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
- 7
- 8
- 9
Her body felt as if it were buried alive, struggling she slowly removed what was covering her. Like lifting a bag of bricks she slowly raised up, to inspect what was making her feel so dreadfully “buried”. Her brow arched at the site of her lower body covered haphazardly with quilts. Like needles, panic crept into her stomach and traveled to her furiously pumping heart, giving it a wrenching clench. Turning her head slowly she was horrified to see Malfoy lying right next to her sleeping soundly with not one sheet covering him.
Dear Merlin did she subconsciously crawl into the bed last night and take his covering. Shame crept over Hermione's entire body as she carefully crawled out of the bed, she didn't need to wake him too, she was quite sure she has done enough dreadfully selfish deeds for one morning. Gently she grabbed the quilts that were on her and draped them onto his naked torso.
"I don't need them." His gravely voice rising out of the blue nearly sent her into cardiac arrest.
"I am so sorry I didn't know I would take your covers." the shame and embarrassment in her voice was thick as butter. On any other occasion Draco would have taken full advantage of her fallen moment, but right now he felt too much like shit to even care.
"You didn't." Seconds dragged by as she stared at him perplexed by the meaning of his words. Though there was one conclusion that came to mind, it was an answer she was sure she could never believe. Although if she didn't ask she was positive the question was going to burn a hole in her soul later.
"Did you..."
"Its a task I do not see myself repeating in the future so lets not make a big case about it." silver eyes bore into her brown eyes the entire time before he closed them again, thus ending that topic. The urge to throw something at him however was strong, but if that meant spending more time here with him than she could resist for now.
"Well thank you." Hermione made sure to lace her thanks with as much malice as she could muster.
His smirk and small snort told her he understood her intent. "I will not be the blame of your moronic-freezing-death Hermione Granger." There was so much sarcasm and contempt in that sentence she wasn't sure where to begin being angry at. "Besides," opening his silver eyes, once more he fixed her with their penetrating stare, "I hate to owe people anything."
There was no emotion to represent, no words to be spoken just agreement in silence.
Trying not to feel goose bumps from his gaze she decided to change the topic.
"I know you feel like shit, but I doubt Mr. Plympton will let us get out of practice. The man seems incapable of committing a fair or even remotely decent act towards us, so we might as well put up a good fight no matter how tragic the outcome will be." The sight of Malfoy's deepening scowl told her agreed with her assumption. "So it is now five-thirty and we have until eight to get you in working order."
"I do not need your help Gran....Hermione." The sound of her name coming from his lips was going to be a sound that would take time getting used to.
Crossing her arms she just stared at him.
Having his arch enemy staring at him in her PJs and tussled air was rather odd and actual quite disconcerting.
"Ok Mr. Draco Malfoy, please demonstrate your top level of fitness with a simple maneuver and stand up."
As smooth as silk a smirk ran across her face when she caught the look in his eyes at her words. Hermione didn't know the Slytherin could get any paler, but like her mother always said miracles do happen.
Bitch, he would teach her that Draco Malfoy was no weak failure.
Gripping the headboard for support Draco slowly pulled himself to his feet. Pain from all corners of his body reacted at once making him sweat and pulsate all over. Dammit he was going to do this; he would not look like a fool, or a weak one at that. Summoning all his strength he forced his body to step forward and that's where it all went downhill. The ability to maintain standing was rapidly disappearing, causing him to fall back towards the bed.
Feeling a cool touch, he focused his eyes on the source it was coming from. Surprisingly he watched a set of rather small arms quickly slipping around his waist guiding him back down to the bed.
The soft chest of his begrudgingly Gryffindor roommate came pressing down on his as she assisted him to the same spot he originated from. The worst part was that bloody smell, that sweet tangy smell. Flowing all around him and pressed up against him as she helped him, it was the beguiling scent of honey and lemon grass. Two very pleasurable distinct smells combining on this wretched woman. If the strength were in him so help him Merlin, Draco would have thrown the mudblood as far from him as possible, just to rid his senses of the bothersome fragrance. A scent he always faintly caught a whiff of in school but could ignore, but now it was as if it could drown his sensitive nose.
"Ok Draco, like I said we have until 8 to get you prepared."
Merlin only knew why this vile woman was placed in his life in such an unpleasant manner.
Watching her walk away, thankfully taking her horrid smell with her, he started to contemplate his incredible luck in life. Could it ever be conceived in one's wildest dreams that Draco Malfoy's archenemy would be nursing him back to health. Even if the entire Gryffindor class were to come together he was pretty sure nothing so heinous as this predicament would be conjured up towards him in revenge.
Clattering of dishes brought him from his reverie; drawing his eyes towards the door, quickly he made sure his face of indifference was still on. Though the sight of Granger balancing a large tray of food in her arms was an alarmingly curious sight he sure as hell didn't plan on showing her that piece of evidence.
"I figured if you could eat something," she placed the tray over his lap." You can gain a lot more of your energy back." Setting the tray gingerly on his lap while he sat a still as a board. "Besides you haven't eaten in awhile."
They stared at each other for the longest. Wondering who would make the first move. Who would say something nasty to try and hide his or her embarrassment.
Looking down at his tray of food, he noticed that there was soup, which looked like potato and herbs, a piece of bread, a glass of milk, and a square of cheese. Looking back up he simply raised an eyebrow, before he picked up his spoon. But before he let his spoon touch the steaming liquid in the bowl, he let his ears pick up a tell-tell sign. She wasn't breathing, which meant she was nervous.
Bringing the soup to his mouth he could simultaneously hear her breath hitch even further. Trickling down his throat the warm liquid brought to life something he thought was dead. His fierce hunger.
Hermione was so scared that he was going to hate it that she had her whole body prepared for insult. No matter what sort of punishment they were on she was one hundred percent positive that he would not control himself to say something ugly towards her. This was Draco Malfoy they were talking about, he wasn't one to go around tasting a Gryffindor's home cooking and not talking trash about her.
However, whatever she did expect was not the sight before her now. It was shocking and mildly disturbing coming from the prince of posh. Draco Malfoy was basically inhaling the food right before her eyes.
"Draco! You have got to slow down before you make yourself sick." Being the stubborn fool he was though, he kept on eating ignoring her very existence.
"Stop it...NOW!" The depth of her yell stopped his movements dead in their tracks, while sending his messy hair blowing back. Draco wouldn't necessarily say that scared him but he wouldn't say it wasn't jolting.
Brown orbs of fury stared at him until he let the spoon fall back to his bowl.
"Now, as I was trying to tell you Draco is that if you continue with that outlandish pace you will get sick. You must take in for account that you did suffer a nasty bite from some sort of pond monster and contracted a slight case of pneumonia."
"Oh come off it, I was sick for a total of a night if that. Besides the one good thing about this bloody change is that my body is a lot stronger than a normal wizard's, which means I can take a hell of lot more damage and not give a toss. " Straightening up a little more caused his chest to expand reminding Hermione that he was right about his overall stamina. No other wizard or human for that matter could take the bit of damage that he did and not be in the infirmary for at least a week. Peeling her eyes away from his broad and very naked chest she let out a small oath at the sight of him again, shoveling the rest of the bread and soup into his mouth somehow at the same time.
Reaching for the bowl, determined to stop the nonsense herself, her wrist was caught mid-stride by his clawed hand. Looking up out of shock, her eyes clashed with the storm in his. Dear Merlin, he was like a wild animal protecting its kill.
Looking at her small wrist in his large hand was a true picture of their odd partnership. Delicate vs. beast. The grip he had on her was loose but precise. The thumb was placed exactly at the joint of the wrist to allow one's attacker to quickly and deftly push it until it breaks.
Would he break her wrist?
The thumping of her blood increased every second he held the appendage. So easy it would be to snap the bone in her wrist before she could make a move. To be like his father however, was not his agenda. Even she had to know he wouldn't break a girl's wrist even if she was the bane of his existence.
"I told you to leave me alone." the growl he let out went down her wrist all the way to her toes.
"And I told you to stop eating so insanely fast before you get sick."
Still with her wrist inside his hand Draco mulled over options. Argue with her, stare her down, threaten the small appendage in his hand, or concede. The growling in his stomach finally won out.
Tugging her wrist towards him bringing her closer he looked into her shocked curiosity riddled eyes.
"If I eat slower will you leave me in peace while I eat." Expectantly her eyes narrowed in annoyance as she yanked her wrist from his already loosening grasp and got up.
"Just eat so we can get training over with." The loud slamming of the bathroom door told him their conversation was over.
After he finished he sat there on the bed for a few minutes listening to the shower run and his appeased stomach settle. That Gryffindor might be the scourge of his world but she was one that could really cook. The soup was so delectable and rich while even the toast seemed perfectly toasted.
Setting the empty tray to the side he tried to stand up one more time. Pushing his legs up Draco could literally feel the newly acquired energy seep throughout his body, soothing the pains in his muscles slowly away.
Running his hands through his hair he put it into a ponytail. Looking at his watch he let out a few curse words, it was ten till eight. Throwing a shirt over his head he walked out the room only to head straight into a hopping Gryffindor.
"Why in bloody hell are you hopping up and down like a ..."
A hand was slapped over his mouth before he could utter another word. Staring directly at him was Granger's angry face.
"Do be quiet before we are stuck together in this shack for the rest of our lives."
It was rather shocking to have someone else's hand slapped over your mouth in mid-sentence especially when it was freezing cold.
Snatching her hand from his face he gave her an equally loathsome look before letting her freezing hand drop to her side. Taking a step back he watched her continue to struggle to put her shoe on, Draco gathered hopping up and down seemed to help somehow. He noticed that her hair was dripping wet in a sloppy bun, allowing the water to soak the back of her shirt. Letting his eyes travel down her arms Draco noticed that she had Goosebumps everywhere.
Then he remembered that blasted statement from Mr. Plympton again “You Mr. Malfoy watched as Miss Granger went to bed every night without proper heat while yourself slept quite comfortably." His eyes narrowed at the conclusion before him.
Walking to the door he opened it revealing a note with a gray wax seal lying on the ground. Picking it up he could hear the girl behind him hopping towards him to peek over his shoulder.
"What does it say? Do hurry and open it before something happens?" Looking down into her eyes he could genuinely tell that she felt that they were being tested on this or something. Everything was an examination to this girl.
"I want to know what you really think is going to happen if I do not open this letter in the time you wish for me to?" The temptation to give the know it all one of his infamous I-am-begging-you-to-challenge-me look could simply not be resisted.
Just one look from that asshole could send her blood pressure sky high. "Look all I am saying is that I am pretty sure there was some sort of expected time frame for this letter to be opened. So, I would like to open it before that time frame is long since gone."
It was her tongue, Draco was positive that is where her annoyance came from, if only he was allowed just one more spell a day he could come up with the perfect curse to fix that problem.
Ripping the seal open he held it so they could both read it.
Dear Students
Today there shall be no traditional practice in honor of both of your displays of humanity. However, to let the both of you go even today unguided would be ineffectual. You will both train yourselves with interacting within society. The village will be the perfect testing grounds for this training simulation. Remember to use discretion and to work together.
Professor Plympton
“Humanity.” Crumpling in his fist he let the letter fall to the floor, before he stepped on it on his way out the door. “That pompous bastard, the urge to rip out a man’s throat has never been so bloody strong.”
Anger was an emotion she was unaccustomed to seeing, at least so brazenly and powerfully shown. It was honestly what scared her about Malfoy the most; his anger seemed to be the only factors that controlled and drove him to reach his personal goals. Eyes filled with such strong malice, his jaw set rigid with grim determination, while his efficacious build loomed over his opponents. Draco Malfoy was born to fill out the role of an enemy.
Blowing gently the wind brought him a very startling scent, warm honey with lemongrass and cinnamon.
Turning slowly he looked back towards the door his eyes met with hers. The beat of her pulse in her neck and her change of scent told him she was scared. Fear from one's enemies was an advantage, but he did not want it from her. For some reason he never wanted her fear, others yes but never hers. Granger was supposed to be the one that always fought him no matter what, never one to back down, always there to give him the release he needed; but all that without the feelings of fear; hatred, disgust, and the urge to kill him were emotions he could handle. The look in her eyes though was the same look people gave his father, a look reserved for a monster. Dammit he was not his father and he be damned if Granger hated him on a level like that. Though how would get that bloody look of fear out of her eyes was beyond him.
Like a doe she carefully put one-foot forward then another, slowly approaching him. Standing motionless he let his firm eyes lock onto hers. The inner struggle she had within herself was apparent through her burgundy eyes. Hesitantly she reached his side looking up to him for the next move.
His stomach actually clenched, Draco wasn't sure how the hell he should respond when she was looking at him like a skittish doe. A crude remark resulting to a nice heated argument was his normal route, but unless he planned on dying here he decided against that plan.
"Lets try to make it to the village and back before it gets dark, or at least be halfway back before it gets really dark." her short nod prompted him to continue, the mere fact that she didn't try to take charge or correct his statement in any way was beyond odd. "I think I can speak for both of us when I say that encountering another monster or any creature of that manner is not something that’s on the agenda any time soon."
The haunted look that went through her eyes was enough to tell him that she agreed wholeheartedly. Turning towards the woods they slowly made their way to the dense trail.
Crunching of leaves and twigs accompanied by the occasional chirping of birds guided their trek. Hermione never realized how quiet the forest could be during the day, at night sure but in the day I was just plain weird.
Trying to take her mind off the uncomfortable silence she looked at the sights the forest had to offer. Since the part of the forest they were in was close to the cliff's edge, which led to the ocean, she could faintly catch the scent of salt drifting through the breeze.
"Draco?" soft and but firm was the best way to describe her voice. It commanded to be heard while still bearing a female's appeal, too bad he loathed her very existence.
"Mmmm" Stubborn pratt, she was trying to talk to him and he was being annoying. Ignoring his blatant disrespect, she continued her thought.
"Since your physical abilities have transcended normal human abilities I bet you could smell if not hear the ocean as well." Rolling his eyes, he began to tell the frizz head he had no intention of playing parlor tricks with her, but knowing the uncomfortable silence he would have to endure again he decided to amuse her this once. Besides the way she said it made his pride surge a bit. The Gryffindor princess was staring up at him with an expectant look in her eyes, she was waiting for him to elaborate on his new-found abilities.
“Yes I can smell it and hear it.”
Realizing that was all he was going to say she let out a small sigh and looked away. They were never going to be able to work together if they couldn’t talk to one another.
“Magical greenhouses are known to grow anything at anytime right?” Draco’s eyes never looked at her as he made the statement they just stared straight ahead. Uncertainly she answered the random question, hoping a point would be revealed soon.
“Yes.”
The curiosity in her voice caused him to smirk. Tilting his head up he stopped walking and turned his head slowly in the direction of the breeze. Letting his nose sniff around one last time, he stopped and looked back down at her.
“I didn’t see any berries in the greenhouse, if you take about thirty-two steps to my right you will find some sort of berry bush, it will be edible.” Leisurely he let his eyes fall back on the Gryffindor only to feel his heart freeze. Hermione Granger was smiling at him.
“That’s marvelous Draco maybe on our way back if there is still light we can get some.” Bright and joyful were the two emotions she was showing him—Draco Malfoy. A man she despises, a man that despises her. What the hell was going on?
“Don’t think for a minute I am going to go frolicking all over this forest with you Princess for some bloody berries. Because in case you might have had a lapse in judgment, I am not your friend you are not mine and we do not want to be here, remember.” His fists were clenched and his body was looming over her petite one as he backed her into a tree. Ahh the anger was back; it made him feel so familiar again. The slip into her world was big but thankfully he got out in time. Draco Malfoy wasn’t going to be another one of the Gryffindor's bitches like Potter and Weasel boy.
Rolling her eyes she stepped around him and back onto the trail. Turning around to look at her he was the one now with confusion in his eyes.
“Oh please Draco,” his named never sounded so despised, her eyes flashed and a smile appeared as she continued. “Have no fear you are in no danger of becoming my friend' one has to have her standards, and I am afraid you just don’t quite fit the bill.” without waiting for a reaction, she turned to continue down the path.
Setting his jaw, he followed her the village.
Insufferable bitch.
88888
Before they emerged from the woods she stopped and faced him with her hands on her hips.
“What now?” it was half groan and growl. Being semi civil to this bitch was grating his already frayed nerves.
“l just wanted to tell you what they think of you.” How could she say that so matter-of-factly, she basically just told him that they already have some preconceived notion of him without meeting him.
“Talking about me behind my back are we? Why Hermione I had no clue of your infatuation.”
“Now Draco I thought it was agreed not to disgust each other.” The flash of lightning in her eyes with her big smile told him how much she appreciated his sarcasm. Arguments may not be as vulgar as before but they could still be intense.
Slowly stepping closer to her he watched her tense at his intimidating presence.
"What is it I should know exactly?" Letting his deep voice rumble even lower just so she could feel his point.
"Well," she cleared her throat and stepped back from him a bit, "I told them that you and I were journalist working on a countryside novel. You were the writer I was the photographer."
"So let me get this straight you have these people thinking we are living together as writers." Did she have any clue as to how that sounded?
For the first time in years the look of pure shock was written all over his face. Hermione had gotten so use to seeing him with a scowl while his face was set in stone she forgot what other emotions could look like on him.
"Well yeah...That was all I could think of at the time." What was the big deal it sounded perfectly reasonable to her.
"Do know what your explanation even implies?" Being daft and smart was a rare accomplishment only Hermione Granger could pull off.
"No." It had to be the softest and most innocent reply she has ever graced him with. Sighing he rubbed his forehead trying to think of how to say his next statement without getting more time added on to their sentence.
"Labeled the smartest witch of our time huh? Hermione it sounds like we are bloody shagging each other."
"NO it doesn't!" she practically screamed at him.
Giving a short snort he leaned against a nearby tree. "Well if that’s what you told them, then that is what they think."
"But..."
"Besides if you are supposed to be a photographer where the hell is your camera genius?" By now his eyes were closed as he rested against the scratchy bark of the tree, doing his best to walk the Gryffindor through the kinks of her story.
"Oh damn." Right before she left the room this morning she specifically told herself not to forget the blasted thing but between Draco and the letter, that thought was ranked unimportant. "Well we could just tell them we are here to get supplies."
"Mmm very well. Is that it? Are there any more details I should know, before we go out there?" Opening his eyes he stared at her trying to rack her brain for a minute.
"No, I am pretty sure that was all I said," nodding her head firmly with a small smile.
Sweet Merlin she was proud she remembered that was it, rubbing the back of his neck he pushed off from the tree and stood at her side.
"Good now come on, I would like to get back before dark so I won't have to fight anymore monsters in these sodding woods."
Stepping out of the forest tree line they began their walk up the village’s main road. Even though they were technically out of the forest and into the village property they were still a few minutes from actual public spots.
"Draco, I never did have a chance to thank you about that, I mean I know you hate me and all but I still want to say thank you for saving my life."
"For Merlin’s sake don't bring it up, when I do something that some may consider nice we are to overlook it and pretend it never happened." He figured the mere hope that she would forget about that part of last night was too good to actually come true.
"Oh...well...ok then." Letting her words trail off, she decided not to push the subject any further; he obviously had no desire to remember it. Not that she could blame him.
"Besides," Draco looked down at her now and straight into her eyes with an intense stare and a devilish smirk. "I will be the one to kill my enemies not some low life pond scum."
"I am flattered…I guess." Threat slash compliment, only Malfoy could pull off such a heinous task.
A deep rich chuckle escaped his chest as they walked closer to the village main thoroughfare. "You should be."
Pulling out her lip balm charm again she applied it to her lips, thankfully she remembered to bring it with her.
“Draco do you speak Italian?”
“Yes why?” she was really getting to despise that bored tone he used with her, but she was happy she didn’t have to get his mucky germs on her lip balm.
“Never mind then.”
“Miss Hermione you came back!” A soft little squeal was heard before they both turned to see a young girl with long black hair standing with her hands clasped together and a nervous smile on her face.
“Hello Agnese.” Taking his eyes off the girl approaching them, Draco stole a quick glance at Hermione. Italian coming from her sounded odd, it seemed misplaced. Italian was a romance language he liked to associate with silky haired dreamy goddesses, not frizz ball Granger.
“Miss Hermione I thought you would never return.” The raven haired girl spoke to her but stared intensely at Malfoy the entire time.
“This is Draco Malfoy the one I told you about last time.” Hermione wasn’t sure how she was supposed to phrase her sentences anymore, now that Malfoy told her they might interpret it wrong.
A quick curtsy was all the staring girl could manage, Hermione wasn’t sure if she was falling to the Malfoy charm or scared stiff.
“Agnese child, have you no manners in your body. Stop staring at the boy like that.” The deep authoritative voice captured the small groups attention successfully stopping the odd stare Malfoy was receiving. Bernadette was walking towards them with a scowl directed towards the now sheepish looking Agnese. Mumbling an apology Agnese curtsied once more before taking her assumed position behind Bernadette.
“Well hello child, I was curious as to when you might come round again.” Turning to the stoic figure beside Hermione she gave him a once over before speaking, “and you must be the writer friend of hers.”
Friend? Draco was positive the word friend didn’t leave Granger’s mouth when describing him, but the explanation she gave him was so twisted he wouldn’t even try correcting these commoner’s minds.
“My name is Draco Malfoy.” Hermione felt like slapping him beside his head. How could one be so damned rude?
“Mmm,” was the only sound Bernadette made in reply.
Racking her mind Hermione tried to think of something to take the woman’s mind off the arsehole standing next to her. “Bernadette, I could have sworn you said that there would be a village market day tomorrow, am I right?”
Taking her eyes off Malfoy Bernadette smiled at her and replied, “Yes you are correct, every week on the same day we hold a market day where people trade or buy goods from one another.”
“That sounds fun.” Malfoy’s grunt was not unheard as she tried to block out the asshole from the conversation.
“Yes it can be but now it gets routine.” Sadness and boredom were two very obvious emotions shown on Bernadette and Agnese’s faces.
Why the hell he was standing here listening to poor people talk about poor rituals was beyond him. The idea of walking off crept into his mind a few times but was squashed when he recalled he had no wish to talk to these backward squibs. He much rather leave that up to the mud-blood, it was more on her caste level.
After a few more minutes of discussing the upcoming day’s events they said their goodbyes, well more like Hermione said both of their goodbyes, and decided to stop off at the general store before heading home.
The building wasn’t too much different than the other houses; in fact it looked like a house just with a sign in front. The main road in front of the house was gravely while each house was surrounded by lush green grass and few scattered wild flowers, Hermione couldn’t believe how picturesque this place was. Looking past the houses towards the north she could catch a glimpse of the olive tree fields, with shadowy figures working hard in the last hours of sunlight.
“Are we going in or not?” Blinking she looked back up behind her into the cold gray eyes of her adversary. Malfoy had a special way of ruining almost everything. Sighing she opened the door to the store, the ringing of the copper bell above the door immediately signaled their entrance.
“Pomeriggio buono (good afternoon.)” The elderly voice greeted them from the back of the room, and from their position that could be anywhere. On the inside it was rather hard to believe that this place could be one of those houses outside. Aisles and aisles of food and miscellaneous items were everywhere.
“Are we positive no magic is used here?” she whispered to the Slytherin.
“I have never seen so much junk.” Draco was stunned and disgusted that someone could live in such an environment.
“Hello sir my name is Hermione and this is Draco Malfoy.” She announced it loud enough so wherever the mysterious shop owner was he could hear it.
“My name is Amadeo, please look around if you need help you do not hesitate to ask me and when you are finished walk up to the counter and pay for it there, ok?” The voice simply resonated through the room before stopping leaving them silent once more.
“Well….ok then lets get started.” Turning around she faced the chest of the Slytherin, there was so much stuff in the house making standing room rather cramped. “We only have so much money so lets get the bare necessities for now until we figure out how to get more money. So besides candles, matches, flour, and sugar what else do we need?”
The lift of his white eyebrow was all she needed to know that her question held no logic to in his eyes.
“Ok then but please try and think of things you might need tonight so we may pick them up tomorrow.” Such a motherly tone, directed towards him. Draco had no idea how to respond to that one.
Passing up and down the small over stuffed aisles with Draco following slowly behind her, made her realize that they lacked a lot of money for a month and their cabin was going to need a lot of things to make it comfortable in that time span.
Resigning herself to the basics she thought of earlier, she carried them easily in the small basket she thankfully brought along on their journey. Getting ready to walk to the counter she felt a small nudge on her back. Turning around she saw Malfoy standing with his hands in his pockets staring at her as if he never nudged her. Furrowing her brow, she was positive he was teasing her, but before she could tell him to quit he began to talk.
“We need tea and coffee.” Blankly she stared at him before smiling and grabbing the coffee and tea he motioned for with his eyes.
With that they made their way to the counter. What they were expecting to find behind the counter was somewhere along the lines of an old man to go along with the voice, not a young man with sandy brown hair around their age reading a book. Hermione noticed it was Le Miserable; just the thought of that wonderful book brought a smile to her face.
The book falling out of his hand however quickly broke her reverie she was having, glancing up she noticed the flush of the boy’s cheeks as he hurriedly stuffed his book beneath the counter somewhere and began to take her groceries out of her basket to ring up.
“I..I..I am so…sor…sorry M’am. I didn’t realize you…you…you…w…were there, my apologies.” The young man’s gaze would never meet her eyes, it just kept constantly averting to different angles as he stuttered out his apology.
Smiling softly she introduced them. “Do not worry about it, I love that book by the way.”
Every word she said seemed to make the little git blush even more. It was downright disgusting to watch. Fawning over a mud-blood like that, did he have any sort of self worth, even if he was just a pathetic squib. Catching the boy’s eyes with his own, Draco let his stoic face fall for a second to let the kid see the contempt he was gaining for him through his darkening expression.
As expected they were out of there within the minute, and both on their way back to the cabin.
“I don’t understand what I said, I was just talking about my favorite chapter and the next thing you know he was treating us like we had the bubonic plague.” Even though she was supposedly speaking to him she was paying more attention to the sky than looking at him, not that he minded.
“Maybe your incessant chatter about the bloody book, he wasn’t finished reading mind you, freaked him out. I doubt these people are prepared for brainiac rambling such as yours princess.” Smirking he knew his statement bothered her, from his position a few yards behind her he had perfect sight of her slender shoulders stiffening.
“Whatever.”
Although they didn’t leave the village as early as he intended, there was still enough light to make it the majority of the way back. The sky was now splashed with orange and purple, giving the dense woods a much darker and colder feel. A breeze swept swiftly through the trees cutting right along the path they were on, giving Hermione instant Goosebumps along her neck and arms.
Every one of their combined steps along the crunchy forest floor brought on another second and every second the surroundings grew darker. Rubbing her arm with her free hand she walked a little faster while looking behind her to make sure Malfoy was still there. Surprisingly he was only a few inches behind her now.
“If you keep walking like that you’re bound to run into a tree, and punishment or no punishment I will have to laugh at you quite mercilessly.” His smirk was growing tiresome, whipping around she continued forward. Though she would never ever admit it to anyone, she was a little relieved he was out here to walk back with; yesterday proved to her that these woods could not be taken lightly.
Thankfully they emerged from the woods to the sight of their cabin, the temperature was starting to drop fast. Taking out her key she hastily unlocked the door, hearing the ancient mechanism’s familiar click she pushed the heavy door open and rushed in from the biting wind. However, she didn’t hear the familiar pattern of footfall behind her person.
“Draco?”…silence… “Draco where are you?” Dropping the basket on the floor she quickly stepped back outside. By now the wind was howling strong causing her hair to whip around her and it was starting to get as cold as it was strong. Where was he? She could have sworn he was behind her when they left the woods. Did something grab him without her knowing?
Thoughts of him trapped somewhere in the woods, fighting some unknown enemy crept into her mind. Oh Merlin she let him be taken right under her nose. Just as she was about to run towards the tree line she heard a loud “thwack”! Spinning on her heel she turned towards the source. Relief, anger, and surprise all the emotions just hit her like a brick.
In the midst of the raging winds an axe was swung high into the sky, successfully catching the glint of the moon, above the warlocks head and brought down with an almighty force that cut the massive tree that was lying on its side clean in half. With that process repeated in a matter of seconds she saw a great woodpile form.
Once he was done he collected the wood in a box and carried it back towards her direction. Quickly she turned back and rushed in the house, even though she was positive he saw her, she didn’t want the smug bastard to see her face before she regained her composure. Picking up the supplies she went into the kitchen and put it up.
Closing the door behind him, Draco dropped the large box in the living room and began to divvy up the wood. Some for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and leftover for the living room the amount he cut should last them a while. Turning back towards the kitchen he dropped the wood by the stove.
Not turning to leave he stood there and watched her fiddle around lighting the lamps.
“Why did you call out for me?” His voice was so deep much deeper than last year it seemed, she was amazed how time affects young boys bodies turning them into men as if overnight.
Shrugging she continued to light the lamps in the kitchen, after the last one was lit she walked over to the living room but in a heartbeat he was in front of her leaning on the back of the couch casually as if he smoothly apparated there. Hermione was beginning to hate his stealth. Malfoy’s eyes told her he wanted an answer.
“When you didn’t come in behind me I thought…”she let her eyes wander away from his searching ones.
“Yes...”
“I thought maybe something got you right under my nose and that you may have been in trouble, OK!” there was no reason she had to explain herself to prick like him anyways, holding her head up she went past him to light the lamp on the table. She should have never let herself feel the stab of worry for the like of him it was completely wasted.
To tease her for worrying about him was an option, or make a joke as to her non-existent feelings about him was another, or to scoff at the idea of him being taken so easily by something could be used as well. But none of them came out, just silence.
After the lamps were lit she began to search the cupboards and pull out some ingredients. Standing by the window in the living room he could hear her shuffling, but what turned his attention was her small sneeze. Walking back into the kitchen he smoothly closed the cabinet she was looking in. Instantly her face screwed up with confusion and was just about to give him a piece of her mind, but he cut her off.
“Go take a bath and then cook.” The confusion on her face only grew worse. “Look you're already borderline sick and personally I don’t want you cooking when your germs are running rampant. So go take a shower, you have plenty of wood to do so with now.” Slowly the confusion slid off her face and a smile graced her heart shaped face. It was like being hit with a pillow stunning and slightly uncomfortable feeling. Draco had no clue how he was supposed to respond.
Thankfully he didn’t have to, like a spring she was off gathering her supplies and running into the bathroom. Mentally shaking the weird feeling away, he started the fire in the living room giving the room a healthier glow. Reclining on the sofa he looked out the far window at the night sky, though he couldn’t see too much from the light of the room in contrast to the dark he let his mind wander in that direction.
Draco wasn’t sure how many minutes passed by as he sat in the same position on the old lumpy couch but he was brought instantly out of his trance when that scent hit him full force. Turning around he saw the bathroom door swing open to reveal Granger in her pajamas and slippers with a rosy look to her. The steam that whooshed out around her told him she was quite satisfied with her hot shower; but unfortunately that hot shower turned her scent into a full concentrated lethal dosage.
Dear Merlin it was so strong, nothing but lemongrass and honey filled his senses. Unknown to his plight Granger just skipped to their room to put up her things and walked back out loosely braiding her wet hair, hair he was positive smelt like her too. Growling inwardly he grabbed his things from their room and stomped into the bathroom.
Did she have to fill the whole house with that scent? Was it going to be like that every day now that she has her hot water? Sweet Merlin he was surrounded by it in the bathroom, it made his head spin slightly. Gripping the tiled wall he tried to regain control over his mayhem senses. Why was her scent so bloody disturbing? As he stripped down he could hear the clink of pots and pans, she had better be cooking him some food as well. The wood he gave her wasn’t just some kind gesture it was a trade for a decent meal, like the one she served him earlier today. Merlin, his stomach growled at the thought of that wonderful soup.
Taking his hair from his small ponytail, he stepped into the tub/shower and pulled the curtain closed around it. Letting his nose scrunch up he looked at her bottles of soap and hair products, all emanating that god-forsaken scent. Lathering up his own soap in his hand he began his shower routine hoping his manly smelling soap would negate her blasted scent.
888
Though she wasn’t sure what he would say or do she sat the small kitchen table regardless. The small round table with the mix-matched pair of chairs was now decorated with a simple cloth two bowls, plates, and sets of silverware. Stirring the rest of the leftover stew to nice warmth she quickly checked on her bread. A small tinge of worry as to how the bread would taste was present, she hadn’t baked homemade bread in some time. Hearing the shower stop she rushed over to the stove and double-checked her food.
Walking across the creaky wood floors Draco watched her as she started serving the food. He knew that it was going to be extremely odd sitting down to eat with the mudblood, but he was so damn hungry he didn’t even care. One more night of conjured food was going to kill him, so if that meant sitting down at the same table with filthy Granger so be it.
Sitting down at the table he let his eyes wander until they settled on the oddest site.
“What in the hell are those?”
Turning around from the stove she looked to see Malfoy pointing at her feet. Sighing she put the food on a low heat and sat down.
“Their lion slippers.” His puzzled look turned into a snort before he started eating. Even though he was eating at an irrational speed Hermione noticed he still managed to do so with good table manners. A true Malfoy air about it so to speak, food wasn’t flung everywhere unlike her two mates, elbows were off the table, and his posture was still perfectly straight.
Even though his whole body was in rapture at the moment he could still feel her stares, it was driving him crazy.
“Are you going to stare at me all the while I eat?” his voice held a slight rumbling growl to it, reminding Hermione of her neighbor’s giant dog. His long wet hair framing his face didn’t help his angry look either; it gave his finely chiseled face a stormier semblance.
“Sorry.” Even though she hated apologizing to the prick, she was rude to stare at him while he ate his dinner. Then she remembered her initial plan, since she was pretty sure that eating with him would be most odd she reached under her chair and pulled out her favorite item in the whole world, her book. Flipping to the page she left off at she began to read.
Surprisingly he wasn’t at all shocked to see her pull a book out of no where, it was too Granger cliché not to happen actually and he was happy it took her eyes off him for a minute.
Silence.
Silence actually interrupted her reading; Hermione only read two pages until the unmistakable absence of noise started disturbing her. She realized that the silverware across from her stopped clinking. Furtively she peeked a look at him over her book. Back and forth, he was stared at the empty plates before him and the stove. The look on his face told her that he was still hungry but had no idea what to do. Clearing her throat she put the book down and acted as if she didn’t notice his dilemma.
Looking at the stove she let a false sense of worry cover her face. “Mmmm I really don’t want to have to save that same food for tomorrow.” Looking back to him nonchalantly she continued, “Would you mind having the rest of it?”
Narrowing his eyes he looked at her, she was putting on an act for him but he didn’t care he rather liked it. Acts were his specialty, growing up as a Malfoy one was required to learn how to put on false airs. Getting up he served himself some more, but he noticed there was only enough for one more serving. Deciding to listen to his conscience just this once he turned back to look at Granger, only to find her whole face hidden by the massive book she was reading.
Taking a glance at her plate he noticed she hardly touched her own food. Mixed emotions carried on a sea of thoughts sprang to life in his head. Was she poisoning him? Poison was a woman’s weapon after all. Was something wrong with her? If she was sick that meant there could be a possibility of no more food in the future, and her cooking was bloody wonderful. Or it could just mean…more for him!
Sitting back down he looked up at the spot where her face should have been if she wasn’t reading her huge arse book. “Hey princess?”
“Why you are allowed to get away with calling me princess and not getting time added to our sentence is mind boggling. Yes what is it?” Putting the book down she gave him her attention.
“Why aren’t you eating your food?” the suspicious look on his face was very Malfoy typical. He probably thought she poisoned him or something equally cruel along those lines.
“I am not really all that hungry.” Picking up her book to read it again, she was interrupted midstream.
“Why not?” Persistent was another Malfoy quality, as well as extremely annoying.
“I don’t know Draco, but I appreciate the concern.” Giving her one more inquisitive glare he continued eating.
Once they were done they piled the dishes into the sink, with a quick spell everything was clean and put up. Walking into their room she noticed Malfoy standing by the now blazing fire by the bed. Glancing in her direction, which happened to be on the other side of the bed, their eyes locked. Positive that he could hear it, her heart was beating furiously. How could they make them sleep together? Even though she knew that Malfoy had no sexual motives towards her, she still could not shake the feeling of sleeping with her vilest of enemies.
Anger, pure raw anger was raging through his veins. That bastard was going to pay one day for making him sleep in the same bed with this tainted bitch. The smell of her fear was killing him, making his blood boil over with some sort of unknown anticipation. Just looking at her with those giant russet eyes filled with fear while her body looked so soft and vulnerable in her lavender cotton pajamas made him crazy. Flicking his wrist is scepter appeared in his hand.
“What the hell!” Backing away she tried to get out of his line of fire.
“Oh shut it.” Pointing the scepter at the bed he muttered a spell, causing the queen-size bed to nearly double. Yanking back the sheets he jumped in.
“That means if I even feel your presence princess, it will not be pretty.”
“Oh yeah Draco that’s me, I just can’t contain myself around egotistical Slytherins.” Pulling the covers back she slowly got in, the uncomfortable feeling she was having just raised twenty notches. All she could do was lie there like a piece of wood nervous and stiff. She doubted if she ever go to sleep.
The feeling of the bed dipping beside him was nauseating, giving him the strong urge to sleep in the living room. But he be damned if he run away like a coward. The minutes passed by like hours until he finally couldn’t take it anymore, he knew she wasn’t asleep and wasn’t going to for some time and if she didn’t go to sleep he we would feel paranoid all night resulting in his lack of rest.
As she stared up at the ceiling thinking of everything and anything that would pop in her mind to keep from reminding herself about her current situation she felt the bed bounce. Before she had time to turn and look to her side she saw Malfoy with his scepter out leaning over her, his hair hanging down past his face while his body glowed above her in the firelight. The scream was trapped in her throat when his spell hit her leaving her consciousness in complete blackness.
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