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Love and Desire	By : RedDawn Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 11991 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or its characters, nor will I profit from this story.

Chapter List
- 8
- 9
Twenty minutes later, Draco was back in his dormitory pacing the length of the sitting room. So apparently, he and Granger did the assignment about each other. Both of them got the same ridiculous results, that their future was to be filled with love and desire. Draco could no longer deny, after last night and this afternoon, that he desired her. He would be a fool if he didn’t. Anyone could see the beautiful, sexy woman she had become. But love? That was a whole other matter. Even if, hypothetically, he fell in love with her, could she ever learn to love him? After everything he did to her and her friends? Sure, she had said she wanted to leave the past in the past last night, but love was still a far cry away from the fragile friendship they were developing.
There are things which are beyond your control. You must learn to take each moment as it comes. Healer Jones’ words popped into Draco’s head, instantly calming him. She had helped him so much over the past few months and knew it would be best to heed her advice. Perhaps he would sit down later and write her a letter about everything that had transpired since his return to Hogwarts. She would be able to give him insight, tell him the right way to approach the situations he was now in. At least he had the most important thing under control: schoolwork.
After all his worrying, he didn’t actually fail his Arithmancy assignment, which meant so far he had excellent marks in his classes.
“Merlin’s Balls!” Draco cursed out loud. He had nearly forgotten about missing his Potions lesson this morning. Hermione claimed to have failed, regardless, he wasn’t there. Most likely he wouldn’t receive any marks. Perhaps if he went to Slughorn and explained his absence, he might be able to make up the lesson somehow.
Draco checked the time. It was nearly time for dinner, he might be able to catch Slughorn in his office before he went up to the Great Hall. Without any further delay, Draco left his dorm and headed for the dungeons.
He was on high alert as he navigated the corridors of the dungeons, wand at the ready, in case he was unfortunate enough to run into Harper or any other unforgiving Slytherins. Luck was on his side as he rapped on Slughorn’s office door without incident. Draco anxiously awaited a reply and was relieved to hear Slughorn invite him to enter.
Draco pushed open the door and gave Slughorn an uneasy smile.
“Professor, I came to apologize for missing your lesson this morning. I swear I was not skiving off, I was unwell, but erm, I don’t have a note from Madam Pomfrey—” Draco trailed off as he shifted nervously on the spot. “I was hoping you would permit me to make up the lesson somehow.”
“Mr. Malfoy, you appear to be in rather fine health and I’m afraid, with no note from Madam Pomfrey I will not be able to excuse you from class today,” Slughorn stated simply.
“But Sir, I could not go to Madam Pomfrey.” Draco suddenly started to panic. If Slughorn demanded answers, he would certainly be in trouble with McGonagall, and she had already warned him that he was treading a very fine line. Thinking quickly, a feasible white lie began to develop in his mind. “Sir, the Headmistress warned me that I was under close supervision. I do not want to draw any unnecessary attention to myself, as I wish to remain at school. This morning, after I left breakfast, someone hexed me,” Draco paused for effect. “I didn’t see who it was. My whole body was covered in burns. Most of it still is. I guess I wasn’t thinking clearly. I didn’t want to go to the Hospital Wing, so I found a private classroom to hide out in, while I tried to cure myself. I was failing miserably, but Granger happened to find me. She had some Essence of Dittany in her bag and used what she had to heal as much as she could.”
“Ah, Miss Granger is quite the extraordinary witch,” sighed Professor Slughorn. He ran his hands over his considerable stomach, as if helping to arrange his thoughts. Draco knew better than to speak, he knew it would be best to just allow Slughorn to take in the information and not press him for a decision. “Well, I suppose that I could bend the rules just this once. You have been one of my most exemplary students, behind Miss Granger, of course. I believe it was your absence, and lack of ability to assist her today in class, that lead to her poor performance today.”
“If there is any way that I could rectify that, I would be more than willing to take on any extra assignments,” Draco nearly pleaded.
Professor Slughorn regarded Draco curiously.
“You wish not only to help yourself, but Miss Granger as well?”
“If possible, yes.”
“Well, I will give you both until the end of the day Friday to present me with a resubmission of the Blood Replenishing Potion that we covered in today’s lesson,” said Professor Slughorn, while absentmindedly continuing to rub his stomach. “Additionally, I would like the two of you to brew a few batches of Essence of Dittany, as I’m sure you have further need of it, as you indicated and I’m assuming Miss Granger would like to replenish her supply. You may use what you need and she can keep what she needs and I will require you to give the remaining amount to myself. I will restock mine and Madam Pomfrey’s supply closet. Unfortunately, I have not had time to restock all of the usual potions we have on hand.”
“Wow, thank you Professor! I will let Hermione know right away, I’m sure she will be more than pleased.”
“I’m sure she will be. Now, I am trusting you to take what you need from the supply closet. I do keep it locked, but the password is “unity,” help yourself if I am not around. Now, there is empty classroom 3 doors down on the right from the Slytherin Common Room that you and Miss Granger may use.”
“Sir, I do not mean to push my luck, but I don’t exactly have many friends down here these days. Would it be alright if we were to use another empty classroom on one of the upper floors?” Draco asked hesitantly.
“Hmmm, I suppose that would be alright. If any Professor questions you, please refer them to myself. It also may be wise to place some basic wards around the classroom while not in use so that your work is undisturbed. Now, I believe it is time for dinner,” said Slughorn, while once again rubbing his middle.
“Thank you again, Sir. I’m going to go find Hermione,” stated Draco, and quickly departed.
Dinner was just beginning, and Draco knew that was when the Great Hall was the busiest, so wishing to avoid as many people possible, Draco decided to head for the owlery and send Hermione a note, requesting her to meet with him tonight after dinner.
***

Hermione was so distracted by her thoughts of Draco and her Arithmancy assignment that she nearly forgot her anger at Ron. Nearly. That was until she entered Gryffindor tower and saw Ron sitting at a table with Niamh. Niamh’s head was thrown back in a fit of laughter, apparently at something Ron had said. Hermione just stood in the entryway and watched the pair for a couple moments.
Ron looked at ease sitting with Niamh. He looked happy.
Realization dawned on Hermione. She wasn’t the least bit jealous, mad yes, but not jealous. She cared for Ron, but was beginning to realize that perhaps, she didn’t actually have romantic feelings for him. If she did, she most certainly would have felt jealous, which she didn’t.
Taking a deep breath, steeling her nerve, Hermione headed directly towards the couple.
Ron spotted Hermione once she was only a couple paces away, all the color from his face rapidly draining away. He opened his mouth to speak, but Hermione raised her hand, cutting him off.
“Look Ron, I know about the two of you and I just want to let you know that it’s okay. You are one of my best friends and I wish nothing but happiness for you. I know I obviously was not giving you what you need, so I understand you sought attention elsewhere. I am however, furious at you for not speaking with me first. I know we were never officially a couple, but I do not deserve to be treated like that.” Hermione paused at the look on Ron’s face, “Don’t worry Ronald, I will not be mad forever. You should know me better by now. I will require a proper apology at a later time from you, once you have had time to come up with something sincere. Now, I’m going to go to the library to study before dinner. See you there?”
Ron and Niamh just stared open-mouthed at Hermione as she turned on her heel and headed back out of the portrait hole.

***

Hermione felt calmer and more at peace than she had all week. Confronting your problems head-on had a way of evoking that peace. Despite her calm, clear mind, the last thing she wanted to do was study, so she took up residence in a small armchair in a secluded corner of the Library near a window. She just wanted to bask in the serenity that washed over her. This was her final year at Hogwarts. She came back to pass her N.E.W.T.s so she could move forward in her life. She decided she would stop letting trivial matters bother her and make her lose focus on what was truly important. They had just survived a war, there was no more room for hate and animosity. What will be, will be.
Hermione was smiling to herself, meditating on her plans for the year, when a rapping on the tiny window roused her from her musings. A large, tawny owl was perched on the window’s ledge, a small scroll of parchment attached to its leg. She quickly unlatched the window and relieved the owl of the missive. The owl quickly took off and Hermione unrolled the parchment.

Hermione,
I have good news. Please meet me tonight, after dinner around 8pm. You know where. Bring your Potions supplies.
-D

Hermione read the note twice. Obviously, the note was from Draco. What good news could he possibly have? She decided it would be worth her time to find out, considering she didn’t think he would request to see her without good reason.
She checked the time and figured she should head down to dinner. She would have ample time to enjoy a meal with her friends before she had to meet up with Draco.

***

Dinner passed by quickly and without incident. Her and Ron were civil and acted as if nothing had occurred a few hours prior, for which Hermione was grateful. She was eager to move forward and have everything resume back to normal.
She told her friends she had a quick errand to run, but that she would meet them back in the common room soon. They knew better than to ask where she was going, most likely assuming she planned to stop by the Library, so Hermione headed up to the seventh floor.
She paced back and forth in front of the blank stretch of wall, and when the now familiar oak door appeared, she let herself in.
“Draco? I know I’m a bit early, but are you here?” she called out as she slowly walked through the foyer and headed towards the sitting room.
“In here,” Draco called back. “I’m glad you came. As I said in my letter, I have good news.”
Hermione stood awkwardly in the doorway, waiting for Draco to share his supposed good news.
“Please, have a seat,” Draco gestured at the couch she had curled up upon the night before.
“Ugh, thanks but I’m in quite a hurry. What is it that you needed to tell me?”
“I went to speak with Slughorn earlier this evening, and long story short he is going to let us make up our assignment from this morning’s lesson,” Draco said, a small smile creeping into the corners of his mouth.
“What? How? Oh my gosh, thank you,” Hermione exclaimed and without thinking, she threw her arms around him. It took only a moment for her to realize who she just wrapped her arms around quickly pulled back, her face turning an embarrassing shade of red. “Sorry, I got carried away.”
“That’s quite alright. I knew you would be pleased, I just underestimated how much,” he said teasingly.
If possible, Hermione’s blush increased. “So, what is it that we have to do?” she asked as she tucked he hair back behind her ears.
“Two things. First, we have until the end of the day on Friday to brew a new batch of Blood Replenishing Potion. We also have to brew several batches of Essence of Dittany.”
“That’s all?” she said, eyes wide with delight.
“Yeah, shouldn’t be too difficult. He gave me permission to use anything in the supply closet and said you may replenish your stock and I can use what I need, then we are to give the rest of it to him,” explained Draco.
“Wait, he knows I need to replenish my stock? What exactly did you tell him?”
“I told him a version of the truth. Enough to explain my absence, but not anything that would get either of us into trouble. The last thing I need is to be expelled,” Draco confessed.
“Well, I suppose no harm done then. Wow, I cannot thank you enough.” Hermione stared at Draco, surprised, once again at his actions. “So, when would you like to get started?”
“Well, considering I still have painful burns covering my body, and that it will take several days for the Essence of Dittany to be ready, I would like to start on it as soon as possible,” admitted Draco. “However, I know you said you were in a hurry, so if you have plans, I can start on that one by myself.”
“That’s not really fair, considering it is now our assignment and not just an extracurricular,” said Hermione, pulling her bag over her head and placing it on the couch. “I guess I can help you get it started. Would you mind if I transfigured your coffee table into a more suitable table for brewing potions?”
Hermione hardly waited for Draco’s consent before pulling her wand from her robes and transfiguring the table in front of her. Once it closely resembled one from the Potions classroom, Hermione waived her wand and sent the furniture sailing around the room, rearranging it into a more workable space.
Once she was satisfied with the new layout, she summoned her bag and pulled her potions kit from within its depths, placing it on the table before her. She turned to look at Draco, a satisfied smile spread across her face.
“Well don’t just stand there! Come help me,” demanded Hermione.
“Erm, aren’t you forgetting something?” Upon seeing the puzzled look on Hermione’s face, Draco pressed on, “A cauldron. I don’t know about you, buy mine is down in the dungeons.”
“Oh, right you are. Just a moment.”
Hermione closed her eyes in concentration, and began to ask, in her mind, for the room to provide the other necessary items they would need for brewing potions, including a cauldron. Before she opened her eyes to check and see if the Room of Requirement had responded, she heard a small gasp from Draco and knew the room had acquiesced.
“How did you do that?” Draco asked, sounding impressed.
“I do not pretend to know all the mysteries of the Room of Requirement, but I do know that it will provide almost everything you ask of it. As you well remember, my friends and I used it many times for our secret Defense Against the Dark Arts training back in 5^th year, that is before you and your friends caught us and turned us over to the miserable hag, Umbridge,” said Hermione nonchalantly as she turned to look at Draco.
“I used to be such a prat, I know,” said Draco in earnest, while running his hand nervously through his hair. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m just giving you a hard time. The past is in the past remember?” she said, smiling and giving Draco a tiny nudge in the arm with her elbow. “Anyway, what do you plan on doing to the Slytherins that attacked you?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well you’ve got a plan to get them back, haven’t you?”
“No. I’m just going to avoid them as much as possible,” Draco said flatly.
“You’re just going to avoid them? Not retaliate? I know you’ve changed in all Draco, but you can’t let them walk all over you! You must stick up for yourself, otherwise they will become insufferable. Trust me I know.” Hermione regarded Draco intently, her brow slightly furrowed.
“Look, I know that is what the old me would have done and every fiber of my being is screaming to act upon my desire for revenge,” Draco growled with gritted teeth. “But I just can’t. I can’t afford to get expelled. I just want to keep my head down and pass my N.E.W.T.s.”
“Fine. If you won’t do something, then I will. And don’t you dare try and tell me no,” Hermione said abruptly, cutting Draco off before he could articulate a refusal. “Those bloody toe rags need to be taught a lesson. Don’t worry, they won’t think you had anything to do with it.”
“Why would you do that? Why would you come to my defense?”
“It’s not all about you. I loathe bullies. And I’m tired. Sick and sodding tired of bullies. I helped eradicate Voldemort, a few Slytherins should be no problem,” Hermione said with a wink.
“You’re a bit terrifying, you know that, right?” chuckled Draco, as he playfully nudged Hermione in return.

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Hey loyal followers.. I'm trying to stick to a schedule and post a new chapter every week. I plan on posting sometime over the weekend, so I'm a day or so behind right now, but hopefully I will get my butt in gear. I couldn't wait to post this, so I haven't had a chance to even read it over yet and do any necessary editing. Please let me know if anything stick out at you. I will look to edit it sometime this week. Sorry for any grammatical issues.
Also, I'm writing a paper about fanfiction for my English class. I was hoping some of you may be willing to provide me feedback that I could include in my paper. I specifically want to know what you like about the fanfiction websites you use as well as what you think could be improved. Please just send me a message if you wish to help, if not thank you for reading and I promise I wont post anymore personal stuff... BLECH!!!
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Love and Desire