morning's events she didn't feel the urge to flee, even though she clearly had all rights to be afraid of the guy's hand. Trying her best to ignore the feel of his warm heavy hand she looked past the foot of the bed to see a blazing fire. Now that she thought about it, it did feel a little cooler and it seemed a lot darker. How late did she sleep? Looking over the sleeping Slytherin her eyes widened at the view through the window.
Millions of tiny snow flurries fell from the dark contrasting sky. It was so odd that just a few hours earlier it felt like paradise.
~*~*
“So Reinard why the drastic change in weather?”
Looking at his boyhood friend and colleague over his tea Plympton could see the amused twinkle in his eyes.
“You know as well as I do that the cold can bring things closer together.”
~*~*~
“Your doing great Draco you could be chef if you keep this up.” Hermione chirped proudly from her position on the counter, though she only received a deep grunt in response.
Since she was out of commission and they were out of leftovers there was no choice but for Draco to cook. Though he wasn't thrilled about it, Hermione had to admit he was doing great. Never would she have guessed that he would take instruction so well, but here he was preparing a salad and a simple smothered chicken with a side of baby potatoes with herbs.
With his thick white hair in a ponytail, that she was secretly starting to love, he was washing the greens with gentle ease.
Hermione sat on the counter leaning against the cabinets still in his oversized shirt and her flannel pajama pants. A deep blush still coated her face when she thought about how she got her pants on.
*~
Figuring she may as well stay up, Hermione carefully got out of bed simultaneously putting Draco's arm gently beside him after a few stinging minutes Hermione finally made it to her trunk. Being the genius she was she didn't take into account how she was going to reach down and scrounge out her pants. But the alternative was walking around the cold house with just a shirt on in front of Draco and that wasn’t going to be an option.
Preparing to bend down for the garment Hermione felt a familiar presence behind her. Not even turning around she sighed and stepped back before telling him what she needed.
But the humiliation didn't stop there. No she couldn't be so lucky. After grabbing her pants he nudged her to the wingback chair near the frosty window. Pushing her down he grabbed one of her bare legs. All her breathing seemed to stop as she silently watched him move and position one of her naked legs to accept her pants.
From his crouched position his long hair shielded most of his face leaving her only to guess what he was thinking. Finally he brought the waist up her legs slowly. The rough pads of his hands scraped along the sides of her legs making her heart beat uncontrollably. Cursing at herself inwardly for reacting so intensely to something so simple, especially since his sensitive ears could hear her heart and shallow breathing. Idiot.
Grabbing her hips Draco lifted her from her seat to slip the pants around her waist.
Beat red by now she mumbled a thanks and smoothed down her shirt as she walked out of the room in a hasty retreat.
*
After plucking her off the counter with the same amount of ease he used to put her up there they sat down to eat. Taking the first bite of her chicken she let out a pleased moan before swallowing.
“Absolutely perfect, I think I will let you cook from now on.”
Receiving a “yeah right” look Hermione laughed and continued to eat.
Putting a fork full of chicken in his mouth Draco could hardly believe the turn of events. He actually cooked something for the first time in his life and it turned out great. Even though Granger practically did it for him he couldn’t help but feel a tinge of pride seep through him.

Before their game she decided to take a shower, since there was no way for him to help her in the bathroom he had to demand that she left the door unlocked. Draco was pretty sure he had never gotten a reaction such as hers before. One would have thought he was suggesting taking her shower in the living area.
He had to remind her that seeing her naked would surely strip him of his eyesight and contrary to whatever she may have heard he was rather fond of his eyesight. Giving him a furious scowl she conceded to his demand and took her shower with the door unlocked.
Though he did pull a chair close to the bathroom door and kept an ear open as he read the board game instructions.
That night after a long rigorous game of monopoly that he ended up winning despite her claims that because of his self appointed position as the banker he of course cheated, they finally made it to bed.
After a while her breathing became the familiar rhythm of deep sleep, Draco turned and stared at the fire. Today he realized he was absolutely nothing like his father, sure they may look and sound alike but they were nothing like each other.
Lucius would have never felt gut-wrenching fear when he held Hermione’s torn body in his arms. His father would never silently pray for her to be all right and repeat that prayer at least a million times in his head. Never would the elder Malfoy cook and serve food especially not for a mud blood.
Lucius would never help dress and undress a wounded girl even if he was the one who wounded her. But most importantly his father would never know how wonderfully smooth Hermione’s legs were, never get to see purple satin underwear peep-out from underneath her shirt to silently greet him, or hear the rapid tempo of her heartbeat when he touched her in the most simple way.
Oh yeah he was drastically different from his father, but sadly Draco was also drastically horny. Damn Plympton and Dumbledore for trapping him here with no consideration to his most important need.
*~*~*
Despite the early hour and the knowledge that there was no practice that morning Hermione could not force herself to sleep any longer. Carefully she got up and crept out the room.
The immediate chill of the rest of the cabin almost made her turn right back around to their cozy room and warm bed. Knowing she shouldn't think it, the prospect of snuggling back into bed near Draco was beyond tempting.
It was miraculous his body could radiate so much heat, especially while sleeping shirtless. During the night after the fire died down some, she could feel the cabin's chill creeping around her. Thankfully luck finally decided to get on her side, Draco's position changed so that she could discreetly snuggle up to his beautiful heat. Thank God he was asleep.
Silently she started to make some tea. Gingerly touching her side through the Slytherin's shirt she stared out onto the snowy wonderland outside the kitchen window.
With the constant ups and downs to their relationship Hermione could not help but wonder if things would ever turn out normal, though the life of a sorceress and a warlock didn't give her much to hope on. But the way Draco looked into her eyes when he laid her on the table told her for sure that one bridge was definitely crossed in their relationship. Never before has a Malfoy namely Draco showed such remorse before.
The smile that formed could not be contained as she thought about the progress on their friendship.
*~
After realizing that he was lying alone in the bed Draco got up and went towards the door. At the sight of a familiar shirt and brown curls he stopped and leaned against the doorframe.
Quietly he watched her stare out the window as she sipped her drink. When he found the time he was really going to have to question why he wanted to know what she was thinking.
Noticing her hand rub the side he scratched her Draco felt his gut knot. Without making a sound he walked up behind her until he stood but a few centimeters away. Waiting until she sat her cup down he turned her around.
A startled feminine gasp filled the air between them while he steadied her. Smirking at her puzzled face Draco lifted the edge of her shirt. Just as expected her hands stopped his in modesty.
“Draco…?” Ignoring her he continued to pull up her shirt until he could look at the scar.
Her heart was beating like mad as he lifted her shirt, all she could think about was the fact that she wasn’t wearing a bra underneath her bandages.
In tense silence she watched his scepter appear with the flick of his wrist. Just as the day before he said the healing spell, effectively closing the last scar letting her sigh in satisfaction when the dull sense of pain finally receded.
“Thank you.”
Letting her shirt fall back down Draco nodded and stepped back.
~*~
“Ok we need just about everything from town,” sitting at the dinner table with a sheet of paper Hermione tapped her pen as she looked around the kitchen. There was probably nothing worse then getting all the way back home and realizing you forgot something.
“ We need meat, flour, sugar, milk, which I think I will buy double this time because we seem to be drinking a lot. Some more tea, butter...mmm what else?”
Receiving silence she repeated her question louder without taking her eyes off the open pantry.
“Maybe if you scream it next time Dumbledore will be able to ask you if we have any eggs or not.”
“You're absolutely right we do need eggs. ” without looking in his direction she turned back around in her chair to write it down.
Folding her list she stuffed it in her pocket. Grabbing the thick winter jacket she pulled out of her trunk earlier she slipped it on.
Turning around she noticed Draco's jacket.
“You can't keep warm in that.” pointing towards the flimsy garment. “It is absolutely freezing out there.”
With his hands shoved casually in his pockets Draco stepped closer to her until she had to tilt her head back to look at him. Maybe Harry and Ron were right she did feel rather small. But it probably didn't help being crowded by a platinum haired Viking either.
“My jacket is magically heated.” The deep words were uttered so casually but so deeply they effectively halted her thinking.
Well that couldn't be good. Maybe that fall to the ground did more damage than she thought.
“Ok then.” She said meekly feeling dumb.
Soon as they opened the door a cold blast surrounded them, burying her hands in her coat she trekked forward.
The crunching of snow underneath her brown imitation leather boots, reminded her that she might want to heat her shoes next time they did little to stop the cold. Thankfully she put on three pair of socks this morning, she thought brightly.
“What’s for dinner?”
“Dear Merlin, Draco we just ate breakfast you can’t possibly be hungry yet.”
“Not yet but I can just imagine what Boleslaw will have in store for me when I get there.”
Looking ahead through the snow covered trees and down the hill of their path Hermione could see that the strange weather hit just about everywhere so the village would hardly be an exception.
“Well one would think that there wouldn’t be that much for you to do with the weather how it is. But Boleslaw doesn’t look like the kind of guy to be caught off guard.”
“Precisely, the guy seems to constantly have something to do. Though I brook no complaints the guy does pay well.”
Nodding her head at the last statement she started to smile when her thoughts over the large farmer went astray.
“What?” His face was stoic but his gray eyes danced with curiosity.
“Have you ever wondered what Boleslaw did before he was exiled or whatever?”
“The first and foremost thought in my head when I meet the man. Why?”
“For some odd reason I just pictured him in a bakery wearing a floral apron.” She could barely get the rest of the sentence out before she started to laugh. Even while she laughing, and barely walking, she had no idea why the thought was so funny.
The corners of his lips curled slightly as he gently pushed her back into a steady pace. “Insanity sure did hit you at a young age.”
~*
Days went by without much notice; the snow kept falling keeping the ground constantly covered in at least a foot of snow.
Draco noticed that his conversations with the Gryffindor were becoming much more natural and smooth. Almost every subject was covered between them. It was as if they both wanted to see what the other would say or react to a newly broached subject. At least that was what he was doing.
The feeling of distrust and unease he had when he was around her seemed to have vanished. It was as if the years of being raised to hate her kind was erased off the slate and he was allowed to start over. The feeling was priceless and he had no idea why. It wasn’t as if he longed to talk to her or secretly wanted to be her friend all this time, but having this indefinable relationship with her was not a bad thing.
The bad thing was the nights. Just thinking about it made him groan. Nights now have become something he dreaded while simultaneously desiring.
Draco was in Boleslaw’s tool shed sitting on the only stool available he looked out the window across the seemingly endless fields of snow while letting his mind drift to the source of his current problem.
For the past few nights Hermione has been taking advantage of her new gift. That damn screen! Draco could hex himself when he thought about the opportunity he had to throw the accursed item off the cliff into the foaming sea. Merlin, he was an idiot.
Now every night after he took his shower and lay in the bed he had to watch the most painful performance he has ever witnessed. Oh how he tried to stop it. Trying to switch around their shower schedules proved to be impossible since the woman had an annoying trait to fill the entire shower with her scent. Draco only needed to learn that lesson once. Standing out in the freezing snow without a shirt to purify his senses of that heady scent was a one-time occasion.
Falling asleep seemed to be a simple enough solution to the problem, but he soon found out that it was impossible. Why fool himself? Against his very will his eyes would stay glued to the upcoming scene.
Nothing worked.
Every night Hermione took her shower before lying down; and every night since the arrival of the screen she would quickly pad across the short distance from the bathroom to their room in nothing but a towel.
The first time she did that he was stoking the fire in their room, catching her dash into the room wearing a fluffy beige towel nearly sent him into the fire headfirst. Crazy witch!
But the torment didn’t stop there. Like a train wreck he watched her silhouette gracefully drop the towel to the floor and sit on the tiny stool she placed behind there. It was as if he were at some burlesque show, everything seemed so perfect. With the glaring exception that this was Granger.
Without risking to blink he watched the shadow lather each shapely leg with what he assumed was lotion. The sweet hypnotic ritual seemed to last decades. Finally without warning the silhouette reached for something.
Frowning he waited unmoving by the fire until he recognized its benevolent actions. Oxygen was stolen from him as he recognized the famous shape of small dainty knickers being slid up her legs. Any moment Draco was positive Vargas was going to pop out of nowhere.
It wasn’t if he didn’t know she was naked but the simple act seemed to reiterate the fact so exotically. With another movement Draco watched on the edge of his emotions, namely control, as she slipped on her bra. With a few more movements she was fully dressed and appearing before him.
Thankfully by this time he was putting on a brilliant scene of staring into the fire, to convey an act of deep thought. Like the polite little Gryffindor she was she quietly wished him good night and slipped into the bed.
Evil woman.
Only a truly evil creature would bring a taper with them while dressing behind a screen. Sure it was dark in that corner of the room, but by the beard of Merlin he expected the magic world’s most naïve, gullible, supposedly smartest, virginal sorceress to figure out another method of lighting.
Tonight was most likely going to be no exception. Shaking his head at tonight’s upcoming teasing performance he probably shouldn’t be looking forward to it as much as he was. What a desperate individual he has become.
~*
Finally after a month of fights and arguments Hermione could positively say that things between her and Draco bordered real close to friendship. Just thinking how nice he has been to her made her smile. And deep down she knew it wasn’t a show either. It wasn’t the conventional kindness she was use to with Harry and Ron, it was different it was—Draco Malfoy.
Silence between them wasn’t tense or strange. Either they had something to talk about or they didn’t. Nearly every subject could be talked about, Hermione didn’t necessarily agree with him on every subject resulting in some arguments. But Hermione started to see Draco’s point on arguments between them—they could be fun.
Putting the finishing touches on her pound cake she took a glance at her chicken, everything was done. Sitting on the sofa she let her eyes slowly drift shut. The snow didn’t seem to faze the village one bit, there was still as much if not more work to do.
The sound of the front door opening and closing didn’t seem to penetrate her sleep. But the small tug on her braid, which was hanging off the arm of the sofa, did. With a start she was sitting up staring into the mischievous eyes of the Slytherin.
“For that you get no cake.” Ignoring his dark chuckle she walked past him to the kitchen.
The smell of sweat and sage wafted off his person as he followed her. Hermione had no idea why she liked that scent but she found it irresistible to inhale. It was amazing most guys stunk when they came in sweating from outside, but not Draco. It was just his usual sage and sandalwood smell amplified.
“Is this what you were doing all day Princess—sleeping. While I was trapped in that tool shed most of the day?” He asked while taking a generous portion of chicken.
The man ate like a bear. Never were there leftovers from the night before, he always seemed to polish off whatever she didn’t eat. It was unfair. How can one eat a quarter of a pie and a meal each night and gain nothing.
“I would have you know that I worked like a slave at Agnese and Stella’s house today. Baking, ironing, washing, and…”
“Gossiping,” he smirked.
“We do not gossip!” she cried.
Giving her a skeptical look while swallowing his food he replied. “Now Princess don’t try and sit here and feed me that shit. You're telling me from the time you go over there until the time you leave all of you are just diligently working in silence.”
“Of course not we talk about lots of things.”
“And you gossip, believe it or not Princess that is what women do. I understand that your higher morals wouldn’t dream of it, but its perfectly natural. Hell I bet you were doing it and had no idea.”
“I was not! And furthermore…”
“Tell me this love, did at anytime you feel giddy or excited when you were talking because I know with your spotless record and all that you are unaccustomed to doing anything remotely wrong or risqué. It must have felt fabulous to live life on the edge like that”
Blushing uncontrollably at the combination of his new nickname “love” and his audacity, Hermione could barely say anything.
“That’s it that cake is going in the trash.”
Holding up his hands the white hair Slytherin turned serious, “Wait, wait, wait, wait!!! Truce. Truce. I apologize OK, there is no need to endanger a defenseless cake.”
“You're pathetic you know that,” shaking her head she took her hands away from the cake.
With a deep unapologetic sigh he replied, “Why earlier I was just thinking that myself.”
*~
Behind her screen Hermione smiled again at her luck. Ever since she was a little girl she wanted the classic French style lady’s boudoir screen. Never before was there a practical reason or opportunity to get one. Now thanks to Lily she had one and the experience was absolutely wonderful.
Buttoning the last button of Draco’s long dress shirt she grabbed the taper and walked to the bed. Draco was sitting on the bed staring deeply into the hearth’s flames. To her relief he never mentioned the fact that she wore his nightshirt to bed nearly every night nor did he ask for it back. What her response would be if he ever asked her why she continued to wear it was anyone’s guess.
Slipping under the covers Hermione watched with veiled eyes as Draco got up to check the fire. He was shirtless as usual wearing only some simple blue cotton pants. His hair was still damp from his shower giving his entire look a billboard model look. The gentle firelight turned his marble colored skin into warm amber.
Turning back towards the bed Hermione was allowed to see the sleek severe indentations on either side of his waist giving her proof on how seriously he took his workout regimen. Her heart beat a little faster as she watched him gracefully begin to lie down beside her. His large shoulders seemed to block out all the light from the fire as he leaned down to pull away the covers while his long wet hair gently brushed his shoulder.
Finally his gray eyes caught a hold of hers. Inhalation started to become a task as she looked back at him.
Hoping to break away from the odd spell she spoke, “Goodnight Draco.”
Settling in beside her on his stomach he faced her, “Lets hope.”
~*~
“You in here?” Holding the glass door ajar Draco stuck his head into the greenhouse. Still apprehensive about his last encounter in the glass house he carefully eyed all the plants. Lush flora and vegetables were everywhere, making it impossible to see the brown headed Gryffindor from the outside.
“Yes. I’m near the back by the peppers.”
Stepping across the threshold he made his way to the back. Standing near some orange lilies Draco watched Hermione carefully harvest some bright red peppers.
“Come with me, I want to show you something.” As if he was some apparition creeping up behind her, Hermione went still all over and slowly turned her head.
“What is it?” Giving him a wary look.
Letting out a mumbled oath he glared at her, “Good God woman. What do you think I am going to do ravish you, force you to look upon me in the nude or something.”
Horrified by his accusations Hermione tried to come up with something equally as clever in response. But Draco was already handing her, her coat.
“Yes I can understand the disappointment you must feel to miss out on seeing the infamous Draco Malfoy wand. However, my dirty little Gryffindor you will just have to live with that regret.”
“Draco Malfoy! You are an impertinent, uncivil pig. How dare you make accusations that I might want to see…want to see…” His dark mischievous laughter didn’t help her embarrassment. Hermione was positive her face was as red as the peppers in her basket.
Turning around on her heel she went back to the table she was working on and started to prune the roses fueled with her anger. Straightening her spine and without looking his way she responded, “I have to finish I have no time for our immature games.”
“Though you are a great source of entertainment, I resent being called a pig.” His tone was dark and cold. Hermione’s breath hitched a little, at the feeling of fire run through her veins.
Turning around to see if he was really angry with her or not Hermione was caught off guard to see him standing there with his hand out towards her.
Draco watched with hooded eyes, as she looked his hand with uncertainty. Maybe she wasn’t going to take it. His gesture was simple, but it symbolized so much. For some reason he wanted her to trust him, he needed it. For the first time Draco realized he never had anyone’s trust before. Slowly her eyes drifted back up to his, with a disarming smile she put her small hand into his larger one.
Hermione stayed quiet as he guided her out of the greenhouse and behind it. The curiosity as to where he was taking her was successfully plowed down by the feeling of amazement that he still had her hand in his.
Snow crunching under their boots Hermione noticed that they were going west of the trail to the village, more behind the house and deeper into the enchanted forest. The sky was severely overcast that day so that left the woods even darker than usual. She hated enchanted forest. Why couldn’t they live near a nice normal forest?
Hermione’s hand tightened around his when they went deeper into the woods. A healthy dose of good old fashion fear was a very smart emotion to have when entering a magical forest. Anything could happen in them. Stories of people entering and never being seen again were not uncommon. Fear however wasn’t something Draco felt any longer.
His senses were far more acute, expanding out so that he couldn’t be caught off guard. The sounds of creatures, of every size, running away from their vicinity filled his ears. The fact probably didn’t help his ego much.
Finally they came to a stop outside a cave. Ignoring her questioning gaze he pulled her through the cave. With a few steps they reached their destination.
“Oh my God, Draco! It’s beautiful.”
The cave wasn’t a cave at all it was a grotto. The rocks formed a wall around a sparkling frozen pond, leaving the snowy sky for a ceiling. Plants and flowers were crystallized in ice from the sudden weather change. She could just imagine what it would look like when the weather changed again.
Turning back to him, Draco was standing with his arms crossed casually leaning against the wall staring at her.
“How did you find this place?” Gently her voice bounced off the curved wall of the cave making the scene and moment, if possible, more ethereal.
“I just wanted to take a look around and I stumbled onto this place figured you would like to see it.” Walking to the edge of the pond he lightly stepped on the ice to test its thickness.
“Be careful, I don’t want you to try your hand against pneumonia again,” Though Hermione could not resist the urge to wonder the same thing about the density of the ice.
“Its safe I think the thing is solid all the way through,” by now he was totally standing on the ice grabbing her hand he tugged her beside him.
“No no no I don’t…” Squealing in protest at being pulled out she finally found her balance. Ice skating was one thing but teetering on a magical pond was another, one could never be sure as to what might happen.
Catching her balance she started to look around.
“You know what, I do believe I see fish,” bending down, at the waist to keep steady, she squinted in order to make out the shapes deep within the ice. “Look I’m right!” Pointing at the nearest spot. “The fish are frozen as well. They will resume their normal life once the pond thaws… I think.”
Doing his best to avoid looking at her arse, which was sticking provocatively in the air directly in front of him, he grunted an agreement.
“Come on, I’m hungry we can come back if the weather ever changes again.”
“Draco when school starts I suggest you stash some food in your pockets to maintain the diet you have become accustomed to.” Her chidings were jovial but she was serious about his large appetite.
“You may be right princess, it just wouldn’t do for me to pass out face first in potions.”
~*~*~
A week went by since their afternoon at the grotto. Practice was as rigorous as usual although both noticed that they could perform much smoother now, as a team or separately.
Though Hermione still got nowhere with her flying. Thankfully Plympton didn’t bring up her lack of progress on it, the same however could not be said about the Slytherin.
Hermione was beginning to lose her patience with his incessant pestering.
There always seemed to be some snide remark on the weather for flying or that their time for practice was nearly over. Then there were the days when he was downright blatant about the matter, saying that she was wasting a wonderful ability by being scared of it.
Stupid prat. If she wasn’t ready then dammit she just wasn’t ready.
By the time Draco got to the cabin the sun was nearly set, just a few wisp of orange graced the purplish sky. Opening the cabin door he was greeted by a blast of warm air. The snow wasn’t coming down as much as before but the temperature was still low enough to keep everything frozen.
“Hi” Hermione’s cheery smile greeted him over the back of her designated couch. Just like the rest of the cabin she looked warm and cozy. The women in his life always seemed cold and distant, completely opposite of the Gryffindor princess. It seemed the moment they truly honored their truce, which seemed to be after he scratched her, she opened up to him and scooted a lot closer into his life.
Draco liked it. Never before did he have the opportunity to have a female friend, but now he got to experience what Potty and Weasel had—exactly what they had. Oh the looks on their faces when they see them are going to be absolutely magnificent.
“What’s so funny?” her curious smile only helped to fuel his cruel thoughts about her two morons she called mates.
Taking off his boots and coat he walked over to his chair and sat down. Merlin it felt good to sit here. Boleslaw was trying to kill him.
“I was just thinking about Potter and Weasel-boy’s reaction when they find out that we don’t despise each other anymore.”
“Oh dear Merlin!” Burying her face in the couch, she let out a stricken moan. “I have no intentions to think about that, I rather just live in denial up in till the moment.” Her muffled voice drifted through the cushions.
“Whatever steeps your tea Princess, I on the other hand will relish each and every fantasy.”
“Your twisted.”
Closing his eyes he smiled. “Yes my sweet I truly am.”
~*
After the dishes were cleaned he took his shower. The hot water felt great against his chilled body. Standing underneath the stream he braced one hand against the back wall as he stared at the infernal yellow bottle.
The pale yellow bottle was clear of all markings and advertisements besides one, an intricate purple flower design placed in the middle of the bottle.
Draco loathed this bottle. The urge to throw it farther than the eye could see was a daily constant. This bottle was starting to represent something growing inside him, and dammit he wasn’t sure if he understood or wanted the damn thing.
So as usual he took a deep breath and did the only thing that could help the situation—he opened the damn bottle. Careful to keep it out of the water’s spray he inhaled the aroma of the shimmering substance, otherwise known as shampoo.
Lemongrass and honey.
Lemongrass and honey.
Lemongrass and honey.
What a murderous and lovely scent.
Turning off the tap and stepping out his senses immediately picked up on something odd. Hurrying Draco slipped on his pants and roughly toweled his hair.
Opening the door his eyes narrowed at the white scrap of paper sitting on the ground in front of him. Snatching up the paper he read the words.
Draco I am going to run over to Laura’s house, the real quiet lady with brown hair, and give her this tart and recipe I have been meaning to give her. Be right back.
P.S
You better not cheat me on my money you better believe I am going to count every cent.

“Dammit Granger you couldn’t just bloody wait until morning.” It was dark as fuck out there not to mention cold.
Shit he was worrying.
Dammit Malfoys don’t worry.
But then again Malfoys never really had anything resembling friends before, and wasn’t that what he and Granger had a friendship? The feeling of uncertainty lashed through him. They never discussed that before. Were they friends? Did friends announce the confirmation of friendship at anytime in their relationship?
Looking down he realized he was pacing. Growling in irritation he changed into a warmer pair of pants and shirt, because if that little piece of baggage wasn’t back in five minutes he was dragging her back.
~
Walking at a brisk pace Hermione was on her way back to the pathway through the forest when he heard a voice.
“Hello miss what are you doing out at this time of night?” Turning around Hermione caught sight of one of the men that she seen working with Draco in the fields.
Burying her hands deeper in her pockets she slowly continued in the direction of the cabin. “I needed to deliver something to Laura.” Trying not to be rude as she was walking a way she turned back to smile.
The scream that formed in her mind was never voiced as she was knocked into a sea of darkness.
~
With every passing moment since he read the letter his blood started to drop in temperature. Draco was already at the small porch to the door staring out into the woods.
Something was wrong she would have been back now or at least on the way back, but his senses picked up no sound of her footfall through the forest.
Closing the door to the cabin he was pocketing the key when he felt the white searing pain run up through his arm from his finger.
Without pause he leapt from the stairs.
Without thought he ran through the forest at a blinding speed.
Normal eyesight left him the moment his ring alerted him. Everything now seemed to glow with color despite the absence of light.
Seconds later he slid to halt outside the forest at the entrance of the village. Inhaling he let his nose catch a familiar scent of lemongrass and honey, but he also caught two other familiar scents.
Entirely black eyes scanned the area until the warlock found the trail. Like a panther the warlock silently ran through the field towards the small shed that stood alone against the night.
Wasting no time he kicked down the door.
What he saw drowned out the last of his humanity.
~*~
“Oh man Kyle this bitch is going to be sweet,” tightening the rope around the girl’s wrist Phil let his eyes roam over the girl’s ample chest.
Kyle was already unbuttoning his pants when he replied, “Yeah she is, that white haired fucker gets to sink into to this every night. I think it’s about time he shared don’t you?”
“Hell yeah I do, I can’t stand…hold up man she’s coming to.” Fear etched into the skinnier man’s voice has he looked at Kyle for direction.
“Don’t worry that gag will let us hear just enough of her screams. I told you I thought of everything right?” Bending down Kyle let his hand settle on her thigh. “Now you little whore lets get rid of these,” tugging on the brown haired girls floral panties.
“Take your hands off.” The harsh demanding words were pronounced just as evenly as they were cold.
“What the fuck!” Kyle turned around just in time to be sent crashing into a group of shovels against the wall.
Phil couldn’t move as he stared at the monster move towards him. Not getting a chance to run the skinny man was grabbed around his neck and flung into the same direction as Kyle.
Ignoring the painful moans of the two men Draco knelt down to pick up the crying girl. Walking a few paces towards the back of the shed the Slytherin gently placed her on her ripped and discarded clothing. Taking off his jacket he silently wrapped it around her before cutting her bondages.
With her hands freed Hermione shakily pulled out her scarf that was used for a gag. Her cries intensified the moment the yellow scrap of fabric hit the dirty floor. Without warning the brown-eyed girl wrapped her arms around the silent Slytherin.
“Sleep Hermione. Sleep now for me.” The warlock’s voice was as cold as the snow surrounding the shed causing Hermione to look up from his chest.
Before her protest could be heard she fell limply against his chest. Laying her back down, Draco did the last thing he could do for her now—he took off his ring. Positioning the now silver scepter in her arms, he stood up, Draco watched as the barrier formed around her small body.
Draco didn’t want her to be apart of what he was going to do.
Turning back around he noticed that his quarry was trying to escape. Being the genius he was though Draco already thought of that possibility. Watching for a few seconds as they clawed at the doors Draco smiled, letting his tongue run smoothly across his much sharper teeth, tonight was going to be so messy.
~*~
Boleslaw stared out his window up the hill at his tool shed. The moon was bright the icy wind was fairly calm allowing him to see and hear just about everything this night: the gentle night breeze that danced with the trees, the elaborate ballad of the cricket by his window, and the tortured screams of his farmhands.
Calmly he waited. Minutes passed by while the screams slowly died off. Boleslaw was a patient man; he knew that he would be rewarded with some kind of information as to why the familiar sounds of his farmhands were obviously being killed in his tool shed no less.
Taking a bite out of his sandwich he finally caught sight of a familiar white haired boy. Squinting a little, Boleslaw could only make out what seemed to be two armless torsos being drug behind the boy.
Though as interesting as that was, what really caught his attention was the fact that Draco looked nothing like himself. The boy’s hair was hanging everywhere and seemed to have some dark stains throughout it; Boleslaw figured that could only be the two mangled bodies’ blood. Draco was rather neat so that could be the only possibility. But it was the boy’s face that really stole the show, the lad had no eyes.
Just two black pools that glowed in the night, while his mouth was set in a permanent snarl bearing two rows of shining sharp teeth.
Interesting.
Quickly the boy used his pump to wash his face and arms off, what Boleslaw assumed was blood again. Then he went back into the cabin. Hopefully there wasn’t any other body in there, Boleslaw couldn’t really think of anyone else in the village that probably deserved death. He always did hate those two guys, but the Ministry sent him down here to watch and protect not to do the world any favors.
Putting the last piece of his sandwich in his mouth, he watched in surprise as he found out the reason to his observation.
Coming back out of the shed Draco, looking a little bit more normal, was carrying a very familiar half clad girl in his arms. Boleslaw sighed in disgust as his mind put together the facts.
With the girl wrapped in a man’s jacket and cradled against his chest Draco disappeared into the forest.
Boleslaw stared at his shed and let his mind wonder.
The boy was probably not going to come to work tomorrow.
~*~
Laying her on the bed Draco began to start all the fires in the cabin. Once he was done he went back to her, her face was still pale and tear stained from earlier. Grabbing his scepter Draco let the onyx tip hover over her waist.
Murmuring a spell, he read about long ago but never dreamed he would have to use, Draco waited for the result.
Holding his breath Draco sat tensely as the scepter continued to hum over her waist.
He was pretty damn sure he got to her on time, but he didn’t want to take any chances.
Seconds ticked by as his heart seemed to be frozen mid-beat.
Finally the onyx stone turned pure white, before returning to black.
Letting out a deep breath Draco let his head fall back for a second. Thanking every deity known to man that those fuckers didn’t touch her he pulled the blanket back across her body.
Releasing the sleep spell Draco sat in the chair by the window and waited for the hard part.
~*~
~Their disgusting hands were all over her, while their laughter rang in her ears. Nausea swept through her as they touched her in places no one has touched her before. She wanted to scream but she couldn’t.
Dear God let this be a nightmare, let me wake up.~
Opening her eyes Hermione let out a sob of relief when she recognized the wooden rafters of their cabin. Sitting up she felt the sheets tumble off her body exposing her bare skin to the room’s warm air.
Her mind felt like mush while her body felt like jelly, the act of grabbing the sheet seemed like it was happening in slow motion.
A scraping noise across the room caught her attention. Looking across the room her eyes meet his that was when the memories came back all at once.
Hermione was coming back from Laura’s house when that disgusting man stopped her, but that’s where that memory ended. It picked back up again when she was being held to the ground and tied up by the same man and another skinnier greasy man.
There awful words of what they were going to do to her kept replaying in her mind. Hermione knew she was crying but she wasn’t sure when she was dragged into Draco’s arms. Distantly she could hear him tell her over and over again that it was all over that she was safe, but her mind wouldn’t stop remembering.
She never had time to scream, because they put her scarf in her mouth and wrapped it around her head. But the worst part was when they started to rip off her clothes every sound of her clothes being torn seemed to bring her closer to reality of what they were going to do to her.
With the intention of ripping off her undergarments that was when Hermione heard the one thing that brought back hope. Draco.
Draco’s voice was horribly dark but it sent a wave of relief through her. Even his monstrous appearance looked lovely to her.
Dear God what would have happened if he didn’t show up.
Still crying she buried her face deeper into his chest, she felt his arms, which were already wrapped around her, tighten. Gratefulness could never cover what she felt for this man.

Draco knew it was going to be intense when she woke up, but actually hearing her sobs and feeling her deep tremors was an entirely different experience. It made him angry. Extremely angry. Leaning against the headboard Draco waited for her.
Slowly she ran out of tears, but Hermione refused to budge, she didn’t want to leave this feeling. Lying against his broad chest and wrapped in his muscular arms Hermione probably never felt safer.
“Hermione?” His deep voice penetrated her foggy mind.
A sniffle was all he got in response.
“Nothing happened to you. They didn’t touch you.” His voice was starting to sound as distorted as before. “I got there in time before they could…”
“I know.” Her voice was pitifully muffled by his chest but Draco could make out every word. “I remember when you came in, I knew that I was saved.” Lifting her head Draco was greeted by her sad puffy eyes face, “Oh Draco I can never thank you enough.” Her arms slipped from his waist to around his neck bringing her closer to him.
Tightening his arms around her small form he buried his face into her neck, “Dear Merlin Hermione I have never been so fucking mad in my entire life.” Not to mention scared out of his mind.
Pulling her back Draco locked his eyes with hers, “But I swear to God, Hermione Granger if you ever leave this house without me again I will kill you myself. Do you understand me?” shaking her to make sure she not only understood him but felt him he waited for her agreement before letting her fall back against him.
He was really angry with her, but Hermione didn’t care in the slightest. She just wanted him to keep holding her close like this until she felt safe again.
Eventually she took a shower, a long scalding one, Hermione couldn’t remember the last time she felt this dirty. Forgoing getting dressed in the room she quickly threw on the Slytherin’s shirt and walked out. There was no way he was getting this shirt back.
Outside the bathroom Draco stood against the wall to their bedroom waiting, since he already took a shower he could only be waiting for her. His eyes seemed to sweep over her in some sort of male satisfaction when she adjusted his oversized shirt on her body.
Walking up to him he let his hand settle on the small of her back as he led her the short distance back to the room. Yes it was ridiculous but she wanted it that way. Before she got in the shower she made sure he was still going to be awake while she cleaned. Hermione didn’t want to be alone even for a minute longer than necessary.
The feeling of safety he offered was invaluable.
Climbing in after her as she laid down Draco used his fingers to put out the flame to the candle, leaving only the rich orange glow of the fireplace to illuminate the room.
Watching her try to discreetly get near him Draco let an arrogant smile inch across his face. Letting out an arm from beneath the sheets he grabbed her waist and proceeded to drag her closer until she was a few inches away.
The satisfied smile she gave him warmed his blood as she snuggled into his chest.
“Draco did you really…”
He already knew her question. “Yes”
That one word seemed to be backed by so much controlled hatred and anger Hermione couldn’t stop the shudder.
“You cold?” Even with her agreement, and snuggling closer into to him Draco knew she was lying.
“I couldn’t let them live Hermione.” Turning her face up towards him Hermione could see the need for assurance in his eyes. Bringing her hand up Hermione let it rest on his firm jaw, feeling the muscles and tendons constrict and flex beneath her fingers.
“I can not thank you enough Draco, whatever you did I can only be grateful for. Those bastards deserved anything they got.” Feeling his arm around her waist tighten as she traced the side of his face Hermione continued, “I just hate that you had to do it.”
“Trust me it was my immense pleasure to do what I did to them.” It was a cold statement that made her heart clench but she pushed it out of her thoughts.
“Now then Princess lets forget that this ever happened shall we.”
Agreeing, she tried to stifle a yawn, “mmm lets. I am just so glad we became friends.”
“Me too.” But sleep already stole her from him. Well, at least he got his confirmation.
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