The Challenge

Part III


A/N: Sorry for the long wait. I was away and unable to update or answer reviews. Well, I am back now and prepared to put up another chapter. I hope you enjoy and continue to read and review.

The Challenge

Part III

“You buffoon!”

“Mistaking me for the Weasel again, I see.”

“Well, you might as well be because you apparently can’t do anything right!”

“What the Hell are you checking my schoolwork for anyway?”

“To see if you were lying about having it finished, which, I might add, you also did! How can I trust you?”

“I wasn’t lying to you about having my work done; I was lying to my mother.”

“Oh, as if that makes it any better.”

“It does in some...odd...unique way.”

“Do you even know what you’re talking about?”

“Haven’t a clue. Just trying to find any way for you to believe me.”

“How about not lying? That usually works.”

“Granger, I only lied about having my schoolwork done. It isn’t that large of a fib.”

“Yes, but small lies lead to larger ones.”

“I suppose.”

“Promise you won’t lie anymore; at least not to me.”

“I wasn’t lying to you to begin with!”

“I don’t care who you lied to! Just promise?”

“I suppose I can manage not lying to you.” He replied with a sigh.

”Good, now would you like help on your schoolwork, since this is evidently all incorrect; or would you like help in lengthening it?”

“No, I’d prefer to have our make up.”

“We don’t have to ‘make up’ everytime we fight!”

“Yes we do!”

“No we don’t!”

“You’re infuriating!”

“You’re one to speak!”

“Well then, let’s not talk!”

He moves in to kiss her but she easily slaps him; prompting Draco’s hand to placate the sore spot on his cheek.

“What the Hell did you do that for?”

“You can’t solve every problem by kissing me!”

“Well, why not?”

“I’m not Pansy! I’m not going to fawn over you and swoon every time you merely step into my presence.”

“Well I’m glad you aren’t Pansy.”

“But you are dissatisfied I won’t succumb to what little charms you have?”

“I am full of charms!”

“Well then obviously they don’t affect me.” Granger sighed and crossed her arms stubbornly over her chest.

“Ha! Don't make me laugh!”

“What?”

“I can prove that wrong, if you give me a chance.”

“And what does that adventure entail?”

Draco lowered his hand from his cheek and brought it to hers. She scowled and tried to push it away but he slid his hand to gently grip her neck and pulled her closer.

Draco slowly brought her face to his before lightly placing his lips on hers. She remained stubbornly unresponsive until he forced his tongue into her mouth and challenged her to a duel.

And Hermione Granger could not back down from a challenge.

She warred with equal ferocity and Draco loved every minute of it.

“Stop me when I start too got too far.” She nodded as he picked her up and carried her to his bed.

“Draco! She whispered frantically as he lowered himself above her and attacked her neck. “This is too far.”

“I’m not even doing anything to you...yet.”

“But we’re in a bed!”

“Don’t trust yourself to stop me?”

“I trust myself perfectly fine!”

“Well then you won’t mind if we play a bit.” Draco lowered his lips back to her neck.

“Yes I would mind.” She tried to push him away but he was persistent.

“Granger, we won’t have a problem as long as you tell me to stop when we get too far.”

“That’s what I am saying! This is too far!”

“We aren’t even doing anything yet!”

“We are lying horizontally on a bed! That is pretty far!”

“I’m barely touching you! Can you please just let me touch you?”

“Why should I?”

“Because you want me to.”

“What; can you read minds?”

“Yes, actually. But I’m not currently.”

“You can read minds? Her eyes grew wild in bewilderment.

“Let’s dwell on my brilliance later, Granger.”

He kissed her lips with severe intensity and Granger was finally responsive. Draco took his right hand and glided it up her jeaned thigh but became flustered with her choice of baggy clothing. He grumbled but continued paying her thigh high regards.

“What’s wrong?” She looked into his eyes and pulled back slightly.

“Your clothing is too baggy for my taste. Remind me to take you shopping and buy you some better clothing.”

“I like my clothing, thank you.”

“I promise you’ll like the ones I buy.”

Draco kissed her lips again and felt her hands come around his head to play with his hair. Moving his hand under her shirt to reside on her stomach, he heard her moan against his lips.

He moved down her jaw line and neck while her breathing became even more frantic. “Why did you call me M...Mudblood all those times if you truly liked me?”

Draco had expected this question had been coming and easily knew the answer. “I didn’t know I fancied you until quite recently.” He made sure to leave a mark on her neck before moving to her earlobe.

He assumed this answer was sufficient as she lowered her arms to his shoulders and pulled him closer.

Draco took this as a sign to proceed and smoothly moved his hands up her warm, soft skin. When he came to the bottom of her bra, he looked her straight in the eye.

He felt his cock twitch as she nodded her approval and he spotted the lust that resided in her eyes.

Draco placed his hands firmly on her breasts, her hardened nipples evident even through the material. He kissed her again to show his appreciation at allowing him to step up the intensity. Her breathing became frenzied as he began slow, kneading movements that teased the small amount of skin he was allowed direct access to.

“You okay?” He pulled away from her lips and gently bit her neck, causing her to shiver.

“Yes.” Granger replied huskily as her grip on his shoulders tightened once more.

“I wish I were inside you.” He whispered in her ear.

“Don’t get any ideas.” It amazed him that, in such a heated moment of passion, she could still be stubborn as Hell.

In fact, she even attempted to push him away but her removed his hands from her shirt and quickly grabbed hers before she could cause any damage.

“Shh...” He appeased. “I said ‘wish’. Your virtue is safe...for now.”

When he looked over to her, she looked as if she would slap him if her hands weren’t currently being intertwined with his.

“You are virtuous, correct? Weasley didn’t deflower you, did he?”

“Why; worried he already claimed your prize?”

“How many times do I have to tell you I am no longer merely seducing you?”

“Obviously at least once more. But I don’t see how you are in any position to deny these accusations since you are currently lying on top of me and your hands were up my shirt seconds ago!”

She had guts. Draco liked that.

But she had also completely spoiled his fun; for that he was pissed.

“That may be true but-”

“But what? You want a relationship with me? We both know that will never happen.” She openly laughed at what he assumed was the ridiculousness of the thought.

“And exactly why is that?” Draco brought his lips back to her neck.

“You are technically dating Pansy; Harry and Ron would be fuming and would most likely never speak to me again; not to mention the fact that you have been dubbed the Slytherin Prince, and I the Mudblood Gryffindor, Granger. Need any more reasons?”

“No but I do need a question answered.” He lifted his lips from her neck and pulled back to look her straight in the eyes. “Do you like me?”

“What are you on about?”

“Do you like me? Do you enjoy my company, despite the arguing?” He paused as he got an idea in that devious head of his. “Do you like when I do this?” Draco craftily ran his tongue from her throat to her earlobe and was elated to feel her shiver. “Or when I do this?” He put his hand under her shirt and brushed his fingertips over the responsive skin on her stomach before reaching his destination, her breasts. Draco began a light kneading through the fabric he had come to hate.

He watched intently as her eyes slid shut and a quiet moan escaped her lips.

“Do you have feelings for me?” He restated.

“Yes.” She managed as he continued his actions.

“Good to hear it.” Draco whispered in her ear.

“Time to stop.” She came back to her senses and gently pushed his hands away.

“Why?” He whined.

“Time for dinner.”

“Let’s skip it.”

“Let’s not.”

“Why; afraid you won’t be able to stop if we get started again?”

“It’s not that...” She sounded unsure and he smirked because of it.

“Whatever you say, Granger.” Draco stood and outstretched a hand to help her, which she tenaciously ignored, as always.

They walked toward the dining hall together, neither knowing what to say or do.

“I can’t believe we have been here three days already.”

“You like the Manor?”

“Yes. It is beautiful. I particularly enjoy the-”

“Library. Yes, I know.” He chuckles at how well he already knows her.

“Am I pretty?”

“You’re beautiful.” He said without thought but was shocked to see Granger get a girlish look on her face and blush while shyly shifting her gaze to the floor. “Why do you ask?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never been complimented for my looks before so I was wondering how you felt. You aren’t lying are you?”

“I promised not to lie.”

“Yes but it wouldn’t be your first time going back on a promise.”

“When have I failed to come through on a promise for you?”

“Maybe not for me but the Slytherins aren’t known for their loyalty.”

“Well, I’m not lying now.” And he meant it too.

“So, do we hold hands or...what?”

“I don’t know. You’re the one who has been in a steady relationship before, not me!”

“Ya, for a whole two weeks.”

“Don’t worry about Weasel. He’ll regret it some day. Preferably when the tart cheats on him.”

Granger laughed at that and he stored her laughter in memory.

Wait! What was he saying? Storing some girls’ laugh in his memory? What happened to the Draco Malfoy that everyone knows and loves?

“What are we going to do tomorrow? We could work on your schoolwork.” She suggested.

“We could go on that shopping trip I promised you. We need to fix this wardrobe of yours.”

“My wardrobe is fine!”

“Not in my eyes.”

“Well then it is a good thing it isn’t your wardrobe.”

“Yes, but I have to look at you for at least the rest of this year. I have suffered enough in the last six; please don’t continue this torture.”

“My clothing can’t be that terrible.”

“It is, believe me.”

“Ronald and Harry have never complained.”

“That is because they are dimwits who have less fashion sense than you; not to mention Weasley’s lack of sufficient funds that he could use to buy himself a new wardrobe.”

“Ronald is not poor! Simply because someone has less money than you does not make them poor!” She stopped walking and screamed at him, hands on her hips in her usual defiant way.

“In Weasley’s case it does.”

“No it doesn’t!”

“’No it doesn’t’ what an intelligent reply, Granger.”

She scowled but said nothing before continuing their walk down one of the many corridors of Malfoy Manor.

“I assume you are pissed at me now.”

“You just insulted my best friend!”

“Who dumped you for a tart merely months ago! So why the Hell are you defending his sorry ass?

Granger looked thoroughly hurt but continued on with the argument, dead set against losing the battle. “He is still a friend. And, although I know you aren’t familiar with the basics of friendship since you have none, you always defend a friend to an arrogant, prejudice git no matter what unfriendly acts they have recently committed.”

“Even after how he treated you?”

“Yes.”

“Silly Gryffindors and you loyalty. You truly don’t know how to handle yourselves to get ahead in the world. To get ahead in the world, you need to be cunning ambitious-”

“And the perfect Slytherin. So what, if you aren’t sorted into Slytherin, you are basically screwed for life?”

“In my opinion...yes. But I imagine the Ravenclaws with their intelligence have a slight edge on things as well.”

“That was my second choice of house, you know.”

“Wasn’t aware.”

“Well, it was. But I am proud to be a Gryffindor.”

“Hence why you are a Gryffindor to begin with.”

“What do you mean?”

“Gryffindor’s are notorious for their pride.”

“Oh and Slytherins are just oh-so humble.”

“Yes, we are.” He decided to screw with her mind.

“You must be kidding.”

“No, we are quite modest, if you ask me.” Draco tried hard to hide a smirk.

“Fine then, I won’t ask you.”

“Whatever you wish. Hello, mother.” He greeted as they finally reached the dining hall and took their usual seats.

“Hello, Draco. I haven’t seen much of you two today. What have you been up to?”

“Schoolwork.” Draco lied. He knew very well that he had been...entertaining Hermione for most of the day.

“More schoolwork? Will it never end?”

“I certainly hope not.” Granger shot him a death stare that surely could have lived up to its name.

“What was that, Draco?”

“I hope we don’t get any more.” He sounded out each syllable slowly.

His mother was up to something; he could tell. She looked innocent, innocent to the point where it looked forced. He decided to brush it off and chuck it up to father’s death causing odd mood swings or something to the sort.

“Mother, I wish to take Hermione shopping tomorrow.”

“What for?”

“Clothing. Her current attire doesn’t suit my taste.” He sneered.

“Well dear, it is her clothing. Suppose you should as her if she even wants a new wardrobe.”

“Narcissa, believe me I have tried to talk him out of it, but, contrary to his believe, he is too bloody proud to be talked out of any such matter.”

“I suppose you are right, dear. Well then you can floo to Diagon Alley tomorrow morning. Take all the time you need.”

∆∆∆

“Granger, come on. You have no choice. If you do not voluntarily go, I will physically drag you there myself!” Draco pounded on her door the next morning, angrier than a madman that she was choosing now of all times to find her rebellious side.

“Malfoy, I don’t want a new wardrobe; and if I did want one, I certainly wouldn’t let you pay for it.”

“Who else do you have? Weasley certainly can’t afford it. He doesn’t have two knuts to rub together and Potter simply is...odd.”

“Great reason. But somehow that didn’t persuade me to go with you.” She replied sarcastically.

“Well it is the facts, nonetheless. Fine, you want persuasion? Weasley is the nicest boy in town and Potter is my hero!” He adds in a sickly sweet, fake tone.

“Shut up, Malfoy!” She screamed and threw something at the (thankfully) closed door.

“When did you regress to calling me Malfoy again? I rather liked my name on your lips; not my favorite thing to do with them, but decent enough.” And with that she threw another item. “Granger, just come with me, will you?”

“No!”

“Why not?!”

“I don’t want to!”

“Is this about already liking your clothing, again? I promise you’ll like these too!”

“I don’t care. It’s the principle of the thing.”

Draco had had enough. He threw the door open and marched over to the bed where she sat. He picked her up and threw her over his shoulder before she had any time to complain and quickly began to exit the room.

“Malfoy!” She screamed as she used her fist to beat on his lower back. “Put me down this instant!”

“No.” He replied simply.

Draco walked her the entire way to the entrance hall fireplace, kicking and screaming. When he stepped inside the hearth, he put her down and stood her in front of him, placing an arm around her waist to prevent her continued struggles for freedom. He quickly grabbed flew powder and yelled “The Leaky Cauldron!” And they were off.

As they entered the bar’s fireplace, Draco continued his tight grip, refusing to release her.

“Draco let me go!” She whispered as loud as she could without alerting the patrons.

“Ah, see you called me Draco. That’s better.” He tightened the grip as oppose to letting her go.

“Draco, someone could see.”

“Everyone is at school, remember? That is why I specifically chose Diagon Alley as opposed to Hogsmeade, just to be safe.”

He maintained his tight grip around her waist, gently clasping her hand at the round of her stomach and held her back to his front as they began to walk as one into the bar. “Would you like something to drink before we begin shopping?”

“No, but I would like to go to Gringotts so I can take some money out.”

“Tsk, tsk, Granger. You should know I am paying for everything today.” Draco whispered in her ear and gently placed his lips to her earlobe before dragging them to her neck.

“Tom could see!” She said with a gasp as she remembered the old inn keeper.

“He appears to be off somewhere, Granger.”

“Well he could return.”

“I suppose. Why don’t we give him one Hell of a show if he does decide to return to his shop?”

Granger elbowed him in the gut and temporarily knocked the wind out of him. “Guess that’s a no. Where should we shop first?” He shifted so he was by her side, his arm still wrapped partially around her waist.

“I suppose Madam Malkin’s.”

“Mother and I shop frequently at Twilfitt and Tatting's.”

“Another valid option. But if you don’t mind, I’d prefer to start at Malkin’s.”

“Whichever.”

∆∆∆

“No, no, no. This will not do.”

“Draco, what are you doing?”

“These outfits do not suit my taste.”

“Well, if you let me see them, they might suit mine.”

“No, they need both of our approvals before anything is bought.”

“Draco, perhaps we should check out some Muggle clothing.”

“No! You will not be wearing Muggle clothing!”

“Why not? I was raised as a muggle, after all.”

“Yes, but you are no longer just a muggle.”

“So, it is still a part of me.”

“Unfortunately.” He mumbled.

“What was that?” Her tone informed him that she already knew what he had stated.

“Nothing.” He thought it best to continue her naïve mindset.

“Please, let me take you to a shop by my house.”

“The house you grew up in?”

“Yes.” Apparently, this was plain as day to her.

“Will your parents be in said house?”

“I believe so.” She chuckled slightly.

“I don’t think so.” Draco suddenly got very nervous and his palms grew sweaty. This had never happened before!

“Why not?”

“Muggles and I tend to not see eye to eye.”

“That is only because you are a fool.”

“I am not!”

“Please Draco, do it for me. You can pick out my outfits for me there.”

“And you’ll wear them?”

“Certainly.”

“But I can’t pay for them.”

“How about I give you the muggle money and you pay me back in wizarding money?”

“No, to sticky of a situation. Miss?” He beckoned over the saleswoman. “Do you have any...muggle clothing?”

“Certainly. Come this way, young man.” Hermione began to follow him but he stuck an accusing finger in her direction.

“Don’t think about it, Hermione Granger. You go into the changing rooms and wait for me to present some clothing for you.”

She grudgingly did so as Draco marched off. “What is the price range?”

“Money is not an issue.”

“Draco!” He heard Hermione whine from the changing rooms and he couldn’t help but smirk.

∆∆∆

Draco returned to her changing room five minutes later with plenty of clothing options, each of which he enjoyed profusely and was looking forward to seeing her in. Or possibly, they would look better on the floor as they...

No mustn’t think like that.

“Now, Granger, this is going to seem like a lot. Just try on one bit at a time.” He handed all the articles under the door and a shaky hand grabbed them with a gasp he couldn’t help but smile at.

“Draco this is too much.”

“Granger, shut up and try them on. I personally would love to see the red number first off.”

“Which one, there are at least six here! This clothing isn’t remotely my style at all.”

“Hence the basis of its appeal.”

“Wow, what a kind thing to say.” He could hear her deadpan expression leaking into her voice.

“Don't get me wrong. You look good and everything, but I would love to see you show off the curves I know are underneath those baggy pieces of cloth you currently wear.” She scoffed and he decided to add more. “If you truly hate them we will put them back and you can choose more baggy clothing that doesn’t give your body the homage it deserves.”

Granger seemed content with this reply as she became silent and began to change.

“Draco this is a little tight.”

“Good. Let’s see it.”

“I look like a common tart.”

“Even better.”

“Draco!”

“Granger!”

“If I have to call you Draco, you should have to call me Hermione; it would only be fair.”

“Just get out here and stop stalling!”

“Fine.” She opened the door with a loud bang and came out in the red dress he had chosen for her. It was off the shoulders and had a v-neck that hung to her breasts perfectly. The waist curved around her well sized, not to skinny yet not fat, abdomen and it flowed to the floor elegantly.

“Oh my...”

“It’s terrible isn’t it? I look fat. I look like a slob. I look like a hooker. I look like-”

Draco placed a finger over her lips to silence her cries. “You look...amazing.”

“You lie.”

“Do I?”

“I...don’t know. But Draco, when will I have a use for this dress?” She walked over to the mirror and ran a hand uncomfortably over her waist. “And when Ronald and Harry see me in this they’ll-”

“Weasley will be jealous he ever let you go and Pothead will want to shag you then and there. Not that I’d want him to, of course.” He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder.

“That still doesn’t answer the question as to what occasion I would need this dress.”

“It looks beautiful on you; isn’t that reason enough?”

“Not if it is only going to sit in the back of my closet until I am too fat to wear it and am forced to throw it away.”

“You’ll find a use for it, I’m sure. Miss?” He beckoned the saleswoman once more. “We’ll take this.”

“Wait! You didn’t even ask me my opinion.”

“Fine, Granger, you like this dress?”

“Well I think it is very nice but-”

“Good, we’ll take it.”

“Dra-”

“Not one more complaint. Get back to the changing room and try another.”

In the end he had to physically force her back to the changing room and lock her in to get her to try another outfit on. As was the pattern for the remainder of the day as she obstinately refused each outfit he put on her; questioning the importance of each, trying to wear him down with no success.

∆∆∆

“Well that was a productive day.”

“Yes, I am now in possession of approximately sixty outfits I did not want to own!”

“Oh God, there has to be more than sixty! If there isn’t we must return this instant!” He grabbed her hand and began to pull back toward the robe shop but she pulled back.

“No, I’m sure there are at least sixty. Your quota was filled, Mr. Malfoy.”

“Don’t call me that. It makes me feel like my father.”

“Sorry.” She murmured.

“What’s that? The great Hermione Granger apologizing?”

“What’s that? The great Draco Malfoy accepting an apology from Hermione Granger?”

“Very funny.”

“I thought so.”

“Shall we enjoy a drink before returning to mother?”

“I suppose we could, but I’m really tired.”

“So, Granger can’t take heated kissing or heated shopping. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“I believe I proved my ability to handle the heated kissing upon your original accusation.”

“I suppose. But you could do better.”

“Cretin.”

“Prude.”

“I believe if anyone is to know that I am not a prude, it would be you.”

“We haven’t even shared a bed yet; not even in a non-sexual way.”

“Is that a matter of great concern to you?”

“Which bit? The sex bit or the non-sexual bit?”

“Either.”

“Both are. You and I both know how much I want to bed you. But I would take sharing a bed with you for just a night. Hell, I’d take anything.” Draco was shocked at his uncharacteristical confession, as was Hermione.

“Well, the sexual part isn’t going to happen for a while yet. But the sharing of a bed might, with explicit rules and regulations.”

“You know, Granger, not everything needs to follow ‘rules and regulations’.”

“Yes, I know, but I enjoy things like that.”

“I know.” Draco chuckled slightly.

“Can we just return to the Manor? I have a lot of clothing to sort through.”

“I suppose. I can help if you wish. Oh, wait; you probably have some sort of system. Color coded, maybe; or possibly the order in which they were bought; location of being bought; there are several options.”

“Very funny.”

∆∆∆

“You sure you don’t want help?”

“Yes. As you said, I have a system.”

Draco left his lazy lean of the threshold of her room to walk over to her and her bags of clothing that were placed on her bed.. “Do you like what you got?”

“Yes, actually I do.”

“And you are going to wear it.”

“Was that a question or a statement?”

“A statement, no doubt.”

“Oh my, what will people think?”

“That you are extremely hot.”

“Draco! That isn’t true. When people think Hermione Granger, they think bookworm and girl to turn to for Transfiguration homework; not sex goddess or someone who looks remotely good in tight clothing.”

“That is about to change.”

“Do you want other guys looking at me?”

“No, I just want them to know what I have and what they are missing.”

“You ‘have’ me, do you?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Am I a possession of some sort?”

“In a way.”

“I am not a possession, Draco Malfoy. Don’t make me out to be.”

“Fine, as long as everyone knows that I am the only one who can touch you.”

“You keep this up and you won’t even be aloud to touch me.”

“Shut up, you know you want me to.” Draco slid an arm around her waist and got as close to her as was possible, her back firm against his front. He kissed her neck lightly and felt her relax in his arms.

“You two have a good time today?” Draco immediately let go of Hermione’s waist and turned to face his mother, who was standing in the threshold.

“Splendid.” His tone was nearly nervous but he quickly masked it.

“Get some nice clothing?”

“It’s lovely. I only wish I could have convinced your son to buy less.”

“Nonsense. I should have bought more.”

“You two ready for dinner?”

“We were out that long?”

“Yes. Amazing how time flies, isn’t it?” Draco pointedly glared down at her, a smirk upon his lips.

∆∆∆

“So, Hermione. Has my son mentioned who he has an interest to you yet, because I simply can’t get him to crack.”

Hermione and Draco walked a few paces behind Narcissa as they made the nightly trip to the dining hall. Hermione looked to Draco as if to ask what to say, although he was unsure himself.

“Mother, don’t put Hermione on the spot like that.”

“Oh yes, sorry dear. I didn’t mean anything by it. I was merely hoping someone could tell me who you fancy since you are clearly never going to do so.”

Draco looked to Hermione once more but not in question; in lust.

“Perhaps he has told me.”

His expression turned cold as Narcissa turned around with lightening speed and grabbed Hermione by the shoulders.

“Who is it dear? Is it you, by any stretch of the imagination? Probably not since, God forbid, he actually follow his mother’s advice. Please say it isn’t the Parkinson girl. She is hideous, or so I can tell from the pictures Draco has shown me.”

“Should I tell her?”

“No!”

“Why not?”

“Yes dear, why not?” Narcissa gave an almost knowing smile.

“It’s just...private!”

“It’s Hermione isn’t it?”

“No.” Draco lied as his mother approached him.

“Yes it is. I can see it in your eyes.”

“Mother! Shut up about my damn eyes!”

Behind Narcissa, Granger was trying with great difficulty to contain her laughter as Draco continued to be interrogated.

“Watch your language!”

“Sorry, mother. Can we discuss this later?”

“You always say that and then we never do.” She pouted.

“I mean it this time.”

“You promise?”

“Sure.”

“Draco...”

“What?” He grumbled.

“Promise.”

“I thought I already did.”

“You said ‘sure’. ‘Sure’ isn’t a ‘yes, I promise we will discuss your feelings for Hermione later’.”

“Mother! Stop assuming it is her!”

“I will stop the assumption when you give me good reason to believe it is any one else.”

“Let’s go to dinner.” Draco growled, thoroughly in a bad mood. He’d ask Hermione to make him happier later on. Perhaps they could take the next step up...

“Not until you promise, Draco Malfoy!”

“Fine, I promise!”

∆∆∆

“Mother we really must be going to do work.”

“We still need to discuss your prospects.”

“Can we do it later? I need to speak to Hermione on some Head duties.”

“I suppose. But make it quick.”

“Fine.”

Draco stood from the dinner table an hour after making the wretched promise he had made to discuss...’things’ with his mother and practically drug Hermione out of the dining room. He pulled her by the hand to the safe confines of his room before saying a word.

“Wretched woman! She didn’t shut up the whole way through dinner about discussing you!”

“It wasn’t that bad.”

“She did a pie chart comparing you to Pansy.”

“Okay so that was a little over the top but other than that...She only cares and wants to see you happy.”

“I suppose. But let’s not discuss this anymore.”

“Would you rather discuss when we are going to tell your mother?”

“I would rather discuss nothing at all.”

“Well we’re not kissing or anything to the sort.”

“Why not?” His expression hardened as he walked to her.

“I’m still angry at you for forcing me to get all the clothes.”

“Granger, they look nice on you. I failed to see the problem.”

“The problem is they were bought against my will!”

“You said you like each article of clothing when I bought them and you told my mother they were lovely. You’re just looking for a reason to be angry at me!” Draco pointed an accusing index finger her way.

“And why would I ever do that?”

“For the make up, of course.”

“You sure think highly of yourself.”

“Not so highly as to stoop to buying clothing for a Mudblood. I’m sorry!” He blurted after realizing what he had said and seeing the tears in her eyes. “I’m so sorry Grang-Hermione. I didn’t mean to; old habits die hard.” He reached for her hand but she ripped it from his grasp.

“Don’t.” She said darkly.

“Hermione, I didn’t mean it. I’ll never say it again. Damnit! Give me some way to apologize to you! Shopping obviously doesn’t work so what does?!”

“You did this today to apologize?”

“Yes.” This was his way in and it was partially true; okay it was whole-heartedly true but he’d never admit that to anyone but her. “I’m not lying either.”

“I know. I can’t be bought. You can’t buy jewelry and clothing every time you screw up and assume everything will be okay.”

“Then tell me how I can apologize to you. Chances are I’m going to need to know for the future.”

“You have to find your own way.”

“But, there is a way?”

“Yes, I suppose. But keep in mind, I can’t be bought.”

“Every girl has something they can be bought with.”

“Not me.”

“I’m willing to test that theory.”

“Draco, don’t. I don’t want you spending more money on me.”

“Well, I’m going to.”

”Draco!”

“Granger!” He mocked.

“Back to Granger again?”

“Why; did you prefer Hermione?”

“I suppose.”

“Well, I’m going to call you Granger except on special occasions.”

“I should have expected that.”

“Why aren’t you wearing the clothing now?”

“I was just arguing with you about not liking them.”

“So, that doesn’t mean you can’t wear them now. Unless, of course, you’d rather do an activity that is best done without clothing.”

The small smile that had begun to form on her lips quickly disappeared, only to be replaced by a scowl.

“Relax, Granger, I was merely joking.”

“Well the more you joke about it, the farther it slips from your grasp.”

“Can I touch you?” He asked with a smile.

“You’re actually asking permission now? I’m shocked.”

“Fine.” Draco finished his walk to her and watched her eyes darken a bit as she drew her bottom lip in to be bitten.

He pulled her roughly to him with an arm around her waist.

“Oh God, what I would give to have myself inside you.” He rested his lips on her ear.

“What would you do?” Granger stood on her tip toes to rest her chin on his neck and brought her hands around his shoulders for support.

“What do you mean?”

“What would you do to be...inside me right now?”

“Anything.”

“Apologize and I’ll consider it.”

Draco couldn’t believe his ears. Did Hermione Granger just offer him sex?

That thought made his cock almost painful.

“For what?”

“For everything; for calling me a Mudblood, for thinking yourself superior to me, for insulting my friends; everything.”

Could he do this? It was only three little words but the consequences of which could be beyond bad.

“And finally, tell me how you feel about me.”

Oh my...this could get interesting.

“I am truly sorry about calling you a mudblood, in the past and in the present; I was never superior to you, it was my father’s pressure saying those things. However, I don’t know if I can apologize for insulting your friends. They are idiots, particularly Weasley.

“That can be overlooked if you fulfill my next requirement. How do you feel about me? I need to know before I commit such an act. And I shall know if you are lying.” She pulled back far enough to look him in the eyes and he knew he had to speak the truth.

“I...I feel strongly for you. I can’t say I love you just yet; but it has potential.”

“Then perhaps we should wait until we are in love to commit the act of love.”

“There is no arguing with you on this, is there?”

“Nope.”

“You never had the intention of sleeping with me; you just wanted to get an apology and information out of me.”

“Yep.”

“Well then, I have the right to know how you feel about me.”

“I don’t love you either. But, like you said, it has potential.”

“Good to hear it. Now, can you at least share a bed with me tonight?”

“We’ve only been seeing each other for two days!”

“So? We’re teenagers; we’re supposed to be impulsive.”

“You promise to stay on your side?” She asked with a sigh.

“I suppose. But I should warn you, I roll around a bit in my sleep so if you wake up tomorrow and I’m not in the same spot, don’t panic, it is unintentional.” He lied. And thank heavens she was looking at the bed and not into his eyes or she would have clearly noticed.

“Okay, I suppose we could give it a try.”

“Which side do you usually sleep on?”

“The left is fine.” She clearly preferred the left although tried to keep her tone impassive.

Draco nearly jumped for joy as she walked over and threw the covers back and climbing into his bed.

He joined her quickly but made sure to keep some distance between them as Granger snuggled into his pillow. It took all of Draco’s willpower not to slide an arm around her waist and pull her close but he couldn’t do that; not yet anyway.

He waited until he heard her breathing even out and become deeper, slower.

That was when he ‘rolled’ over on the bed and slid a possessive arm smoothly around her waist and spooned his body to hers.

He nuzzled into her neck, gently running his lips along the sensitive flesh before quietly reaching for her hand, intertwining their fingers easily. Draco stayed awake, watching her sleep, soothingly gliding his fingers over her hand before allowing sleep to take him.