Care to Play?

‘Hermione, well done indeed, I was hoping he would react that way. You need a little excitement and I think he’s just the one to give it to you. I danced around my room after reading what happened. When do you get him in that hallway again? How far are you planning on taking this? Make sure you are honest with him though, don’t make any outlandish claims about crushes. Admitting to lust would be more appropriate in this situation, and to answer your question, yes you can always write to me for any advice. Good luck. Tonk’



Hermione tucked the letter into her robes. Being able to tell Tonks her secret would keep her from going mental. There was no way she was going to confide in Ginny or Luna, and Tonks had more experience with this subject anyway.



As she sipped her tea, another letter was dropped beside her plate before the morning parade of owls died down.



It was a very high quality stationary and it told Hermione who it came from immediately. She lifted her eyes to a certain blonde at a far table while she opened the missive.



‘I’m not complaining in the least about the other night, but I do want to know what you expect of me. Find a way to get a note to me.’



Again it wasn’t signed with a name but again she knew who it was from. She took up tea and as she sipped looking over at him again. When she gave the slightest nod, he went back to his breakfasts.



During Transfiguration Hermione purposely dropped her books near the door, and making sure she caught Draco’s eyes, left a parchment near his chair. When he retrieved his book from his bag, he picked it up and read it before McGonagall started class.



‘I expect nothing and demand nothing. I’m just playing chess. Your move.’



She tried to look his way but didn’t have too many chances during class, and when she did he was distracted. She would just have to wait to see what he did.





Potions was the next class and after a brief trip to the library she hurried to the dungeons. She found a seat and saw that Draco was speaking to Snape. Thinking nothing of it she waited until class began.



He made no eye contact with her as he found a seat but she figured he was just thinking of his next move and she would let him take his time. They listened to the lecture, going over the steps for the potion they would brew.



“Now I will put you into pairs, together you will brew and try not to blow up my classroom.” He said with his normal scowl. He called out names but Hermione nearly swallowed her heart when he called out, “Granger, Malfoy take the far table.” The pairs were scattered around the room to give them ample working space and most likely to make sure no cheating occurred.



She took her bag and moved to her table. She was setting out her supplies when Draco took the stool next to her. She met his eyes briefly as they gathered what they needed and began arranging a work area.



While they went about the motions of brewing they stayed silent. Hermione noticed Draco was focusing hard on the ingredients he was preparing and she wondered if he was uncomfortable with being paired with her. Maybe he was regretting the kiss. Maybe the insults were on the way again.



She looked about her table and noticed the vial she needed on his other side. “It’s time to add the pond weed.” She said. He took the vial from other side and handed it to her. When she took it his grip stayed tight. She pulled a little harder, distracted by focusing on the potion color until she felt Draco’s fingertips brushing her own.



She looked over to Draco who only lifted a corner of his mouth briefly then let go of the vial. Hermione added the weed and together they carried on with the steps needed. Halfway through class they peered over the top of the cauldron watching for the gradual color change that was on its way.



“Granger?” He whispered.



“Draco.” She whispered back.



“Why me, why are you targeting me?” He asked. She looked up into his eyes and saw a genuine curiosity and something she recognized very well. Insecurity. He was unsure of himself and why she might doing this with him. He may even be fishing for a compliment.



“Why are you letting me Draco?” She asked. For a long moment they stared at each other. She saw the confusion in his eyes, but this was no place for an in depth discussion as to her reasons. She would tell him, but not now, not when the potential for an argument was at hand. He may not like being used as an outlet for her lust. If he really wanted to know, he would have to wait until rounds again.



They finished the potion first and it came out perfectly. They didn’t say anything more as class ended. They traded looks while they cleaned up their work area. She saw the flirtation in his eyes and was warmed by it. It seemed he was looking forward to diversion as much as she was.



As she left for the library he lifted an eyebrow. The game would continue then. She gave him a small smile before she had left. She moved along the deserted aisle looking for the book she needed. She wanted to get started on her history of magic essay early and was beginning the research process. She lifted a hand and ran her finger along the books on a higher shelf.



“So,” a voice behind her said, “how far are you willing to take this game?” The voice was soft and not menacing but it was one Hermione recognized immediately.



Without saying a word she took a step back and then another until her back came up against his chest. She let her body rest against him, deciding that she would respond to his fingers brushing hers in potions class. His move, her move, that’s how this would play out.



She reached back with her hand until she felt his forearm. Slipping her hand behind his arm she brought it around it around her waist and covered his hand with hers as she rested it on her flat stomach. She stroked the back of his hand and his wrist, letting her head roll to the side and rest against his shoulder. Even his clothes smelled wonderful, she thought as his hold on her showed his strength and tenderness.



How do you like this answer Draco? She thought to herself, as she felt his hand move around and his arm tighten its hold. She closed her eyes but they shot straight open as she felt his lips on her neck. He opened his lips and kissed her neck again. Hermione felt the tip of his tongue jump out on her pulse.



She let out a gasp and Draco raised his lips to her ear. “Counter move this Granger.” He said and slipped his tongue in her ear, sucking her lobe when he pulled away.



Hermione felt her senses explode as she leaned against his. His arm held her still and helot her standing. Oh he has such strong lips, she thought, letting her eyes roll back in her head.



Draco quickly released her when he heard noises in the neighboring aisle. Hermione was left gripping the shelf and panting and she thought. When did I lose control of that move? When she controlled her breathing she found her book and went back to her desk.



She was distracted by thoughts of what she would do next. Her eyes raised to stare off as she did when she concentrated and noticed Draco at a far table with his own books around him. He gave her a smirk.



You arrogant prat, she thought. Sitting there smugly like you got one over on me. Well, you give me a moment and I’ll gain the advantage, all I need is…… An idea popped into her head, and her lips slid into an evil grin. She dropped her chin and she lifted an eyebrow. Her inner joy jumped higher when he leaned back in his chair and lost his grin. He stared at her with wide eyes.



Yes, be afraid my lusty Slytherin snake. Just you wait Draco, she thought as she gather her book bag and left the library. Oh Draco just you wait.