Bittersweet

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor will I ever own Harry Potter.

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Hermione grazed her eyes up and down the corridors to the Gryffindor common room. She was lost. She didn’t know which way to turn. Her directions had stated that once she walked down the familiar corridor that a new one would appear just for her eyes, but nothing had came into view. No sign of a lumonic light form, which Hermione remembelearlearning in charms. The light was supposed to direct someone to their desired location...but, Hermione had yet to see even one of these.

Hermione was beginning to panic when she glanced at a painting on the north wall, that she didn’t remember seeing before. In the frame was an especially excited maiden, who was flirting with a knight who was visiting her in her own portrait. The two were sitting in a very unorthodox manner. The knight seemed to be enjoying his time with the maiden and appeared to be fondling the female. The visual was certainly unusual for a Hogwarts portrait. Hermione never expected portraits to behave in such a manner.

“Hem hem,” Hermione noted, imitating her fifth year Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. This caught their attention, for they separated breathlessly apart immediately.

“Um…sorry to interrupt…your….meeting.” Hermione stated, red coming to her cheeks. She felt very awkward interrupting portraits in the act.

“I was looking for the Head Girls quarters. Would you happen to know where they might be?” Hermione asked shyly. She didn’t expect them to know anything, but she thought it was worth a try.

“Oh….I am sorry Miss. Granger. Your quarters are through this corridor.” The disgruntled maiden barely said. She pointed to a large corridor behind her, which she swung open for her.

Hermione said her good bye to the couple and headed down the short corridor, which brought her to a door with a lion on it. Puzzled, Hermione stopped. Was she supposed to just push the door handle down, or wait? Deciding there was only one way to find out, Hermione started to walk closer to the apparatus. If on cue, the lion on the door gave a loud roar and just like in a fairy tale, when Hermione had dreamed when she was a little girl, a giant lion came out of the swinging entry way, blocking her from, her own destination.

“Password,” the lion asked. The lion’s voice was filled with so much power and strength, that it nearly scared Hermione to death.

“Flu….Flubberworm.” Hermione said stuttering.

The magic words had worked. The lion immediately bowed down before the Head Girl, as the door behind the animal opened, revealing her own private dorm; still shocked from the idea of having an enormous live lion in from of her, Hermione walked quickly around the lion, and stepped into her new place of residence. As soon as she was in the oval shaped room, a gasp escaped her mouth. The room was gorgeous.

Unlike the Girls Dormitory in the Gryffindor House, the bed was a circular rotating divan which was covered in gold silk bed sheets. Beside the magnificent sleeping area was mahogany furniture, with plush love seats. The room was immaculate. Once she was in the room, she saw a few steps south that led into her study room, which gave a wonderful view of the Quidditch field. Conjoining this room was the levitry, which Hermione found extremely acceptable.

Letting out a gasp of air, Hermione made her way into her front room again. Holding her hands out to her side and letting herself fall on to the most comfortable piece of furniture her body had ever touched, she suddenly felt at peace; her mind erasing the image of Draco Malfoy and how much he made her cringe.

~~

The next morning, Draco Malfoy woke up to the sounds of his alarm clock talking to him. Annoyed, Draco turned to the object about to hit it off the table. Surprised, the clock jumped back out of its way, while shaking one of its legs at him, protesting that, that wasn’t the way to solve “the getting up scenario”. Draco simply rolled his eyes and sat up protesting that he in fact didn’t give a shit.

Walking into his serpent style bathroom, Draco took a warm shower and dressed for the first day of his seventh year. Looking into the mirror one last time, pleased with what he saw and ignoring the mirrors, whistles and hollers, he made his way past the guarding snake and down his inble ble corridor. When he reached the entrance to the dungeons, he made his way down to the Great Hall for some breakfast.

Granger was already at the tables eating with Scar head and Weaselette, and was animatedly talking to them, which Draco’s mind looked like avid conversation. He ignored his feelings of how well Granger was looking in her white top and sat down in his regular seat. Within moments, Pansy had placed her bottom next to him, giving him a wet kiss instantly. Draco turned to her and saw that she still had the pug like nose and was bouncy and annoying as ever. Their escapade in the closet last night, brought shivers. Unfortunately, for himwoulwould end up consummating with the bitch; fathers requests.

If Draco was to be with anyone, he had to be with a pureblood, and Pansy was the closest they came. Her family was exceedingly wealthy, which father thought as to be “a good match”. This angered Draco, for his father knew perfectly well that he hated the bitch and that her annoying nature was driving him inane. His father, like always wouldn’t listen to Draco’s complaints and told him what to do then ask. Draco knew that his father had specific plans for him once he graduated, and knowing how strongly Lucius was in contact with Voldemort, Draco didn’t think he would be surprised what his “specific plans for him” actually entailed.

Draco knew that his father’s ambitions to get him into the dark arts were increasing more and more by each day, and Draco loved working with the art. But, liked living in a world where he could go to a store and not have to worry if he was going to be pocketed for dark art material. He wanted to live somewhere, where there weren’t Ministry officials raiding your home, in search for dark mark evidence. Draco might have hated mudbloods and every now and again, wanted to get rid of them, but he also liked to live in peace. His father on the other hand was searched all the time. Draco knew that his father hated the Ministry and he knew that if his father kept up his business with Voldemort that they would find him out…again.

Draco shook this image away from his head. His father was an idiot.

Draco suddenly felt a violent tap on his shoulder. The feeling was extremely annoying, because the tap continued and continued. Draco suddenly grabbed the forefinger and squeezed tightly onto it. It was Parkinson.

“Drackypoo that hurts,” she said grabbing her hand back while rubbing it.

Draco rolled his eyes to her annoyance. He hated being humiliated in front of the whole school. Her squeals were so annoying.

“I’m sorry, hun. Let’s get out of here,” he said softly to her, while getting out of his chair and grabbing her by the waist.

She gave a large grin and pulled herself close to him. They walked out of the Great Hall. Draco’s arm around Pansy’s waist, Pansy walking with her bitchy incessant trot, while Hermione gaped at Draco’s back, a scowl imprinted across her face.

~~

Getting her mind focused for her studies, Hermione gathered her things and headed towards her first class with Harry and Ron. Ron was talking about some fancy Quittich move, which Hermione found extremely dull, while Harry listened to Ron intently. According to Hermione, whenever Quittich came up between the two of them, it was hard for them to concentrate on anything else.

“Well we definitely will have an advantage against Slytherin if we can do the copus twist. There will be no way Crabbe and Goyle could ever get a bludger to us that fast.” Ron was saying as they stepped into Transfiguration.

“Well I don’t know about that. Last year they almost got me…twice.” Harry said warningly, while taking his seat.

Ron shook his head, “no…there’s absolutely no way, their big fat wanker bodies could never move fast enough for the copus twist.” Ron grinned at this thought.

This went on for several moments until; Professor McGonagall finally brought class to a start. “By the end of this year…I will expect all of you…yes you too Neville,” she said while giving Neville a warning glance “to know how to transfigure any object. You all are adults now and I will expect nothing less. Until, that time I expect each and every one of you to pay strict attentionrn trn to page fifteen.”

Thirty minutes into the lesson, Hermione was starting to feel extremely anxious. While on vacation, she had read through the first couple of chapters and was geared up to test out her skills. Professor McGonagall knew this and Hermione doubted that she would call on Hermione.

Over the years, Professor’s had learned to never ask Hermione a question. They were expected to get a full page worth. Hermione set her hand down after being denied for the second time. Just because she knew the answer, she wasn’t being called on. Professors had a habit of answering those who weren’t paying attention.

For example, like Malfoy. He was sitting smug as ever; sitting next to Parkinson, while slanting in his seat as if he didn’t care. And to think, he was the representative of Head Boy. It made her sick.

She was the type of student who cared about her studies and worked for her grades, while the little prat sat there gallivanting with every little hoar in the school and was head boy. How did he get to be head boy when he always looked to be not paying attention? She rolled her eyes and continued to listen to other students’ answers, which she found completely erroneous.

During lunch that afternoon, as usual Hermione sat quietly at her table with Ron and Harry with Ginny across from Harry. They were eye locked and Hermione suspected they were doing something underneath the table, because Hermione could see small smirks tiptoeing out of one another every few second. The Great Hall was bursting with happy students who were talking to one another, while enjoying there meal of the afternoon. Ron was talking to Hermione about maybe seeing Hagrid this weekend, which Hermione gladly shook her head to.

Hermione, Ron, Harry and Ginny were about to leave the Great hall and head to their next class, which happened to be Potions, when there was an uproar at the Slytherin table. There were plates, food, and what, looked to be punches thrown by two female students. The whole Slytherin table was now encircled with students.

Ron and Harry immediately rushed over to the crowd, leaving Hermione and Ginny to themselves. Hermione, being the good student she is went to get a Professor; which, to her delight was already at the scene. Hermione didn’t get a chance to see what had happened, but noticed that Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall were already separating the students. When the crowd finally diminished, Ron and Harry came walking back their faces in annoyance.

“What,” Hermione and Ginny asked in unison.

“The damn prat, I swear...” Ron was already going off into his little world, without paying attention to the girls or their questions.

“What is it Harry,” Ginny asked for the second time.

“Malfoy,” Harry simply said, his teeth grinding against each other.

“What about Malfoy,” Hermione asked, now starting to get annoyed.

“Pansy Parkinson and Millicent Bullstrode were kicking each other and Pansy said something about Draco being hers and not Millicent’s. They seemed to be fighting over Draco. Millicent sure does have a punch to her, let me tell you. Pansy was rushed to the Hospital wing with a broken nose. Millicent, I think, only had a couple of bruises across her chin.” Harry replied. His face still distorted with anger.

Ginny gave a look, and then said something about her having to go to her next class, and left Hermione, Harry and Ron to themselves.

“What an ass. Who would want to fight over him?” Hermione spat as they walked out of the Great Hall towards their next class.

“What do we have now?” Ron asked to no one in particular, with a sort of glum attitude.

“Advanced Potions, Hermione said with an even more depressing tone. “I really do not want to see that little Ferret” she added. She didn’t want to see Malfoy at all, but was looking forward to the advanced potions class. She was curious as to see what Professor Snape would be teaching them and it was quite thrilling, at least to her, she didn’t speak for Harry and Ron.

When they reached the dungeons, Hermione took her seat next to Ron and Harry, preparing herself for an hour and a half with Malfoy, the one person she would rather avoid.

~~

Draco watched her walk into the Dungeon classroom, and triednot not take heed to actually how close Weasley was to her. His consistent need to touch her back was quite annoying. Why did the prat try so hard, when everyone knew she didn’t even notice his affection? Draco ignored her presence and paid attention to his Professor; who was now telling them about persuasion potions, which Draco found extremely dull. This was supposed to be advanced potions. This potion was hardly difficult.

Draco had signed up for the class as a way to work harder at the art, since his father had insisted it would help him in his future line of duty. Draco rolled his eyes at this and had signed up for it anyway, not caring if he would need it to defeat ministry officials or not. He knew his path; whether his father would agree with this career choice was another story though.

“I want everyone to get into groups of two. No Potter, you can not get with your Weasley. Don’t you even think about it Granger. Weasley go with Neville, maybe you can help him not fail this course. Potter, with Pansy, Pansy with Malfoy”

No….Malfoy screamed in his head. What was the bloke doing, assigning him with her? Malfoy gave a warning glance to Snape, who waved his hand with him.

“Get your ass over here Granger, I don’t have all day.”

Something definitely was wrong with Snape. He never had acted this foolish before. Malfoy’s face became much distorted with anger. Why did he have to be paired up with her, the bitch mudblood?

Hermione’s face had gone to pure pink when she heard her name being called to be paired up with Malfoy. Why the hell did she take this class, she was regretting it now. She made her way over to Malfoy’s table, and suddenly sat down with a very displeased attitude.

“Calm down Granger, don’t get your panty’s in a twist” she heard Malfoy say to her.

“Shut up Malfoy, just start chopping the dragon root.” She didn’t want to show her nervousness and being sat next to him was making her very edgy. She grabbed her bag and pulled out the ingredient and then began putting ingredients into the cauldron, while Draco gaped at her.

“What.” She asked hastily.

“There’s no reason to be nervous Granger” he said trying to test her ability to behave. He knew that she wouldn’t curse him when a teacher was near and this was his one time to really get under her skin.

“Come here, sit closer to me. I’ll make you quite pleasant.” He said nonchalantly, while patting his lap.

Hermione took her eyes off the ingredients and gaped at Draco, who she thought was on muggle crack. “Are you…serious, give me a break Malfoy? You really are full of yourself.”

Draco laughed, “One night with me and you will be crawling back, and begging for more.” His cocky attitude was driving her crazy and he liked it. Her prissy look made him laugh more.

“I wouldn’t touch you with a ten foot pole,” Hermione scoffed. She was completely shocked. Why was he talking to her in this way? Draco Malfoy hated Hermione and she hated him. They had hated each other since first year, why all of this now? He was pulling her leg.

“No…I wouldn’t expect you to touch me with a ten foot pole, I’d touch you with mine.” He said now leaning closer to her, while grabbing her leg and moving his hand up, barely touching her panty line.

“Oh…my god, what is wrong with you.” Hermione yelled back, grabbing for her wand and pushing Draco off of her. She was now making a scene; several other students were looking at them; especially Pansy, who was eyeing them very carefully.

“Ms. Granger, I suggest you learn to work with your partner, or I will deduct points from your house.” The sound of Professor Snape was heard from the back of the class.

Hermione clenched her teeth then settled back down into her chair, while sitting as far away from Draco as she could. Through the rest of the lesson, Draco and Hermione did their work in silence. When class came to a close, Draco gave her one last wink before heading out of the dungeon room, Pansy Parkinson at his side.

~~

Dinner didn’t go well at all. Hermione kept remembering how Draco was acting in Potions and couldn’t keep her mind off of him grabbing at her and the way he had spoken to her. What was wrong with him? Ron had noticed her distress and was casually gliding his hand down and up her back. She didn’t mind the comfort, but for some reason, she could sense he wanted more from the casual friendly pats. She gave him a small smile and continued on her dinner. Harry and Ginny were eating and casually talking amongst themselves, while Ron and Hermione chitchatted about nothing in particular. During dinner, Hermione could feel eyes on her, and she immediately looked up to see Malfoy gazing at her, with his beady eyes following over her. He simply gave her a wink and returned to his meal and conversation. This was really starting to bother and scare her. What did the bloke want with her? She had never felt so scared around Malfoy before and now all this attention he was now giving her was starting to get to her. She really just needed a nice hot bath, to soak all her problems away.

When she was finished, she told her friends that she was going to go study in the library, and then go to bed. Ron and Harry said something about walking with her, but she gladly told them that she would be fine and grabbed her bag and left the Gryffindor table, before leaving the hall however, she glanced over at the Slytherin table for Malfoy, he had already left. Relieved, Hermione smiled and headed to the library. She had a paper due in Arithmancy and figured she should get a good head start. Madam Pince was in her usual enjoyable mood, when she arrived and helped Hermione find her book instantly. Hermione pushed the book into her book bag and then headed down a corridor to her private quarters.

She was almost there when she was caught off guard by a strong body pushing her against a hard stone wall; her book bag falling hard onto the floor. She could tell who it was from the sent of him. She had spelt his cologne in Potions.

“What in the bloody hell are you doing Malfoy,” she yelled back at him, while rubbing thck ock of her head. He then grabbed both of her arms and pulled them above her head, so that she couldn’t move. Her eyes widened apart.

“Shut up mudblood, now you will listen to me very clearly,” he was saying, their faces barely inches apart. His body was now pressed hard against her chest, which he found extremely comfortable. His hot breath was against her mound snd she could sense the heat from his body. “I will not make a fool of Granger, what you tried to pull in Potions today will not happen again.”

“What…Pansy have a problem with me yelling at you,” Hermione teased.

“You will do as I say, Granger. This is how it is going to work, and if you don’t like it, you will suffer the consequences.” Draco said his anger riling. “What I want, I get, plain and simple. So you will do as I say, when I want you, you will come, no questions asked.” He wanted to just take her mouth in with his at that moment, but persisted.

“What? What will you do to me?” Hermione said, testing her bravery. She knew perfectly clear what Malfoy would do. She knew that his father was in close lines with Voldemort and if she wanted to live, she would pay attention.

“Don’t test me Granger,” he screamed back at her. He then did something that caught her off guard.
Draco leaned closer, his hands tightened around her wrists. He planted his face on Hermione’s and gave her a hard kiss that made both of them moan in pleasure. He moved his tongue on her lips until she parted her mouth open, letting him enter his tongue into her mouth. He played with her tongue and she with his, when finally he broke apart.

“Don’t disappoint me Granger,” he said before leaving her alone in the dark corridor, confused without a doubt. She had just made out with Draco Malfoy. Draco Malfoy. The actual truth was too hard to even comprehend.