Times Have Changed

1,000 apologies for being so late this week, it seems that school, work, and well overall life has decided to come between me and chapter 3, can you believe that? The nerve ! Lol =P. This chapter is a little shorter then the other two but there has been some progress people!
I'm still searching for a beta =[ I know grammatically I'm not the best, if there is anyone interested in being my beta please let me know.
Enjoy.
Please Remember to R&R Thanks!
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Draco hummed as he strut down the hall in route to his usual spot to wait for Hermione. The morning sun shined brightly through the windows, illuminating the hall in a warm glow, giving light the a new day. Draco breathed in the smell of the hall, eyes beaming with joy. A week had passed since the "Great Hall incident" as it had come to be known and things seemed to be getting better everyday. The whispers had seemed to have died down a bit but it never failed as soon as he touched her whispers erupted. "You'd think people would just get used to it."

"Good morning Mr. Malfoy" The Fat Lady chimed

"Good morning madam" Draco bowed

The Fat lady giggled and blushed "Ms. Granger is on her way she seems to be having an issue with her hair this morning".

"When isn't she?" Draco teased "Oh well, I enjoy our mornings together madam" Draco winked.

'Mr. Malfoy!" the Fat lady shrieked "oh here she comes, have a good day Mr. Malfoy!"

"Thank you, and you have a good day as well" Draco smiled a coy smile causing the Fat Lady to blush crimson.

The portrait swung open and Hermione stepped out, her hair was tied into a messy pony tail with curls framing her face.

"Sorry I'm running a bit late today its seems that my hair brush and a few of my products have eloped and are currently away on a honeymoon" Hermione chuckled pointing up to her messy pony tail.

"I prefer your hair like that anyway" Draco said wrapping his arms around her waist "I use enough products for the both of us anyway, no need to worry." Draco smirked leaning his forehead against hers.

"very true" Hermione added as she wrapped her arms around Draco's shoulders.

Their relationship had developed into the 'not boyfriend and girlfriend but obviously more then friends' stage. What had previously made Hermione nervous was now as normal as breathing. His warm embraces were what kept her going despite Ron's constant nagging and traitor remarks from Slytherin students. His soothing words always floating around in her mind "Who cares what anyone thinks Hermione, this is about you and I, not you, the entire world and I. No one could keep me away from you." , his words helped block out the whispers and stares she hated so much. Meal times were spent at her usual spot which was now adjusted to fit Draco beside her, Ron hadn't enjoyed the addition to the table but his attempts to have Draco deported from the Gryffindor table back to the Slytherin table always resulted in a complete failure. Harry and Ginny had attempted to speak to Hermione but she wasn't ready to forgive just yet, she really wanted them to get the message that she wasn't going to be the the door mat anymore. Now Hermione could honestly say she felt alive, she hadn't known life could be so fulfilling . True it had only been a week since their new found relationship but what an enjoyable week it had been.

They entered the Great Hall, as usual people turned to stare while others began whispering to those beside them about the latest rumors involving the couple. Draco placed his hand on her lower back and guided her to her seat, and as predicted the whispers seemed to grow louder.

Hermione rolled her eyes "When will people learn, just because we're friends doesn't mean I'm off snogging you in some closet." Hermione said as she took her seat.

Draco leaned in closer and whispered so only she could hear "Not that I'd mind." He smirked, earning a playful push from Hermione.

Ron spat out his toast "You make me sick, how can you allow him anywhere near you?"

Hermione glared daggers  but before she could say anything Draco stepped in for her. "Easy Weasley, like this." He said draping his arm around her shoulders and pulling her as close as possible smiling proudly as Hermione responded by leaning into his chest.  "See Weasley the difference between you and I, is that I can let go of prejudices and grudges which in turn results in change. Where you on the other hand, you hold on to those grudges and wear them like a crown allowing them to define what your beliefs and views on others instead of taking the time to get to know them then making you choice from there. There is nothing wrong with change Weasley, you just simply have to learn to embrace it instead of running away from it."

Hermione beamed proudly "Took the words right out of my mouth."

Draco smiled and took another bite of his beagle.

"You don't know anything Ferret, you'll never change your as unworthy and filthy as the womb you came out of!" Ron spat

Draco stopped chewing on his bagel, and calmly placed it on his plate, squaring his shoulders to Ron.

"You take that back." Hermione spat, eyes burning in anger, magic slowly building into a wall around her "'you take that back Weasley, or else." Hermione threatened, quickly straightening in her seat.

"Ferret has to have his little girlfriend protect him and his bitch mother, aww isn't that cute." Ron taunted, watching Draco's expressionless face coldly staring at him unchanging.

"No, you insult her Weasley, you insult me. That woman has a heart of gold, a heart that you know nothing about. You have no right to judge, now take it back." Hermione hissed the magic around her turning into shades of gray, red and orange, buzzing wildly. The magicked sky turned from a bright warm morning to a dark cloudy storm threatening to release its wrath on the room below.

The professors and the rest of the students noticed the change in the environment and looked around to find its source.

"No, I think I won't." Ron said icily.

Ron's breath caught in his throat as he watched Hermione's eyes change from a rich brown to a shade of orange. "Take.it.back" Hermione hissed through her teeth.

"Ms. Granger, please calm yourself." Dumbledore was now standing beside the group, attempting to control the rage that was about to be unleashed on one of his students.

Hermione stared at Ron, fists clenched at her sides, eyes burning like a wild fire, her breaths shallow and short. Lightening cracked loudly in the sky above.

"Hermione love, calm down." Draco cooed in her ear, the room's environment quickly lightened as the dark clouds lightened and the sun attempted to find its way through the thick clouds.

"but he's -"

"Let him, he's just making a fool out of himself." Draco rubbed his hands up and down her arms then wrapped his hands around her clenched fists in an attempt to calm her. He felt her relax and take a deep breath.

Hermione's eyes locked on Ron, "If you so much as think of her in such a manner again Weasley" Hermione's eyes darkened "Well lets just say next time you won't be so lucky." Hermione turned in her seat and walked out of the Great Hall, slamming the door on her way out.

Draco glared at Ron and quickly followed Hermione in hopes that she wasn't off destroying some other part of the castle.

"Mr. Weasley, I suggest you remain in Ms. Granger's good graces, she seems to have unlocked a magic so strong not even the most powerful wizard could ward it off, love." Dumbledore patted Ron on the back gently and returned to his seat.

"Bloody hell." he whispered turning his head to look at Ginny and Harry who shook their heads in disappointment.

"When will you learn Ron? get it through that thick skull of yours, you can't control her anymore." Ginny said glaring at her brother.

Harry nodded in agreement "Get over it Ron, we have."

Ginny giggled "I think its cute, do you see the way he looks at her?"

Harry nodded "If he hasn't realized that he's in love with, he will soon."

Ginny clapped happily "Finally! no offense Ron but you two just didn't fit well."

Ron glared at Ginny then at Harry "The both of you are traitors."

Both Harry and Ginny rolled their eyes

"Whatever" Harry and Ginny both stood up and left, leaving Ron to fume in silence.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Draco waited patiently as Hermione ranted about Ron's behavior nodding and answering questions when asked. He watched as she wore a trail into the green grass by the lake, annoyance written all over her face. Draco sighed and looked out onto the lake, the suns rays reflected off the lake's surface causing the sparkle like appearance. It seemed like whenever something occurred that upset either of them they both ended up in the same spot, by their favorite tree near the lake. 

Draco stood from his current spot leaning against the tree lazily, he studied Hermione's facial expressions as each emotion changed. He was pleased that she trusted him enough to show how she truly felt, earlier in the week he noticed that around others it was always this mask hiding her thoughts and opinions. He know understood why she was the know-it-all, her studies were the only area in her life where she was able to express herself, everything else was always controlled by others. Draco reached out for her, grabbing her and pulling her against his chest.

Hermione sighed, not matter what was pestering her she always found comfort in his arms. She knew she didn't have to say what she was thinking, he already knew. A calm silence surrounded them as they both sat down at the base of the tree, Hermione leaning against Draco's chest, Draco's arms wrapped around her shoulders.

"Draco I'm sorry he said that about your mum."

"Don't apologize for him Hermione."

"I know I shouldn't I just feel like I should do something."

"You've done enough my love, protecting her was more then enough considering you haven't even met her."

Hermione blushed, she had not expected to react the way she did, but she couldn't stand someone offending the person that meant so much to Draco. The reign she thought she had on her magic was not as strong as she once believed.

"I've been meaning to ask you about your magic, can you control it?" Draco asked continuing to stare out to the lake.

Hermione shrugged "I'm not sure, I've never really tried, its just something that happens."

Draco grinned "Maybe you should practice, you could be great you know."

Hermione smirked "How Slytherin of you." Hermione felt the movement of Draco's chest as he chuckled and the vibration of his laughter ripple across her back. "mmmmm" she hummed to herself.

"Why not? I'll speak to Professor McGonagall about it."

"We should probably get to class" Draco said pulling her closer to his chest  Hermione nodded but remained where she was not yet wanting to give up the comfort of his arms.

Draco leaned over and placed small kisses on the side of her neck.

Hermione smiled, humming softly at the touch of his lips against her skin "this is heavenly" she thought to herself.

Draco purred at the feel of her creamy skin against his lips, it was as soft as the finest fabrics known to man.

After a few shared moments of a comfortable silence, they two students walked back to the castle arms linked together.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -
“You can't be serious Draco!? Her?!? of all the people in this bloody castle..” Pansy's voice was shouting at the top of her lungs, leaving Draco with no other option but to slowly rub his temples in an attempt to keep the threatening headache at bay.

Draco cringed “Keep it down Pans its hard enough having to deal with my own thoughts, I don't want to have to put with comments from the peanut gallery.”

“Draco you can't possibly be ....” she shook her head “ that mudbl..”

“You may be across the room Pansy Parkinson but if that word comes out of that pot hole of a mouth of yours I swear by all that is magical a million magical universes couldn't keep my hex from ..”

“Got it, you're in love with...her ...you know Draco...”

“Class is dismissed, please remember your homework assignments are due Wednesday: “The Professor announced

Draco rushed out of the classroom 'all this chatter is giving me a headache'.

“Draco wait for me, Draco!-” Draco cut off the mental connection that linked his thoughts to Pansy. A trick none other then Severus Snape had thought him, not only to be able to connect with others on a mental note but to be able to converse with the person and block out their thoughts when he deemed necessary.

He hadn't tried to connect with anyone other then Snape and Pansy but he wasn't really eager to either.

“You have to be kidding me Pans if you think I'm interested in hearing the thoughts of those idiots, you're lucky I even considered you an eligible candidate.” Draco remembered telling Pansy when she bought up the topic of “linking” himself to others.

“But think of the possibilities Draco!” Pansy's eyes lit up with excitement

“and for that reason Pansy only a few Wizards and Witches have the ability I do, can you imagine the damage it would cause if I had ended up in the Dark Lord's hands?”

Pansy cringed

“Exactly”

"Draco" Draco turned in the direction of his godfather.

"Yes Severus?" he asked as the dark figure of Severus Snape came to light out of a dark corner. "Must you always hide in the shadows?" Draco chuckled

Snape sent him an annoyed glare then quickly surveyed the area to make sure they were alone. "Your father and mother call for a meeting."

Draco rolled his eyes "and they couldn't owl me why? You don't need to be their messenger Severus." In truth Draco had come to hate his father and his 'I'm better than you' rubbish, he had realized long ago that some people were better than others but power and wealth weren't at the top of the list.

"Your father didn't want the message intercepted, he wants to discuss...recent events with you." Snape's cool drawn out words swirled and danced in the cool atmosphere that surrounded him, Draco processed his godfather's words then he realized what the topic of the meeting concern.

Draco gulped, his face decreasing in color a few shades, "Hermione" he mumbled in a whisper.

Severus nodded and quickly locked his mind with Draco's. Vivid pictures of different scenarios filled his mind. The first thought was of Lucius and his first reaction anger and rage written clearly on the man's face, then Draco finding his Gryffindor Princess to warn her, her face red in anger his god son's arms wrapping protectively around her, and then a mental picture of Draco placing himself between Lucius and Hermione, shielding her from his father's wrath.

Draco looked at his god father then straightened his posture "I'd give my life for her." he declared

"I know" Severus whispered coldly

Draco turned his robes billowing around his masculine body, his mind filled with various plans to keep her safe. His feet carried him down the halls and into the library in search of a quiet comfortable nook he could think and get some rest in. When he finally found a suitable spot near the back of the library he plopped himself onto the overstuffed couch, kicked off his shoes and drowned himself in the over sized cushions. Draco rubbed slow circles on his temples, the headache that had been threatening to rear its ugly face had made an appearance upfront and center. He was absolutely positive every drop of blood in his body were individually competing to see who could reach the finish line, his head (and not the pleasurable one) in this case, before all the others. Draco pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes, his mind analyzing and planning everything he could do to keep her safe.

- - - - -

The students in Hermione's Charms class noted the cheer clearly written across the Gryffindor Princess' face as she walked into the classroom, a smile stretched from ear to ear, eyes sparkling, magic glowing softly around her barely visible except for the tint of a light shade of pink. 

Ron huffed loudly as he watched his now ex girlfriend prance into the room and instead of taking the seat beside him, she crossed the room and sat in the front row beside some Ravenclaw students, quietly and neatly placing her belongings on the desk, then turning to her fellow students and striking up a conversation. His eyes darkened with anger, "Look at her!" Ron huffed "She looks...happy!".

Hermione could feel his eyes burning a hole into the back of her head, she wasn't going to let him get to her though. If there was one thing she could do it was ignore people, like she had done to Draco in the past, she had simply ignored his stares, glares and all the things that made him despicable. She sat up straighter in her chair eyes focused on the teacher who had just begun to lecture. "The cheering charm? are you serious?? surely Flitwick is off his rocker we have covered this already!" The hope of today's lesson keeping Hermione's attention vanished and once again she could feel the a pair of eyes burning a hole into the back of her head. "That Weasel is going to light my hair on fire if he stares any harder!"  Hermione breathed in and let it out slowly, counting to ten then repeating the same process twice more. "Alright, stay cool, he's not worth detention or house points".

A while later Hermione found herself, unfocused, annoyed, the edges of her parchment completely scribbled on and anger boiling quietly beneath it all. She had been desperate to find something to keep her distracted from turning and hexing Ron. Ignoring him was turning out to be much more difficult. "Why can't he just mind his own business? It's not my fault he ended up being the prat he is. Thank Merlin lecture is almost over". Hermione glanced at her cell phone "ugh!!!! not nearly soon enough". Just then the words Draco had mentioned to her earlier popped into her head "Maybe you should practice, you could be great you know." Hermione smirked, a smirk that would surely make any Slytherin proud, well specifically a certain Slytherin proud. Hermione turned and glanced at Ron, her eyes locked on his and he angrily looked away. In those two seconds Hermione thanked Merlin for her photographic memory and quickly used it to her advantage. "Hmmm seems to me that if I just..." Without warning the book that had been under Ron's elbow fell off the desk onto the floor sending Ron's face smashing onto the desk. Hermione smothered the giggle that was about to erupt from her mouth.

"Mr. Weasley!!" Flitwick angrily stopped his lecture and turned to face Ron.

Ron rubbed his nose, cheeks red with anger and embarrassment. "Sorry professor my book slipped."

"Detention Mr. Weasley, for failing to pay attention in class as well as taking a cat nap in the middle of an important lecture." Flitwick announced before turning back to the rest of the class.

Hermione smiled triumphantly, something of like that didn't usually please her but today was different, everything was different.

- - - - - - - - -

Where are you?
From: Mione

Fell asleep in the library. Where are you?
From: D

Libraries are for studying, not napping =P. In my room to switch books before lunch.
From: Mione

Alright, I'll meet you outside the portrait.  Oh and Hermione please be careful, I'm a bit worried about something, I'll fill you in later.
From: D

Hermione pocketed her phone then tossed her Charms book out of her bag and switched it with her potions book. "Becareful...hmmm wonder what that's all about?" Hermione shrugged, then headed back downstairs.

"Hey." Ginny greeted

"Hi." Hermione stopped at the bottom of the stairs and watched the red headed Gryffindor shifted uneasily. "Look Gins, I know-"

"Wait before you say anything, I just want you to know that I trust your judgment and if you say that he's different, then he is." Ginny looked pleadingly at her friend.

Hermione smiled and hugged Ginny tightly "Thanks Gins, it means a lot that you're letting me make my own decisions instead of trying to influence me to do what you would prefer me to do".

Ginny grinned, "I'm sorry Hermione, I didn't realize that we weren't letting you be you".

Hermione patted Ginny's shoulder softly, "Well I'm not going to say its okay, because it really wasn't OK." Ginny's eyes dropped, her heart sinking to her feet.
"But I will say that we can start from here and move forward, I forgive you Ginny but I'll never forget."

Ginny looked up at her friend and smiled "Thanks Hermione".

"Yup, now I must go, Draco is waiting for me".

"Hermione, mind if I join you two for lunch?"

"Sure!" Hermione said cheerfully.

Ginny took lead and headed out the portrait, when it swung open she felt a pair of arms wrap around her body and tightly pull her in for a hug.

"coconut????? lime????" Draco looked down at the shocked face of Ginny Weasley who was red in embarrassment and disparately trying to escape his grasp. "You are not Hermione!" Draco shrieked his eyes as wide as saucers, he pulled away as quickly as possible dusting off his robes in the process. Just then he heard the soft giggles coming from behind Ginny, he smiled and took a few steps closer to the portrait opening. Hermione emerged from the portrait, a hand over her mouth to prevent the giggles from spilling out "Draco, I didn't know you were looking forward to seeing Ginny. If I had known I wouldn't have kept you waiting."

Draco smirked then wrapped his arms tightly around Hermione bringing her into his chest her scent filling his nostrils "Quiet witch before I take you to my dark, cold dungeon and have my way with you." He smirked his mind buzzing with her intoxicating scent.

Hermione blushed "Draco!" She pulled away and smack his arm jokingly.

"a hem." Ginny interrupted "hope you don't mind Malfoy but I'll be accompanying you two for lunch today".

Draco looked at Hermione unsure of what to reply.

"Its ok Draco" Hermione nodded

Draco shrugged, laced his left hand in Hermione's right and smiled cheerfully. "Alright Weaslette but shes mine, you can't have her".

Ginny giggled, then nodded "Shall we?" she said gesturing toward the Great Hall.

Hermione and Draco nodded and followed Ginny toward the Great Hall, fingers laced together through the halls of Hogwarts uncaring of the consequences.


So Draco is meeting with parental units?? hmmmm wonder whats up with that.

Please read and review Chapter 4 is in the works and will be up soon.

Thanks

~ SilverEyedPhoenix