Broomsticks and Alibis

Chapter 11

“Take this Hermione. It will help you sleep,” Ginny said stirring a potion into a hot cup of tea. Hermione drank the tea down, sniffling as she did so. Her eyes were swollen and puffy from crying. This was her worst nightmare. When Draco woke up and looked at her, well let’s be honest, he looked past her, and it hurt more than anything else she could remember. It was worse then when Ron and Lavender got together; it was even worse then getting Crucio-ed by Bellatrix Lestrange that night at Malfoy Manor. Her husband, looked right past her, called her a mudblood and told her to leave.

“How long does it take? I should probably apparrate before I land myself in China on accident.

“Don’t really know, I got it in one of those sample packs of potions that they are always trying to get you to try. It says fast acting though on the package, see here?”

“It’s not the same stuff you micked Blaise with is it?”

“No Hermione. That stuff I paid ten galleons for and it didn’t do the job either! I asked for a refund.”

Hermione looked at it and her vision blurred. Suddenly she was seeing two Ginny’s.

“Yeah I’m seeing double Ginny it must be working. I think I will go now. Thanks Gin,” Hermione said wobbling on her feet. She concentrated on the Tavern and then spun around and then she found herself standing in her room at the Tavern, she and Draco’s room. Home as it was. She immediately fell over on the bed, sleep finding her easily thanks to Ginny’s potion.

Draco followed Blaise to Hufflepuff then stood back and watched as Blaise was turned away by the girl that supposedly gave good head. She slammed the portal shut on him and the defeated and sour looking Blaise was left standing in the hall. Draco half expected to see an angry Blaise. Perhaps this was his chance to find out what Blaise had been doing since being back to Hogwarts. True, he had only arrived a week ago to Hogwarts but he and Millicent had been back nearly a month, while taking care of her sick mother who was suffering from some sort of dementia. Since one murder happened by the lake and the other in Hogsmeade it would have been easy for Blaise to move around unseen. Both of those locales were popular places to take a date. It may not have been tacked to the DPU bulletin that Hogsmeade is a popular make out place for students but everyone knew it, and they knew the Three Broomsticks rented out rooms to amorous students in search of a quiet place to be alone.

“So man, looks like a no go. Want to go hang out with Pansy and the others?”

“Feeling kind of tired and dizzy. If you are turning in for the night then its just as well that I go back to the hospital ward. God only knows the incompetence of Madame Pompfrey. I better make sure she used the proper medicine on my head wound.” Blaise said that he would bring Pansy to see him tomorrow and with that he said goodnight. Draco stalked him through the halls, making damn sure that’s really where he went. When he made his way through the dungeons and then entered the portal Draco turned quickly on his heels and apparrated out of there.

He found himself standing in front of their bed. Hermione was passed out, her shoes still on her feet and her arms and legs hanging over the bed. Draco moved carefully towards her, trying his best not to make a sound. When he kicked a stray ornament that the house elves must have forgotten, he stopped dead in his tracks. Surely, the noise would have awakened Hermione, but like a sleeping beauty she laid still, breathing softly into a puddle of her own drool on the bedspread. Draco knew she must have taken something to calm her nerves. She looked completely wasted and out of it. He slipped his shirt off and crawled into bed with his wife. He didn’t care what he had said to Potter. He would not spend the night alone, without his wife. He made a promise to Hermione and he intended to keep it. Draco never followed the rules, so why should this be any different? He could have his cake and eat it too. True, he didn’t want Hermione involved with Blaise at all, so for this reason he would keep the secret.

Hermione rolled over. Her head was now cradled in Draco’s arms. He moved closer to her. He kissed her forehead.

“Oh fuck it all. I’m just going to tell her already. Blaise saw Hermione’s reaction in the hospital wing, there was no reason to further hurt Hermione like this. They needed it to look convincing and it did, but the sense in carrying this on any further was preposterous. But then what if Hermione wanted to help him trap Blaise? And he knew she would. Draco played the scenario out in his head over and over again as he stroked Hermione’s beautiful face with his fingers. She would want to get to close to Blaise. She would probably even approve of what they had done in fooling her, so long as she was in on the plan. She would maybe even flirt with Blaise, and try to get him to open up to her. No. It was too risky. Draco knew he had to leave. He couldn’t have Hermione jeopardizing her own neck. He wouldn’t put the woman he loved in danger. Her would just get up, right now, and leave. He started to move but Hermione wriggled again. She flopped an arm over Draco and whispered.

“Is that my Dragon?”

“Yes Sweet Pea it’s me. Go back to sleep, you are having a dream.”

“I’m dreaming? If I am then I don’t want to ever wake up.” That was it for Draco. He kissed Hermione passionately and with her eyes still closed, she matched his passion. She had tears rolling down her face as she kissed and groped at Draco. He pulled her in as close as he could and hugged onto her for dear life. God, he loved this woman. There was nothing that came even close to the feeling of her body mashed up against his in a loving embrace. Her fingers were stroking his chest now and Draco ran his hand up her shirt tracing the curvature of her breasts with his fingertips.

“I love you Draco,” she cried out and Draco told her what she desperately needed to hear.

“I love you too Hermione. I love you forever. Don’t ever forget that. I love you so much.” With this, he saw a smile form on her lips as she nodded back off into a slumbering bliss. Her arms were tightly around him and he laid there for hours just holding his wife close. Maybe if he held her close every night like this while they were apart she would somehow feel stronger during the day. She would be able to stomach his faux jeers and taunts. He hated himself for what he was doing to the only person he cared live or died in this world. Hermione was his whole world now and could care less what anyone else thought about it. He didn’t realize, as he lay there in her arms, that he was the one who was going to have the worst time being apart. Hermione was strong. She would make it through this fine. Draco though, for the first time in his life needed someone. He squeezed her tighter into his chest.

His eyes popped awake. The sun was peeking through the curtain. How late had he stayed? What time was it? He looked at Hermione next to him, her body sprawled completely over his and he eased himself out of her embrace. She started to stretch and wake up. Draco spun on his heels and …

POP

Like that he was back in the hospital wing. Madame Pompfrey was doing her morning rounds and nearly fainted when she saw Draco pop into a once empty bed.

“I’m working with Potter. You can’t say a word.” Madam Pompfrey nodded, in slight confusion and then turned away from him shaking her head.

Harry Potter came into the ward shortly thereafter with two coffee’s in his hands. He sat down next to Draco and offered him one of the hot beverages. Draco took it and sat up in bed.

“Well? Find out anything last night?”

“You mean aside from the fact that I am a worthless prat of a husband? Not really. He’s cheating on Millicent though. Says he’s fucking some Hufflepuff coed, but when he tried to show her off to me last night she slammed the door in his face.”

“So you think its just guy talk then?” Harry asked, probing Draco for answers.

“Yeah. I mean, Blaise isn’t exactly the most truthful person. He isn’t a slouch either though. He does shag many girls. He and I used to do three, sometimes four girls….” Draco cut himself short when he saw Harry staring at him in utter disgust.

“What? Like I’m the only one with a checkered past?”

“The difference between you and I Malfoy is …well…for lack of a better word, everything.”

“Not everything. We have one person in common.”

“You mean Hermione?”

“Yeah I mean Hermione. She can’t take it. You should have seen the state of her last night.”

“I’m sure it’s going to be hard on her. Wait a minute, what do you mean last night? You mean here in the hospital wing?”

“Yeah, sure. That’s what I meant.”

“Malfoy, what did you do?”

“Nothing I’m not supposed to be doing. I spent the night with my wife in our bed, like I always do.”

“Do you think that was wise?”

“I don’t know Potty. Do you think it was wise of us to keep Hermione in the dark like we did?” Draco said with a sense of hostility in his voice.

“I told you we could let her in on it. Once we did though there was no turning back. Hermione is smart and she could be an enormous help to the investigation, but she is always in the thick of things. You said you didn’t want that. As a man, I stood behind you, only because I know how it feels. Blaise touched Ginny too, let’s not forget. If you told Hermione though, then I am fine with that. I’m used to her sticking her nose into my business. In fact I generally like it.”

“And a lovely nose it is at that. Have you ever noticed the way she scrunches her nose when she thinks you’ve shown poor manners?”

“Well, no, but you are such a slimy git that I suspect you see that expression all the time.”

“Hahahaha Potter. You think you’re funny?”

“Ginny seems to think so.”

“Right, well not to end this friendly moment between two blokes, but I have a favor to ask of you.” Harry looked at Draco. “I need to make an invisibility potion. That way I can spend nights with Hermione.” Harry spit his coffee out allover Malfoy at that, his laughter bellowing out loudly, echoing through the hospital wing. Just then, Hermione walked in with a suspicious look on her face.

“What’s so funny?”

“Oh nothing. Malfoy just laid a good insult on me. It was so good that I even had to laugh,” Harry covered for Draco.

“Hey when you got it you got it. Why are you here Granger? Can’t keep your hands off me? You’ve been hovering by my side since last night.”

“No change?” Hermione said looking at Harry. Harry paused before nodding.

“I best leave. I have an endless amount of paperwork to do. When you get out of here Malfoy, stop by my office. We can mull over that problem of yours, but next time I won’t be nice. Keep the insubordination at bay. I am the Dean of Admissions and you will show me some respect.”

Harry left, leaving Draco and Hermione together alone. Draco couldn’t help but notice how much better Hermione looked this morning then when he had seen her last night. The sparkle in her deep brown eyes was back and she even appeared to have a slight bounce in her step this morning. Draco suddenly knew he was right in what he did last night.

“So…Still don’t remember me?” Hermione said weakly.

“What’s to remember?”

“Us getting married for one thing. Us, having mind blowing sex is another,” Hermione said coolly.

“No and no, though it wouldn’t take a genius to realize that the sex was mind numbing,” Draco said dong his best not to let her in on his deception.

“You said was…Why did you say was?”

“Was what? Seriously Granger, why are you still here? Didn’t your boyfriend just leave? Perhaps you should have followed him. You aren’t making any sense today.”

“Were you in my bed last night?”

“Excuse me?”

“I remember feeling you next to me holding me tight. You kissed me and put me into bed. I woke up under the covers when I know for a fact that I passed out with all my clothes on and even my shoes.”

“Ridiculous. I can hardly be blamed for your erotic dreams. I mean you’re cute and all but I don’t fancy you that way Granger.”

“I see. Okay Malfoy, if you say so. I know I felt you nest to me last night and then I heard a pop this morning. I think you apparrated out.”

“Are you still here? Honestly, can’t a guy get any rest while in hospital! Do I need to call the old bat in here to make you leave?”

“No, that won’t be necessary. I am having breakfast with Viktor Krum. I have some exciting news to share with him.”

“Oh and what is it?” Draco asked curiously. In truth, he was dying to know.

“Why do you care Malfoy? You don’t remember me? Remember?”

“Goodbye Granger. Keep your muggle secrets to yourself.”

“Don’t you mean mudblood?”

“You said it not me,” Draco said turning over on his side. He just wanted to grab her and kiss her. She was being feisty and it turned him on to no end. This was something he loved about Hermione. She was woman enough to put him in his place when it was warranted. What was the secret she had to share with that no good bloody Krum? Draco rewound last night’s quidditch game in his head. Krum was fast, but not all Hermione had made him out to be. Draco thought he could beat that Bulgarian troglodyte. He started feeling something that was foreign to him. Was he jealous? Draco Malfoy, jealous of another guy? It irritated him to no end that she was spending so much time with Krum, yet he was also comforted in some small way. He knew Viktor had the hots for Hermione, but that Hermione had no interest other then friendship with him. He also knew that the ruddy Krum would protect her should Blaise be sniffing around Hermione. He would have to put up with Krum. This made Draco grumble as Hermione walked out of the hospital wing with a grin on her face.

As soon as she had left, Draco left the hospital wing. He would join the Slytherins at breakfast. Maybe he could find the information he needed to know and be back in Hermione’s arms by lunchtime. It was a pipe dream, but one he clung to like his wand.

In The Great Hall….

“Oh my Gods, look what the cat dragged in! Draco, baby! Looking hot my sweet,” Pansy Parkinson yelled across the Great Hall. All eyes turned to see the slutty, Slytherin running towards Draco, including Hermione’s eyes. Hermione watched eagerly as Pansy tried to jump into Draco’s arms, but Draco moved and pansy came down hard with a thud, falling on her arse. The Slytherins all laughed and welcomed Draco back to their table. Viktor was talking to Hermione in that slow, deep drawl of an accent, but Hermione was barely listening to him at all. Every couple of minutes or so she would smile and nod to Viktor and take a bite of her eggs and toast, or a nonchalant swig of her pumpkin juice, but her attention was on Draco.

If he looks at me during breakfast then he loves me. If he looks at me then he loves me. Come on Draco look at me, you little liar. Look at me damnit! Just one little look. Take a bite of your food. Pretend you give a shit about Blaise’s perverted conversation. Look disinterested when Millicent Bullstrode talks to you. Shake hands with Flint and wave hello to Avery. Just one little look. Come on Draco, where is your wife? Is she having breakfast with another man, who is a better quidditch player then yourself? Come on Draco, just one look god damnit and I’ll know you’re a liar. I know you were in my bed last night. One look come on!...Yes, there it is! You are such a liar Draco and I am so fucking relieved and happy.

“He still loves me!” Hermione said aloud to Viktor before clamping a hand over her mouth.

“Herminoninny? What did you say?”

“I said Luna Lovegood. There she is. Let’s go join her for breakfast,” Hermione said with a phewww and a smile.

That little liar. He is working on this case with Harry. Oh, wait till I get a hold of Harry. Or maybe I should have my own fun.

“Viktor? Do you bunk in Ravenclaw or Slytherin?” Hermione asked innocently.

“Slytherin Herminoninny. Why do you ask?”

“Well, I thought we could do a little research on family trees together. Have you ever researched your family tree Viktor?”

“I am adopted Hermione,” Viktor said sadly.

“I see. Well I wanted to research my family tree and I thought perhaps we could both do it together. What do you say tonight around eight o’clock? We can meet here for dinner and then work together in the Slytherin common room. Sound good?” Hermione smiled widely at Viktor. She could feel Draco’s eyes on the back of her head again. That slimy snake! God, I love him. I am SO going to get him back though.

“Would you not be happier if we study in the library? You used to study in the library,” Viktor said loosening his collar. He looked nervous.

“We are in University now and besides, the Slytherin Common will be more conducive conversation. That way we can talk and stuff. Sound good?”

“If that is what you want Herminoninny. I will see you for dinner,” Viktor was all smiles. Hermione suddenly felt guilty. She had another surprise for Viktor though, but it didn’t involve anything the remotest bit sexual or romantic. Hermione snapped her fingers and with a smile plastered to her face, after seeing Draco casually glance at her again, she walked to Advanced Arithmancy class.

Review!?

Hope that settles things of where I am going with this lol trust me and don’t get upset with me lol If you have ever read any of my stories then you know how I end my stories (still several chapters to go though). I like a happy ending. REVIEW!! I want to get a few more reviews before I update and thank you  thank you :P