The Price Of Knowledge

The Price of Knowledge




Chapter Twenty-One


Funny how when everything was out in the open the more there was to hide.


The next few weeks brought on several challenges. The first was to make everything seem perfect for the teachers. I had to pull up my socks and show a renewed zeal in my studies. The start of my relationship with Draco had taken its toll...I was heading for E’s on my NEWTs. I wanted to show them I hadn’t changed in terms of studiousness. Education was still a priority. I just also wanted to learn things that didn’t come out of a textbook.

Now that everyone knew about Draco and me…there was an expectation. I sat with him during lunch. The first time I had, Harry’s face had contorted and turned violet in rage. When Ron had stepped forward, asking me to join him at “our” table, it was Pansy, of all people, who told Ron to shut it. “She is among friends. Run along.” An odd twist of fate that was. Mind you, Pansy’s mood had definitely improved since she and Parvati became better acquainted. I caught them making out in an empty classroom during dinnertime. They made an incredibly sexy couple. I gave them a warning and thumbs up. Pansy had winked at me before she left, mumbling something about understanding the Gryffindor appeal. I should have thanked them; they gave me a terribly naughty idea.

Draco and I rarely saw each other. I had to spend what little time I was allowed after class in the library, and since I was no longer allowed on night patrols, barely ventured to the dungeons. We passed charmed notes in class, masturbated together via the earrings, and groped each other in the hidden alcoves. He offered to go the extra mile, walk me to class, hold my hand…I waved those attempts off. The sentiment was heartwarming, but not necessary. I felt foolish when he held my hand in public. I didn’t need any more announcements that we were indeed an “item.” Draco grew irritated by my lack of public affections. “Just hold my fucking hand!” he yelled after I’d shrugged him off one time too many.

Tensions were higher between us. He was petulant lately, as was I. I was frustrated because I was still uncertain of my feelings for him, desperately waiting for us to have time alone so I could find out. Now that the secret was out in the open and we were a couple, it seemed even harder to find time alone. Everyone was watching. They wanted to see us fight; see us be ‘alone’, see the intimate moments signaling something more. It was like being under a magnifying glass. It wasn’t just students, but teachers as well. Waiting, watching; even Dumbledore. I didn’t know what they were expecting, but the constant scrutiny was wearisome. I didn’t want to even leave my room most mornings. Of course, if I ever did such a thing, who knows what rumors would form…more than likely of the “hidden pregnancy” variety.

Yet it seemed I was the only one feeling the strain. Draco’s life went unchanged. Slytherin house had accepted me without any question. On the whole, Slytherins were more open-minded than Gryffindors. They understood sex and secrets, took them all in stride. They left Draco alone. Even though Draco wasn’t Head Boy, he commanded a lot of respect from his fellow housemates for whatever reason. If anything this experience taught me how little I knew about Slytherins. While the Houses were divided by similar character traits, there were no absolutes in how those traits truly defined a group. Gryffindors were said to be loyal, but they were also painstakingly curious and stubborn to the point of not accepting those different from the supposed norm. Slytherins were known to be cunning and calculating, but they were also very accepting of the way things just simply were, not laying any expectations. I had never been more thankful for such a thing until now. Under the weight of the expectations I was constantly under, I longed to break free. I loved my Housemates. I loved being a Gryffindor…but the pressure cooker around me was ready to burst.

I wanted to think it was just me under such expectations, but it wasn’t true. Harry was just as scrutinized. The Boy Who Lived was going to be the savior of the world. Never mind his flaws and humanity, he was going to be categorized as a deity. Stupid prat was still being a ponse. Weeks after our day in Dumbledore’s office, he was still practically spewing venom whenever our paths crossed. He was watching me too, maybe more than everyone else combined.

How ironic that I always wanted to be recognized for my intelligence, and now all the attention I received was for other…things.

It was three weeks since Draco told me he loved me, and I still didn’t know my feelings.

I lay in my bed, curtains closed, silencing spell around the bed, stroking the skin under my jumper. Beside me, Parvati’s curtains were closed as well. She and Pansy had showed up a while ago, likely not realized I was still in the room. In case Lavender showed up, I cast a disillusionment and silencing spell around the bed. Let them have their time, I thought. Technically any student could go into any dorm as long as invited and before curfew…but I didn’t dare have Draco set foot into Gryffindor territory. He would likely be eaten alive and I respected the quiet truce I had with Slytherin too much to venture down to the dungeons. I was already marked as belonging to Draco; I didn’t need to reiterate it by becoming a groupie.


“I wish you were here.” Draco’s voice came through the earrings and I was glad for the distraction from my thoughts.

“I miss you, too.” I sighed. I actually did miss him. A stolen kiss under the stairs was a sad substitute for time together.

“They are still watching you.” I had first thought the staring was in my head, but Draco noticed it too. He noticed it because the attention was now off him. Being the son of a Death Eater, he used to be constantly watched until his father was imprisoned with Draco’s help. Now eyes had turned off Draco and he was the first to notice. Even he admitted the irony was painful, the day he finally escaped inspection was the day it went onto someone he loved. My heart beat a bit faster when he said it.

“If you’d like I’ll cast a Dark Mark or smuggle something involved with dark magic in. Take the heat off you a bit.”

It was the most pompous thing I had heard all day. “Actually, I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

“Then we need to start coming up with some. I want to fuck you so badly I’m dying.”

“We can’t use the Chamber…Professor Snape has started patrolling around there.”

“What a git. He knows it’s there too.” Draco cleared his throat. “We need to find a better place.”

“I think I may know someplace we could be together. The classrooms are virtually deserted during meals.”

“You dirty bitch, you. I should have guessed you fancied shagging in a schoolroom.” He chuckled softly. “I wouldn’t mind throwing you over McGonagall’s desk and having my way with you.”

“What makes you think I wouldn’t be having my way with you?” I asked. “Meet me Monday. McGonagall’s classroom is empty the period after lunch – she will likely be watching the match between Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw.”

“Sounds good. Just make sure you’re not followed. Potter’s been ten steps behind you since the library mess.”

I was taken back. I hadn’t noticed Harry following me. But Draco had. It was rather predatory actually…on both their parts. “Are you jealous?”

“Of that flaming idiot? That’s a laugh. Concerned over your welfare.”

I didn’t say anything. “Since we’re going to be together, I think I’m cutting you off in the meantime.”

“Cutting me off?”

“That’s right. No wanking together, no groping me in the hall, and especially no kissing. Not until Monday.”

“But it’s Friday. I was going to finger fuck you after breakfast.”

“Aw, you’re so cute when you pout for sex.”

“You can’t cut me off, because I cut you off first. Same rules apply. And no surprise gropes, perv.”

“That’s absurd.”

“You’re absurd.”

I laughed in spite of myself. “Okay, then we’re both cut off. Till Monday.”

“Bloody Monday.”

“And no wanking either.”

“You’re putting one on, right?”

“It’s not a cut off if we masturbate. Monday.”

“Fuck me, you are saucy.”

“Mmm, Monday.”

“You’re not allowed to wank either, Miss My-dilly-is-named-Pocket-Rocket.”

“Fair is fair.” I realized in that moment that I probably masturbated as much as he did. Bloody hell that was going to blow. I swallowed deeply. “I guess we’re going to get a lot of homework done.”

I didn’t know how right I was. Friday night had been easy – I read and went to sleep early. I woke up the next morning and continued to read and study in my room, leaving for meals, which I shared with Ginny and Lavender. They were smiley, asking me questions about Draco, being friendlier than well…ever. Lavender was even trying to engage me on the topic of relationships. It was disconcerting.

I stayed back from Draco. We caught sight of each other in the great hall; I shot him a coy smile. I was really looking forward to Monday. The anticipation was almost overwhelming. I was also staying true to my word; Saturday night I didn’t even touch myself. I took a cold shower and dreamt really, really inappropriate dreams and woke up only to take another cold shower. I hoped he was living up to his end.

Sunday after dinner I cornered him, pushed him into the same alcove he made me amend the contract in. I came up from behind him, snaked my hands forward and cupped his crotch. He was hard. “Have you been good?” I whispered into his ear.

He relaxed his shoulders, pretending to be casual while he was hot in my hands. “My dear, I don’t know how to be good. There lies my appeal.”

“I dreamt about you last night,” I whispered, gently squeezing him through the fabric of his trousers.

“Really, Luna, I thought we talked about this. What if Hermione saw you trying to seduce me?”

He started laughed when I smacked him across the arm. “You really should forgo anymore schooling. Standup comedy would be such a lucrative career for you.”

He turned into my embrace and I felt his tongue along my ear. “I want you to come in my mouth right here. I’ve had a hard on since Friday, and when Monday comes, I’m going to fuck you on McGonagall’s desk so hard, you won’t be able to walk.”

I wet my lips. “Is that a promise?”

Our solitude was broken by voices and footsteps. Draco winked at me and headed for the Dungeons. I watched him turn down the corner…not realizing I wasn’t alone.


Monday came. And so would I.

I woke up on edge that morning. I had a bit of a headache, and because of another restless night, I just had hot, strong tea chased by a bit of contraceptive potion. I switched to the potion about a month ago because it was far too easy to forget the charm mid-coitis.

I skipped to my first class; I was so excited for lunchtime. I was practically bouncing in my seat for Potions. Professor Snape was in his usual Monday retched mood, but I didn’t care. I lost twenty points because I was jittery, and I didn’t care. Draco sat at the back of the class, decidedly interested. At least when he lost five points for paying too much attention to my disruptive behavior (which was another ten points) no one questioned why.

In Herbology, again with the bouncing, but since I was ahead in my readings (after all, my forced period of celibacy left me enough time on my hands), my energy went to answering questions and gaining back the lost points. Neville kept shooting me questioning glances, but I ignored him. At least Draco wasn’t in the class to distract me further.

Lunch came and I didn’t eat a thing. I pretended to be finishing Professor Sprout’s latest assignment, but I was too distracted to be convincing.

“What’s got your knickers in a twist?” Ginny asked, reaching over me to pour herself more pumpkin juice.

“It’s too loud here. I think I’m going to the library to finish this.” So I lied again. This one just fell from my lips without my even thinking.

Ron looked up from his heaping pile of food. “You’re not eating anything?” he asked in between mouthfuls.

I stood up, shrugging. “Not really. And don’t talk with your mouthful.”

I gathered my things and in the corner of my eye I watched Draco artfully do the same. It was unfortunate that I wasn’t watching the other side of the room – I would have been aware that my sudden departure wasn’t going unnoticed.

I made my way to McGonagall’s classroom and put down my heavy book bag. I hadn’t worn panties that day, and while it was hardly winter it was drafty. I contemplated Transfiguring my clothing into something other than my uniform, something sexier, when I felt a hand tap me on the shoulder.

I jumped a mile. “Bloody hell! Are you trying to give me a heart attack!”

Draco shrugged. “No, but I will try for a kiss.”

I chuckled. “Ferret.” I reached in to kiss him softly, gently. “Did you ward the door?”

“Aye.”

I literally jumped into his arms, my mouth hungry for his. Draco took my breath away with deep kisses, biting, nipping at my mouth, while our tongues dueled, fought.

I reached between our bodies to stroke him, finding his erection hard and insistent between my thighs. He fell backward onto one of the desks; I stayed on top, seducing him with my mouth.

I felt one of his hands slide up into my hair, holding my face to his, the other slid down to cup my rear. I rolled my hips into him, eliciting a growl that vibrated through his tongue.

“On her desk,” he muttered into my kiss.

I pulled away, my face flushed.

Draco lifted me when he stood, carrying me over to McGonagall’s desk. He planted me down gently, moving back to admire his handiwork. “Are you ready?” he asked.

I teasingly lifted my skirt, revealing the nakedness underneath. “I’m ready for you to fuck me right here, right now.”

He smiled approvingly. “Every fuck day is like my birthday with you, Granger. You just always know what to get me.” He parted my thighs somewhat roughly, knelt between them. I felt his lips on my upper thigh, his breath against my labia.

My fingers gripped the edge of the desk tightly as his tongue caressed me intimately, finding my clit and literally sucking it like a sweet. His hands were firm on my thighs, as the pressure between my legs built I was tempted to squeeze his head into place.

Watching his blonde head between my legs was amazingly erotic and visually mesmerizing. I was shaking watching him, and I closed my eyes as I felt climax near, with startling speed.

He moved up, removing his mouth and stroking me gently with his fingers. I felt his lips take mine again, tasted my juices on his lips.

“Fucking tease,” I whimpered, reaching for his belt.

“I’m not going to let you come so easily.” He chuckled, his mouth hot and wet on my ear, my jaw, and my neck.

I managed to unfasten his belt and started to push down his zipper. “I want you to shag me from behind, over teacher’s desk.” I stood up, freed his cock from the confines of his boxers and turned around, so that I was leaning over McGonagall’s desk, my arse in the air.

I felt the heat of his body against mine as he fucked me with two fingers, while his thumb stroked my clitoris. I was rolling my hips in time to meet his fingers when I felt it – one of his hands drew back and SMACK.

It wasn’t too violent, but it stung. He smacked my arse again. Combined with the pleasure his fingers were bringing, the fact I was still in my school uniform, bent over my favorite Professor’s desk…it was so naughty and delicious, I was crying out. “Fuck me, Draco.”

“With pleasure,” he hummed, thrusting forward. The angle was meant for shallow thrusts, but it felt amazing. I pressed back to meet his thrusts with opposing friction, gripped the desk hard. “How does it… feel to shag on dear ol’ McGonagall’s desk, you… little… slut?” His breaths were fast, he was almost there.

Oh my god, he was topping it off with a little dirty talk. I was going to come, and come fiercely. “Harder,” I moaned. I needed more.

He flipped me over aggressively, bringing one of my legs up over his shoulder to open me to his greedy thrusts. With my legs so wide, I felt him deep within my body, his pelvic bone rubbing against mine with amazing results. I squeezed him tightly, with my arms and pelvic floor muscles.

“Hermione!” He practically choked out my name, so I did it again.

I could feel him shuddering against me, my body begging to follow him. I reached between us to stimulate myself, pushing me over the edge.

I felt his body stiffen as I melted – we came undone together. I reached blindly for his hand, unconsciously squeezing it fiercely.

I lowered my leg but only to wrap it around his hips. I lifted myself by pulling on his shirt, brining my mouth to his. “Draco.” I murmured against his lips.

“Ahem.”

At first, I thought it was him. Then I heard the horrible sound again.

“Ahem.”

Oh shite.

Draco and I both shared equal looks of panic and embarrassment. We turned our heads slowly, finding not only Professor McGonagall at the door, but Professors Snape AND Flitwick, a pointing and laughing Peeves and several gaping fifth years who must have been passing by.

Shite, shite, shite.

Draco scrambled to pull up his pants; I lowered my legs and my skirt. How long had they been there?

“Miss Granger, Mr. Malfoy. Professor Dumbledore’s office. Now.” Professor McGonagall’s mouth was a thin, severe line, and her words were clipped.

Draco straightened, his face a mask of indifference. He looked eerily like his father in that moment. He stepped forward first, I stepped behind him. Professor McGonagall lead the way, Professor Snape trailed behind.

A million thoughts were running through my mind. How did they find out? How could I have been so careless? Did Draco actually ward the door? What was going to happen?

Draco reached behind him, extending his hand.

For once, I actually took it.

We were both literally and figuratively screwed.

Tbc…