Care to Play?

When Hermione sat down for the welcoming feast she sat facing the Slytherin table. She wanted to see what effect she had on the blonde sitting across from her. He was facing her and casting some unusual looks at her. He was also quiet. He wasn’t even talking to his own housemates. There was enough talking among the Slytherin table regardless of his participation, but Hermione knew she had rattled him.



He was toying with his food, taking sporadic bites here and there. Before she left she looked over at him again. His face held no expression at all. No hatred, anger, disgust, nothing.



If Tonk’s first suggestion didn’t appear to be the outcome, maybe it was the second one? Confusion certainly did make more sense. He was avoiding conversation, and his expression could have been one of thoughtfulness. Maybe he was trying to figure out what she was doing, and why she was doing it?



Well, he wasn’t mad or disgusted. At least he didn’t appear to be, otherwise he would have pushed her away when she stood in the doorway with him on the train. Yes, confusion did seem to be the reaction at the moment, and she would just have let him figure it out on his own.







Several days later Hermione was doing her rounds after curfew and had just cleared one of the corridors. As she rounded another and looked ahead she stopped and stared. Draco was at the end of the hall having turned from another corridor.



They stared at each other from each end of the long hall. She wondered what he was thinking. His face was just as expressionless as it was during dinner. She kept her own face passive, but with just a hint of a smile. The look she gave him was welcoming, but would he approach and talk?



She left the decision to him, staying where she was, her eyes on his and her head tilted just slightly. He didn’t move though, he just looked at her. His eyes shifted around as if confused about what action to take. He eventually he just turned and left.



Hermione thought about his reaction. Normally he wouldn’t have missed the chance to tease her about something, but since the train ride, he had avoided her. This would have been a welcome relief but now she was intrigued. What she wouldn’t give to have master legilmancy and have a way into his thoughts.







A week after later they had a prefect meeting. Hermione was seated opposite Draco and again he said nothing. Not one word was uttered by him during the entire meeting. Normally he liked to make his comments on anything but this time he just sat and listened, occasionally taking notes.



While McGonagall entered to have a brief word with the head girl and boy the rest of the prefects were left to their own thoughts. Hermione toyed with her quill until she got the feeling that someone was watching her. She lifted only her eyes and nothing else to find Draco’s gaze focused on her.



She met his eyes and held them. Neither expression changed. What are you thinking Draco, she thought. Are you confused? Well then, let’s see how you react to this. She gave him a miniscule smile. Nothing big that the room would notice, just enough of a smile for him to see.



Draco did notice it and after a moment looked up to make sure McGonagall was still occupied with the heads, then back to Hermione. His eyes shifted about the room, then back to her. There was that confusion again. What would he do?



He focused on her and lifted a corner of his mouth. It was a half smile but it was enough. He would respond to her, she knew that now. Tonk’s was right. He had gone through at least two of the predicted reactions. Maybe he was angry, but if he was then he was either hiding it or he got over it very quickly.



McGonagall had their attention again and announced that longer rounds would take place and they would be partnered up for the first month of the new year. The longer shifts would also coincide with larger round areas. To make patrols easier, partners would be essential.



“Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw will pair up,” McGonagall stated handing each team a parchment with their patrol area, “and Gryffindor and Slytherin will have the other areas.” She handed Ron and Pansy a parchment and then one to Hermione and Draco with their area and schedule.



Their first round was to be that night. Hermione had taken care with how she appeared. Draco had given his countermove when he smiled back to her, now the chess more was hers.



If the opportunity presented itself she planned to take advantage of it. Again she thought about Tonk’s idea and smiled. She knew what she was talking about, she would have to write to the woman and let her know how correct she had been.



That night she met up with Draco and right away they began their rounds. They moved in silence down the halls each paying attention to different areas.



As they continued on to the lower levels, the corridors got narrower and forced them shoulder to shoulder at some points. Their steps echoed and Hermione knew that no one was about and now as the perfect opportunity. She even knew a way to take advantage of that opportunity.



As they were brought closer together she stopped and looked up at him. He returned her staring, wondering what she would do. She leaned in and inhaled deeply, smelling his rich cologne. She was still at shoulder level and would have liked to have moved closer, but at this point baby steps were important.



He was silent for a moment still watching her, contemplating his next move, almost waiting for her to do something else, but she didn’t. “Do you honestly like my cologne or are you pulling one on me?” He asked.



“I really like it Draco.” She said to him. “Like I said, it’s a very masculine scent. Very alluring.” She said. “At least from what I can tell.”



He looked confused. “From what you can tell?”



“Well down here, it’s a little diluted. Do you mind if I have a closer smell?” She asked, almost in a purr.



He shifted on his feet for a moment and then leaned down just a little. Hermione rose up on her toes and leaned in close, inhaling deeply. The scent was stronger and more potent, filling her senses.



Time for the countermove Draco, she thought. Before moving away she placed the lightest kiss possible on his pulse. “Yes Draco, very masculine indeed.” She murmured against his neck.



She continued to the end of the hall and left Malfoy behind her. The end of the hall marked the end of their shift, so she left for Gryffindor tower. This definitely warranted a letter to Tonks.





A/N: In response to one of the reviews I got on the first chapter, this takes place during seventh year, but I ignore the war aspect altogether. No dark lord, no death eaters, the rivalry still in place because of Salazar Slytherin leaving the school, therefore the blood prejudice remains.