Chapter 7: Back to School

            A couple days later they were all back at Hogwarts. At dinner the night of their return.
Dumbledore wasn’t there, but Professor McGonagall was and gave quite a long speech to all the
students about co-mingling. Hermione and Draco were sitting at their own house tables They
glanced over at each other when McGonagall started speaking.

            “Welcome back to another term at Hogwarts. Professor Dumbledore is very sorry he
could not be here tonight. However, he along with the rest of your teachers have expressed their
concerns about all the dating, kissing, and sex that has started to happen right under our noses.
Don’t go looking at anyone either. This isn’t just about one or two couples. I’ve seen more
snogging at this school these past few years then ever before. I suppose it’s just the times
changing on us.”

            “Now, before your Holiday break started; we had a few particular incidences where
someone felt they were in danger and went running to their boyfriend’s dorm. They were found
there the next morning. Then there was another incident where You-Know-Who was harassing
that person and the only way he’d stop was if her protector was there.”

            “So, what we’ve come up with is this. We do not want to see any foul play or unwanted
pregnancies happening, but we feel there’s not a whole lot we can do other then try to keep you
lot separated at night. If someone is having problems and the only way they feel or are protected
is in their boyfriend or girlfriend’s arms then how do we stop this?”

            “The best solution we’ve come up with are the rules we had before. However, if someone
does need to feel protected or is in danger only a member of the opposite sex can stop or make
them feel better. Then they should feel free to go to them. That person will need to tell their
Head of House that they are having someone sleep over. We are also asking you all to please use
extreme caution when it comes to whether or not you’re having sex. We strongly disapprove un-married sex in this school and we will continue this stance.” Professor McGonagall finally
finished. Most of the eyes in the Great Hall were now going from Hermione to Draco.

            When everyone was excused to go to their houses and get a good nights sleep. Draco
caught up with Hermione.

“I can’t believe her. That speech wasn’t about the rest of the school. It was about us.” Hermione
told Draco. He took her hands in his and kissed them.

“Don’t worry about too much. I know for a fact that we aren’t the only ones in this school having
sex. Blaise and Daphne have been sneaking around for the past year.” Draco replied trying to
ease Hermione’s mind.

“Well I think I’m going to try and sleep in my room. Can I have your cloak though just in case?”
Hermione asked.

“Sure...I need to go work on my project tonight anyways. If not that then Snape may want to
start some sort of special lessons. I’ll talk to him about giving you Occulemency lessons too.”
Draco said. “Here, I’ll walk you to the Fat Lady,” Draco offered. Reaching out for Hermione’s
hand. She smiled softly and took it.

            When they got to the Fat Lady’s portrait. Draco kissed Hermione a couple times.

“See you later, then.” She said as she gave the password and stepped through the portrait. Draco
smiled to himself for a moment before realizing he needed to get back to reality. The reality of
being a Death Eater.

            Draco went up to the Room of Requirements. Paced the spot three times thinking of the
room he needed, and went inside as it appeared. He saw the vanishing cabinet there in all it’s
old, rusty glory. It was pretty much fixed. Just needed a test run or two to make sure all the kinks
were worked out. Draco hated that damn thing and vowed to re-break it and blast it into a million
pieces as soon as he could. Deciding his plan for killing Dumbledore was what needed the most
work. He went over to a desk Snape had set up for him and sat down. Looking at his notes. He’d
all ready tried poisoning a necklace, causing the person who found it to end up at St. Mungo’s.
Hermione had been very distraught about that one, and asked him if he knew anything about it.
Being afraid to tell her the truth, he lied and said it wasn’t him. Potter on the other hand had not
been so trusting, but never said a word because he didn’t want to end up in a fight with
Hermione. So now Draco needed a new approach.

            Deep down Draco knew it would come down to him having to out-smart Professor
Dumbledore. Easier said then done of course seems as how Dumbledore was no sissy, even
being the old man that he was. He still had style and could kick the shit out of another Wizard,
should he choose. Proving this point, Draco remembered hearing stories about the battle that had
taken place at the Ministry of Magic during his fifth year. He and Hermione had just discussed
what had happened there before Christmas break. Any Sorcerer who could nearly kick the crap
out of Voldemort...or escape his killing curse deserved a LOT of respect. Of course Draco would
only ever admit such things to one person...Hermione...His Hermione.

            What’s she doing right now? Damn-it! I’ve only been here for an hour and I’m all ready
missing her like crazy. I’m fucked...She’s got some grip on this cold heart of mine. Why her?
Why the Mudblood who I hated for so long...No, don’t call her a Mudblood. She’s
Hermione...My girlfriend. Draco found himself thinking about Hermione instead of doing what
he was supposed to be. How to do this...How to do this...God, Hermione looked great today...So
pretty...

            Draco was finding it harder and harder to concentrate. His thoughts about Hermione went
from being innocent, little Oh how I love her so much thoughts to dirty and even nasty ones like I
can’t wait until I get to shag her again...Her naked body on top of mine, riding me nice and
hard. He decided to not stop those thoughts...Against his better judgement of course. Soon Draco
found his hand sliding into his trousers and rubbing his now very hard penis. He was so caught
up in his thoughts that he didn’t even hear Snape come in and felt redness filling his cheeks as
Draco heard a cough. Thankfully, his shirt was covering enough of his pants to where snape
couldn’t have noticed what he was doing...hopefully.

            “Sorry, Professor...I just dozed off for a minute or two,” Draco apologized.

“Well stop! You don’t have time to be daydreaming Mr. Malfoy...I’m not risking my neck for
you to be doing that. I suggest you take a walk...clear your mind and then return and work some
more. Wh at have you even gotten accomplished?” Snape reached out and grabbed the
parchment that had been in front of Draco. Seeing a bunch of doodles on it that looked like H’s.

“PATHETIC! That’s what you are, Mr. Malfoy. Get yourself together and start coming up with a
real fail-proof plan that doesn’t include poisoning a necklace that you knew damn well
Dumbledore would never receive. BEFORE the Dark Lord gets too impatient.” Snape growled.

“ Why the Hell am I pathetic? Just because I’m in love with someone and trying to have a life of
my own?” Draco asked, trying to keep his calm about him.

“You’re pathetic because you’re up here supposed to be working on how to kill Albus
Dumbledore, but instead you’re mind is so clouded with thoughts of Miss Granger that you can’t
even let them stop long enough to work on this...It’s important, Draco.” Snape retorted.

Draco sighed, “ I don’t want to do this...I just want her to be ok.”

“Well too bad because you’re all ready committed to it, and you know that. There’s no backing
out once you decide to become a Death Eater. The only way out is through death.” Snape
reminded him, “Also, we’re going to be starting the lessons the Dark Lord has asked me to give
you tomorrow,” he finished before storming out of the room.

            Draco shook his head. Snape was right. He needed to clear his thoughts of Hermione and
focus on what he HAD to get done before the end of the school year. The last thing he wanted
was for Snape to end up dead because of him...For anyone to end up dead because of him for that
matter. So Draco got up from the chair he was sitting in and left. He wandered around the castle
for an hour or two before finding himself in the Gryffindor common room. Shaking his head, not
fully understanding how he ended up there, but knowing he couldn’t very well leave now as a
couple dozen eyes were now fixed upon him. Except for the pair he wanted to see most.
Hermione’s...She, Potter and Weasley were over by the fire place. Hermione was reading a book
while Harry had appeared to have fallen asleep.

            Draco was shocked Hermione hadn’t noticed him standing there yet as he started walking
toward her.

“Hey,” Draco said. Hermione finally looked up from her book and Harry jolted awake.

“Hi...I didn’t expect you to come back tonight.” Hermione replied as she set her book down.

“I did a few things, but then Snape came in and told me to take a walk to clear my mind. I ended
up in front of the Fat Lady. He wants to start our lessons tomorrow.” Draco explained. Hermione
stood up and gave Draco a soft, warm hug.

“Do you need to talk?” Hermione asked. She could tell Draco was in a bit of a bad mood.

“I want to, but I can’t. I wish he’d just leave us alone.” Draco whispered. Not wanting to be
overheard by anyone.

“You be careful tonight too, ok? I bad talked the Dark Lord a little in front of Snape.” Draco
cautioned Hermione.

“I will be.” Hermione assured him.

“I really don’t like you being alone at night.” Draco said as he kissed her. “Worries your poor
boyfriend.” Draco kissed her again. Ignoring all the stares and whispering around them.

“I’ll be fine, Draco. You know if I have any problems or get scared I’ll come to you. I’ve never
hesitated in doing that, have I?” Hermione replied.

“Yeah, I guess,” Draco said. Hermione kissed him a couple more times. “I’d better get going
before Snape gets pissed. Sure you don’t want to come stay the night?” Draco asked.

“I’m sure. I’ll see you tomorrow in class.”

“Fine, the password is ‘Glory’,” Draco whispered into Hermione’s ear. Kissing her neck a
couple times.

“Thanks...Love you.” She said, kissing him quickly.

“Love you too.” Draco replied before leaving.

            The next morning, Draco wasn’t at breakfast. Hermione’s first class was Arithmancy.
Draco’s was History of Magic, which he hated with a passion.

            Their next class was Potions with Professor Slughorn. Harry was planning on asking him
about Horcruxes. So Draco and Hermione sat wit him. Draco wasn’t sure what was more
shocking to people. Him and Hermione sitting together or the fact that it looked like Draco and
Harry were almost friends. Which, they weren’t. Draco couldn’t stand the little do-gooder. He
just put on a show to please Hermione. Harry, he figured was pretty much doing the same as was
Ron.

            All through their classes that day Hermione and Draco held hands. Sometimes he would
run his fingers through her hair. At the end of the day, it was time for Draco to go for his lesson
with Professor Snape. He’d been dreading this moment all day and decided to snog Hermione a
little in a dark hall way near Snape’s classroom.

“You’re procrastinating,” Hermione smiled in between kisses.

“So...” Draco pulled back and ran a hand up the front of Hermione’s school uniform. Squeezing
her breasts in his hand.

“The sooner you get it over with, the sooner we can finish this,” she said. Playfully stroking him
through his trousers. Only to hear Draco groan in agreement.

“Fine, take my back pack, would you?”

“Sure,” Hermione said taking the bag from him. “I’ll be in your room doing homework...is that
ok?”

“Mhm...Kiss me one more time...Show me what I have to look forward to,” Draco cocked an eye
brow. Hermione rolled her eyes before kissing him nice and slow. Thrusting her tongue into his
mouth and sucking on his bottom lip a bit.

            Draco reluctantly pulled away from Hermione’s embrace and went to Snape’s office.
Tapping the door with his knuckles.

“Come in, Mr. Malfoy,” Snape called to him. Draco entered the room where he saw a large
wardrobe. It looked like what they used to learn about Boggarts their third year.

“Sir,” he greeted the professor.

“It’s not a Boggart per say, Draco. You will need to kill who ever walks out of it. It will seem
like they are real, but they’re not. They’re false. We’ll be practicing with this until you can get
all the way up to Dumbledore. The Dark Lord wants to make sure you’re still capable of killing
someone. That Miss Granger hasn’t clouded that part of you. He needs to know you’re still loyal
to him and the Pureblood world. Even though your previous actions so far this year show
different. He must not know you’ve had any change of heart.”

            Draco nodded and readied his wand in his hand.

“Ready?” Snape asked.

“Yes, Sir.”

Professor Snape flicked his wand out at the wardrobe. Out came Bellatrix Lestrange. Draco’s
aunt. He’d always liked her a lot up until the past year or so when he realized just how evil she
really was. Not to mention she’d do anything for Lord Voldemort. She loved him more then
anyone. She’d told Draco so at Christmas the year before, not that he hadn’t all ready gathered
that information from her actions around the Dark Lord. She practically worshiped the guy.

“Avada Kadavra,” Draco said, pointing his wand to her. A green flick of light hitting her square
in the chest. He watched as she disappeared.

“Good job, Mr. Malfoy...next.”

            The next person to walk out was Narcissa Malfoy...Draco’s mother. He loved her terribly
and would do anything to protect her and keep her safe. Although she didn’t necessarily deserve
that from him. She’d always spoiled him and done anything she could to keep him out of harms
way. She also kept him away from both his parents. Giving him loads of toys and treats so he
wouldn’t bother them. Even his own huge, bedroom was proof of that. Still, she was the one who
had given birth to him, nursed him as a baby, and she was his mother.

“Av...Avada Kadavra,” he shouted. A tear trickling down as she disappeared just like his Aunt
had.

            On down the line people walked out and Draco killed them. Whether he wanted to or not.
His father, Potter, Weasley, Snape, Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy, Blaise, Wormtail, Voldemort, and
finally the one person he knew he would never be able to kill in any form. Real or false. Stepped
out. Hermione Granger. She walked towards him. Draco just looked at Snape.

“What the Hell? I can’t kill her...No, I won’t!” Draco shouted, dropping to his knees. Trying to
calm himself. He didn’t need to break down in tears in front of Snape. He’d really think of him
as a sissy if that happened. Draco had become a pathetic excuse of a Pureblood, and he knew it.
Falling in love with Hermione had shown him things he never thought were possible. Made him
felt things he’d never felt.

“Fine, until next time.” Snape shrugged, disappointment written all over his face. “You’re
excused.”

            Draco hung his head down and left. Going straight back to his room. He needed
reassurance his girlfriend was ok. When he got to his room, he saw Hermione had fallen asleep
while waiting for him. She was on her stomach, still wearing her uniform. The skirt of it riding
up just enough to make his heart skip a beat. Draco went over to the bed and sat on the edge.
Debating whether or not to wake her up. He was perfectly content with just sitting there
watching her sleep.

            Hermione felt the mattress shift and woke up. When she opened her eyes and shifted her
head a bit. Hermione saw Draco sitting there. Just watching her, which made her feel a little
strange for some reason. She sat up and kissed his cheek as she wrapped her arms around his
waist, and rested her head on his shoulder.

“Are you ok, Draco?” Hermione asked. Draco nodded slightly. Then Hermione saw a tear roll
down his cheek. “What’s wrong? Did something happen during your meeting with Snape?”

“Sort of...I couldn’t finish the lesson. Now he’s going to probably end up making me do it with
you standing there,” Draco replied. Only confusing Hermione even more. “You’ll have to stand
there with me until I can do what I’m supposed to...And do it right. Then you’ll leave while I
finish,” Draco was careful not to say more then Hermione was allowed to know at the moment.

            For the life of her, Hermione couldn’t figure out what could be so bad with her there
watching. Whatever it was really had Draco upset. She kissed his cheek again and reached down
for his hands.

“It’s ok, Draco. You know I’ll do anything for you,” She said softly.

“That’s what makes it that much harder,” Draco replied looking over at her as his hands played
with her fingers. “You’re going to think terrible of me after all this. You might even be scared of
me again. I just can’t take that look again.”

“V– I mean he’s not going to be there is he?”

“No, the Dark Lord shouldn’t be there. But I am having to act on his orders and since I couldn’t
complete my lesson today, he’s probably going to punish me,” Draco explained.

“...and it all has something to do with me?” Hermione asked. Draco nodded as he slid his shoes
off and crawled onto his bed. Laying his head on one of the big, fluffy pillows. Hermione slid up
next to him and began running her fingers through his soft hair.

            As Hermione was playing with Draco’s hair. She leaned down to kiss his forehead, and
then brought her hand down to his face. Leaning down again and kissing him softly.

“I should probably go to my room now...or at least back to Gryffindor Tower,” Hermione
suggested. Sitting herself back up. She went to crawl off the bed, but Draco stopped her.

“Hermione, please don’t go. Stay here with me tonight?” Draco asked.

“We’ve both got class in the morning...I don’t want to get us– ”

“In trouble? Hermione don’t even go there. You’ve been sneaking in here at night since what,
November? On school nights even and no one will think you’re a slut. You’ve only shagged
me.” Draco interrupted.

“Were you just?”

“Oh come off it. I read one thought. I wanted to know why you really didn’t want to stay here,”
Draco defended himself.

“I don’t have any pajamas down here. Can I at least go change?”

“I don’t want you out of my sight or arms tonight. You’ll understand soon enough. You can wear
one of my t-shirts and a pair of my boxers.”

“It’s a bit cold for shorts.”

“So, wear my pants then. I don’t care, Hermione. Just as long as you stay here!” Draco snapped,
his temper getting the best of him. “I can even start a fire if you want.” He glanced over at the
fireplace in his Prefect’s quarters.

“Fine, I’ll stay,” Hermione finally gave in.

            Draco sat himself up and crawled off of his bed. Going to his trunk and pulling out a pair
of pants and a plain, white t-shirt.

“Here, I’ll go tell Snape you’re staying in here while you change. The restroom is down the hall,
and to the right. There’s some fresh toothbrushes in one of the drawers and toothpaste by the
sink.” Draco said as he handed Hermione the clothes.

“Ok.” Hermione replied. He’s lucky I love him so much. Draco heard her thinking. Especially
after he yelled at me. Ugh, quit, Hermione. You know it’s not Draco’s fault.

“Ok, we’ll I’ll be back in a few minutes or so.” Draco said, kissing the top of Hermione’s head.