Draco Get's His

So sorry. I was clued in by a few helpful reviewers of my major booboo.

Chapter 13

Ron took a deep, fortifying breath before knocking lightly on the corner of the portrait. The inhabitant gave him a look of disgust before disappearing from the painting and the redhead closed his eyes, forcing his breath to be calm. He could do this. There was no choice he would do this.

The portrait slowly opened to reveal a wary second year peering up at him with a raised eyebrow and a hauty disposition. But Ron found that all Slytherins were like that so he didn’t even think twice about it, “Well? What do you want?”

Blinking down in surprise at the pipsqueak but getting to the point, “I need to talk to Pansy.”

Sneering, “Then do so away from our common room.”

The portrait started to close, amidst a few whispers before Malfoy’s voice carried across the room, “Let Weasley in, Frederick.”

Frederick, ick what a name, sighed but dutifully opened the portrait just enough
for the tall redhead to squeeze through. Ron took a quick look around, seeing half a dozen Slytherins spread out, whispering to one another. Draco was lounging in what was obviously his chair. Gracefully he gestured, “Have a seat, Weasley. She’ll be along in a moment.”

Many of the Slytherins sneered at the redhead but not a one said anything and Ron was reminded once more just how much influence Draco had on his fellow snakes. Which meant he had more than just an apology to Pansy to get out of the way. Ginny was right. He was an adult and it was time to act like one. Sitting down, fidgeting with the sleeve of his robes but deciding to get it out of the way, “Thank you.”

Draco slowly tilted his head with a perplexed frown, eyes flickering of surprise, “For what?”

Sighing and swallowing his pride. If he was going to do this right, he’d have to make peace with Pansy’s best mate before he would get her forgiveness. Unfortunately that was the one person he could stand the least in the world, “For not making this harder.”

Blinking a few times silently before slowly nodding, “You’re welcome.” Ron slowly looked up. He expected a snide remark. An insult. Something. A slow smirk spread across Draco’s face as he read the confusion plastered all over the redhead’s expression, “We’re each dating the other’s best friend. I believe a fair trade of civility is in order.”

Ron absorbed this silently, taking a look around and appreciating the elegance of the Slytherin common room. It was a bit gothic and dark for his tastes but he could see how Pansy and the other Slyths fit right in. Which made him idly wonder how their own homes compared. Pansy, Millicent, and Daphne made an appearance, the three moving in a triangular patter into the common room. Draco stretched lazily, “Ladies. Miss Parkinson I believe you have a visitor.”

Pansy crossed her arms, turning her nose up at the redhead, “I have nothing to say to you, Weasley.”

Gaining his feet, hanging his head, “I’m sorry-“

”Yes you are a sorry bastard.”

“Pans-“

”You do not have the right to my first name, Weasel.”

Draco slowly put a hand over his face. If she was using his nicknames it was just begging for a disaster in the making. Ron’s temper flared, “At least you still remember Ferret’s name for me.”

Draco snarled quietly while Pansy put her hands on her hips, “I see, so the instant your temper flares, suddenly I’m in the wrong and you drag Draco into the middle of it?”

Ron fisted his hands, breathing slowly and closing his eyes to reign in his temper. Mione was right, he really needed to learn how to control it, “No, you’re right. That was wrong of me.” He glanced at the blond, looking pained for what he was about to say, “Sorry for the ferret remark.” Draco stiffened in surprise. Looking back to Pansy, “You’re not a slut, neither is Malfoy, and I apologize to both of you.”

Draco raised both eyebrows at that one. A formal apology was the last thing he ever expected from the redhead. Pansy sat down slowly, “If you truly believe that then why would you even insinuate it?”

Looking down miserably at his fingers, “Because I wasn’t thinking...Pansy you know how I am. I can’t help it-“

Voice hard, “Try.”

Nodding slowly, “I will. I am.” Getting down on his knees and scooting across the area rug to her, putting his hands lightly on her knees, “I’m so sorry I hurt you, Pans. You’re...you’re my beautiful flower...I never wanted to hurt you.”

She looked down with a small, trembling smile, glancing at her best friend who nodded. Draco silently flicked his wrist and the other Slyths cleared out, leaving just the three of them. Weasley’s humiliation was over with, he wasn’t about to let the audience hang around when Pansy was vulnerable. Pansy’s voice trembled, “You did hurt me, Ronald.”

“I know.”

A silent tear glided down her cheek, “I’m still mad at you.”

Quietly, “I know...” Lightly taking her hand and gently placing the necklace back into it, “But please don’t reject me completely.”

She sniffed softly but carefully put the necklace back around her neck with a small nod, “You should leave now.” He opened his mouth to object, “I’ll see you later...I need to think.” Draco cleared his throat and the redhead took the hint, squeezing both of Pansy’s hands before rapidly exiting through the portal without a backwards glance. Pansy slouched into the divine, looking down at her necklace before slowly smiling with glee.

Draco shook his head and pushed himself out of his chair, “You females are positively evil.”

“We are not.”

“You’re taking advantage of the situation to make him suffer as much as possible-“

”Exactly as any good Slytherin should. By the time I’m done he’ll think twice before insulting me or you again.” Sticking out her tongue, “Makes you wish you were interested in the other side, doesn’t it?”

Snorting, “Not bloody likely.”

Pansy leaned back and looked coy, “And when are you going to make a move on your fair flower?”

Gaping at her, “It’s only been one date. You can’t start hounding me after just one-“

”How long do you have?”

“That’s not the point! It’s too soon.”

Studying her fingernails, voice full of hinting teasing, “You’re running out of time.”

Looking pained, “Pans you promised not to get in the middle of this.”

Raising an eyebrow, “I’m not in the middle. I’m behind you with a...muggle
thing- cattle prod!”

Mentally wincing and jokingly rubbing his bum since he knew exactly what it was, “Ow.”

Giving him an evil smirk, “Or maybe I should drag Potter-“ She squealed and tore for the dorm with an irate blond hot on her heels.

Chapter 14

Walking through the doors with a quiet confidence, he sent a nod to Pansy and moved past the other tables before standing quietly once again behind Granger. Hermione stilled when she noticed everyone had once again quieted and turned with a raised eyebrow to see Draco Malfoy once again behind her, this time at dinner time. She was cautious only that he was acting so uncharacteristically stiff in front of her. The Gryffindors were silently holding their breath, anticipating what the normally outspoken Slytherin would say or do.

The past two weeks had shown Hogwarts a completely reformed Draco Malfoy. He was still the most predominant Slytherin and his fellow snakes still followed his lead. But, he did not harass the muggleborn students anymore. In fact, he didn’t start fights period, though one vengeful Ravenclaw had started a magical attack which was swiftly handled by the Slytherin. The Ravenclaw was still in the hospital wing being sorted out by Madam Pomfrey.

He gave a slight bow to her, she feeling heat creep up her face at such an old fashioned but respectful gesture and held out a small box to her. She blinked at him, ignoring Ron fidgeting or Harry leaning back and silently watching. Running her eyes over him, she silently took the box and gave him a small smile when he bowed again, this time lower, “You just love an audience, don’t you?” He grinned up at her as he heard her softly spoken words before turning with a wink and silently moving to his table.

Whispers burst from the Gryffindors, Hermione ignoring them to watch Draco sit down at his House table and nibble on his meal. He scowled at Parkinson and shoved her lightly with his elbow, she laughing behind her hand while he just turned red and hunkered down in his seat. She turned back to her table, not seeing Draco look up for the barest of moments before returning to his dinner.

Ginny moved quickly up the table and shoved Ron over, sitting next to Hermione and all a flutter of excitement, “What was that all about?”

Hermione shrugged and examined the box, trying to ignore the whispers and giggles. It was gorgeous. Finely crafted silver with a simple jeweled catch...as if anything could be said to be simple when it concerned a Malfoy. She ran her fingers carefully over it, noticing that though it was finely polished it was obviously an antique. Opening it carefully, she gasped to see a stunning hair clasp. Silver and smooth, she longed to stroke it but settled for squaring her shoulders and reaching for the simple band in her hair.

Ginny wordlessly brushed her fingers away, taking out the band and pulling her thick curls, petting through them until they allowed her to sweep them up into an artful twist, the clasp holding on perfectly. There was a collective gasp from just about every pureblood in the Hall. Whispering softly in the other girl’s ear, “Always wear it, Hermione.” The Gryffindor looked at her in question, “It means something to him, take it off and it will mean something else.”

Hermione opened her mouth but had no time to ask Ginny what she meant. The other girls at the table praised her look and the gift, the Gryffindor blushing prettily and distracted. Ron opened his mouth, eyeing the box and Ginny was quick to smash her elbow into his ribs, stopping him.

He grunted and clutched his bruised torso, glaring at her until she sent him a glare back. In that one instant her expression made it clear that he was not going to say or do a damn thing. Frowning, “But-“

Pivoting and whispering in his ear, “No, Ron. It’s tradition and we both know it.”

Stammering, “But...but he’s a g-git!”

Shrugging, “So are you but Pansy doesn’t seem to care.”

Eyes narrowing, “That’s different-“

Looking at Pansy out of the corner of her eye. The brunette was stroking the necklace back around her neck. The redhead had gotten down on his knees and begged for her forgiveness in front of the Slytherin Common Room and she’d reluctantly forgiven him. They weren’t completely good yet, but she was at least speaking to him and she’d taken his promise-gift back, “No, Ron, it really isn’t and I can see it from here.
Every pureblood can.”

Pouting, “I don’t wanta put up with him!”

Shrugging, “Don’t care. If she’s happy, I’m happy.”

Glaring, “She doesn’t even know what he’s on about.”

Smirking, “Mione’s too clever not to figure it out. Relax. Harry can handle Malfoy if he gets out of hand and we both know it.”

Rubbing his side, “Damn, Gin, did you have to hit me?”

Rolling her eyes, “Oh, shut up you big baby.”

“You bruised me.”

Snorting, “Nothing Pansy hasn’t caused, I’m sure.”

“GIN!”

***

Hermione slowly closed the book she was reading, hand moving to her hair and smoothing it over the cool metal. The little sneak. But he was a Slytherin so it was to be expected. Purebloods, as a show of their commitment, will present an irreplaceable gift to their chosen. So basically in the muggle sense she was engaged. And since she knew all about the Ministry Mandate...bastards...she was getting married in about two months. Mrs. Hermione Malfoy. She grinned suddenly and grabbed her bag, walking briskly out of the library and nearly shrieked in fright. Lightly slapping his arm, “Stop lurking!”

Draco just shrugged with a small smile, moving out of the shadows of the library’s entryway. He’d been watching her all day, hoping she wouldn’t take it off. Praying she wouldn’t be upset with him for it, “I’m a Slytherin, it’s what we do.”

Raising an eyebrow, “No, you were worried I’d take your gift off.”

Humor vanishing, “That too.”

She shook her head with a small sigh, “Where did all of your confidence go?” She loved his confidence. Tall and proud Slytherin, always prepared with an answer or a retort. She hadn’t seen much of that Draco in weeks. She was really starting to wonder if the person he’d shown Hogwarts for six years was completely unlike who he really was. She was starting to suspect this was the case.

He puffed up, “I am confident.”

Giving him a small smile, seeing his nervousness even if he was trying to hide it, “I accepted the gift, didn’t I?”

Slouching just a little, “You didn’t know why I gave it to you.” His eyes reflected for just an instant a deeper pain than just nervousness. Was he that fearful of rejection? She mentally winced, thinking of first year and it suddenly explained a lot. It wasn’t just that Harry had publically rebuffed him...it had damaged him just a little, perhaps enough for Draco to try to reject everyone before they could do so to him again.

Squaring her shoulders, “I, Hermione Granger, formally accept your gift, Draco Malfoy.” Smiling sweetly to brush his cheekbone with her thumb, “And I accept you, Draco.”

Draco felt his breath catch and something deep inside of him sigh. The part of him that had held her and everyone else at a distance relaxed. He reached out for her hand and tugged her closer, she smiling at him and waiting for him to act. He smiled back, the first real smile she had ever seen and it was dazzling. Cupping her face, he leaned in and claimed her lips as his own personal property.