Puppy-Dog Tales

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Chapter 5 - Heroes of the Day

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“Herms, I was worried!” Harry rushed to her and hugged her.

Draco growled at Harry and yelped when water sprayed in his face. He looked around glaring.

“I was worried when you didn't come for dinner! Let's go up to your room, and I'll tell you what happened today!”

"Wait till I tell you what happened to me as well," Hermione said.

Harry ran up the stairs to her rooms, and she eagerly started after him.

Draco had had enough. But nevertheless, he followed her pouting.

Harry sat in one of the chairs she had.

“Herms, you'd never believe what Ginny did!”

"What?" Hermione asked, continuing to pet the sad puppy.

“She tore out the bristles of my firebolt!”

"Sirius gave it to you!" Hermione said, "Oh Harry." She ran and hugged Harry.

Draco whimpered and went quickly to Hermione and leaned on her leg.

Hermione kissed Harry's cheek.

"Can it be repaired?"

“Not really. The damage is too great. She was so stupid to leave the thread of her jumper in there as evidence.”

"What will you do?" Hermione asked. "Will she have to pay for it?"

“I shamed her enough. And I know she doesn't have enough money. I think I'll buy a broom similar to Malfoy's new broom. Plus it will be good for my job. A broom is required for auror training.”

"I'm so sorry, Harry."

“Kiss me and I'll be better?”

Hermione kissed his cheek.

"What happened to you, Herms?" Harry pulled her close and kissed her on the lips.

Hermione pulled back a moment later. She felt a little guilt as she remembered how Severus' lips felt on her skin and how nice it had been just sitting and talking with him, though being with Harry was nice too! In a different way.

Draco pouted and hopped up on the bed. He paced back and forth across the cover at the head with his tail down and his ears held back until he errected his shrine again.

“Herms, I missed you. I had wanted to take you out to Hogsmeade today...”

"Harry, you won't believe what happened to me today!"

“What, Love?”

"Professor Snape offered me a generous apprenticeship."

Draco pouted as he watched Pot-Licker be mushy.

“Did he now?”

"Yes, I would have to live with him at Prince Hall during the summers and here during the year. But I would have access to all of his books and his knowledge. It would be amazing. Plus he wouldn't take any residuals from what I create while working under his guidance. I've never heard of so generous an apprenticeship."

“But didn't you want to join the Aurory with Ron and me?”

"I never really wanted to be an auror. If I become a potions mistress, I could really help those who need it most."

“Think about it, Herms...”

"I am. I am thinking of working on a cure to lycanthropy to help those like Remus and a better bone regrowing formula for everyone."

“But I'll miss you.”

Hermione hugged him tightly. "I'll miss you too."

“Maybe you'll find all the cures super fast!”

"Who knows?" Hermione said, "But I know that this is what I want to do as I love to help people."

“Will you be home when I come back from missions, hmm love?”

"Of course."

Harry pulled her to sit in his lap.

Draco buried himself in the pillows and began to plan how he would earn Hermione's love as he lay with his head on his soft, white paws.

“Would you like to have children one day?” Harry asked softly.

"I would love to have at least one boy and one girl," Hermione said. "I don't know that I would want too many more than that. I wouldn't want to have either out of wedlock to the father."

Draco's ears perked up. None out of wedlock.

“I'd marry you tomorrow if you'd wanted it, Sweetheart.”

"We need to wait till we are established. You need to have a job, and a secure financial income. And I want to be through my apprenticeship."

"Before I even think of marriage."

“But I have lots of money, Sweet. There're no worries in that.”

Hermione shook her head at Harry and grinned. "That isn't the point. I want to feel that we are comfortable with our positions, so we have our balance discovered between home and work."

Harry decided to let the topic rest and kissed her passionately. She would see things his way.

Draco growled as Harry put her on the bed and tried to join her.

The growling caused more water to spray him.

Harry held Hermione in a gentle embrace.

Draco moved toward Harry and tugged at Hermione's skirt.

"It's okay, baby."

Harry nuzzled her neck.

Draco shoved his nose between Potter's face and Hermione's neck.

Harry swatted the dog away.

"Don't hit him!" Hermione said, and she gathered Draco close to her.

“He is snooping.”

"It is no reason to hit him," Hermione said. "Hitting dogs makes them aggressive. He needs gentleness and kindness. He is my sweetheart."

“Dogs belong on the floor or dog-bed. Not in your bed.”

"I let him sleep with me. I let Crooks sleep with me too. He is comforting."

“You need a man in your bed. That would be comforting…”

Hermione blushed. "I'm not ready for that, Harry."

“Just for cuddles, not love making...”

"I know, but I still just don't think I am ready for a sleepover."

“I understand, love.”

Draco put a paw on Hermione's stomach. He glared at Harry.

Harry glared at the dog.

He whined and touched his nose to Hermione's cheek.

"I really ought to go to bed, Harry. You too. We have double potions tomorrow at nine."

“I know. When can we have a date?”

"We should wait to have a real date until after NEWTs."

“Why?” Harry asked with his jaw gaping at her.

"Because we start them in just two weeks, and we both have to study to be sure we do well on them."

“Hermione, you'd do well even if you took them tomorrow!”

"Please, Harry. It's vital. I have to get perfect marks on Potions, Arithmancy, Herbology, and Defense Against the Dark Arts to be eligible for apprenticeship."

“I understand. I just want everyone to know you're mine soon.”

"Harry, no one else is interested. You're being paranoid."

“I know others who are interested. That Zabini bloke, for example.”

"Harry, don't be silly. Blaise has never even looked at me."

“How do you know? You never notice anything. But I have. Even Malfoy has been looking at you.”

"Harry, I told you. I'm just a Muggleborn. He doesn't even see me."

“And Snape has been staring at you in class too!”

"Harry, he is our professor! It is his job to look after us."

“Doesn’t mean he's not looking at you as a man too. You are gorgeous, sweet!”

"Harry, you are too nice."

“I am honest!”

"I just can't believe that Snape wants to get in my knickers. And I certainly don't think Malfoy would. He surely would have sent me a present or a declaration of courting me. His family is so old fashioned. I heard other witches he has dated talking about it."

“I am sure both Snape and Malfoy want you. Blood status is unimportant! You would make their families shining stars by their marrying you.”

"Well wanting means nothing. They aren't pursuing. Besides, I don't like the Ferret. He is mean."

Draco whined and began to lick her ear.

Harry sighed. The Slytherins would pounce soon.

"Relax Harry," Hermione said, kissing his forehead.

“I don’t want to lose you. I love you. No matter what Snape promises, he won't love you like I do.”

"Harry, you're being silly."

“I am just worried that someone more handsome or smarter steals you away.”

"And you think Snape is more handsome?"

“I hear girls giggle about him all the time. So I don’t know.”

"Harry, he is a bad boy, but you are a hero. They giggle about you just as much."

“I’m just me, love. You know me. I am scared of losing you.”

"There are plenty of girls wanting to snap you up. I'm the one who'd be left a cat-lady spinster."

“They want me for my fame. But you know me as just Harry.”

"They would love to get to know you. Once they knew..."

Draco wanted to puke.

“I want you. I want us to be together.” Harry looked into her eyes with such longing.

"Harry," Hermione said, and she hugged him. "We'll always have each other. You are my best friend."

“No, I want us to be more. Married. In love. I want to make love to you...”

"That will take time, but right now, I can't imagine any one better than my best friend for my future husband."

Draco whined and licked her ear more insistently.

“Thank you, love. Please don't leave me for Snape?”

"I can't imagine that I would. But Snape is brilliant. I could learn so much as his apprentice."

“But he might lure you in. An older man might crave a young lover...”

Hermione smoothed Harry's hair. “I don't think Severus is like that.”

"Severus?"

“He said I should call him that when we're alone...”

“See, it has already started!” Harry exclaimed as he got up from the bed.

"Harry, please, it is common for master and apprentice to become so familiar with each other."

"No, Mione, it isn't. Haven't you seen any of McGonagall's old apprentices. They address her with greatest respect, not familiarly."

“Maybe Severus is different. He has never taken an apprentice.”

"He was on our side Hermione. I know. I know. But he still won't give me a chance. He is not nice. And he isn't different."

"It's because he wants you!"

“He doesn’t want me. I think the man is celibate. Remember how much he liked your mum."

“I don’t think any man is celibate when he sees you.” Harry said, rubbing a hand over his fist.

Hermione wrapped her arms around him, "I don't know if I can deal with this, Harry. I've never had a boy like me so much. I don't want to let you down."

“There's no pressure...I just love you...always have...”

"I don't know if I could be with you. You are certain of what you want of me. I don't know if you are the one for me. I don't want to hurt you."

“I think I'll go.” Harry looked heartbroken.

"I really do care for you, Harry. That is why I don't want to lead you into anything."

Harry left without another word.

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Hermione lay on her bed and cried. She liked Harry so much. She'd give up anything to be with him. But she wouldn't take the risk of hurting him. He didn't seem in love. He seemed...obsessed. Harry had been through so much. She knew he craved love. But he didn't seem to know how to give it to just one girl without it becoming dangerous. She couldn't have him jealous and attacking boys. After all, most people in the potions' community were men.

Maybe she needed to go on a date with him. See how things go. But it had to wait till after NEWTs. She had to be prepared for it all. She was taking eight, and most students only took four or five.

Draco crawled close and licked her face.

"Yes, you are my angel," Hermione said, and she fell back in the bed to sleep. Potions would start early.

Draco rested atop of her. Potter was a nuisance. So was Snape. He needed to get rid of them both fast.

Thank goodness, Hermione seemed to be chucking Potty on her own.

But Snape would be difficult to get rid of. But he was sure his looks could charm him on the marry road to her knickers. She would prefer the Malfoy charm instead of Snape's lame attempts.

He would have to find out her favorite flowers and make sure she got them every week. He would also send her fine gifts. Like perfumes and trinkets. Anything she wanted would be hers. And her legs would quickly part for him. And he would sprog her up good.

Draco pulled the covers up over her and settled his head on her lower back.

Sprogging up would be his goal. When with child, she could not do potions.

She would beg him for it every night. He shifted about and put a paw on her nice round bum. As soon as he turned boy, he would get his hands on it. To have his hand filled. She could reciprocate the gesture. He wouldn't mind. He would want her in his bed. Of course, he'd get engaged to her as soon as possible. Give her the biggest flashy ring he could get.

He drifted to sleep thinking of the personalized ring that he would have made for her.

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Hermione sighed as she woke in the morning.

She yawned once reached to gently take the puppy off her back, though the weight felt good.

Draco growled. He didn't want to wake up. He was having nice dream about being a boy and snuggling a brunette in his bed.

"Prince, it is almost seven. We slept late. We have to be in class in two hours."

Draco opened one eye and observed her.

She looked adorable when just woken up. Her hair was a mess, but she looked perfect.

He stood up and stretched and yawned.

"I'll have to brush you before breakfast. Your hair is a mess, Handsome.”

Draco hopped from the bed and sauntered to the mirror. She was right. She would need to brush him so he didn't look like a ragamuffin. But he was a dog, so there was little he could do to prevent looking like that.

"Don't worry, Mistress will make sure you are a picture of radiance," Hermione said, as she raced to take a quick shower.

Draco followed her to the bathroom and sat to watch her. He liked how she looked naked.

He would be the only to enjoy it. No other man would see her so. Just him.

She was to be his. When they'd be together, they'd shower together, maybe add some lovemaking to that, too.

Hermione turned the shower off, and Draco set out a towel for her to step out upon so she wouldn't slip. He then offered her another towel.

"You are quite the sweetheart," Hermione said, and she stooped to kiss his head. "First you, and then Harry. Thinking Malfoy is interested in me. He is so cold to witches."

Draco whimpered. He was cold to galleon-diggers.

"And besides, we wouldn't match. I'm not so stupid as to think he sees a witch as plain as I am."

Draco whimpered again. Where was she plain? She was gorgeous, without the make up and glamours.

Hermione shrugged at the dog. "It's too bad all the boys don't like me as much as you." She petted his ears.

Draco cocked his head. Any Slytherin would love to have her. They looked at her like she was the perfect piece of cake. How did she miss it?

“We shouldn't miss class. Severus will not be happy.”

He growled as she dressed. Then she patted the bed next to her. Draco came quickly and allowed Hermione to brush his silky golden brown hair.

He purred in his doggish way when she brushed him. His lips puffed out as he looked at her.

"Now, you are tangle free, Mr. Prince," Hermione said. She petted his head. "Let's go ahead and go get breakfast."

Draco jumped from the bed and stood beside her proudly.

"Come on Cute Stuff." Hermione said as she gathered her bag.

He growled under his breath but followed her.

They walked to the great hall, and Hermione patted the bench next to her and glared at Goyle where he sat shoveling food. "You stay here close."

The great hall was bustling, but Harry was nowhere to be seen.

Draco sat proudly at Hermione's side and was served a scone, bacon, and eggs Florentine.

He ate his meal, looking at the Gryffindors around him.

If only they knew their princess was to be snatched from the tower and dragged to the dungeon for the dark prince's wicked desires.

Draco shook his fur out and puffed himself. He glanced over to Snape and scowled.

Snape grinned and toasted the dog mouthing 'let the games begin.'

The Weaselette was looking terrible. Her eyes were red, and she had dark circles under them.

Hermione ignored her and tended to Draco pouring him a bowl of pumpkin juice.

"Miss Granger, I was wondering if you would aid me tonight with the modified Wolfsbane potion."

"Of course, Sir."

Hermione was very flattered that Severus sought her help.

"I've spoken with Minerva about the possibility of my taking on an apprentice."

“What did she say?” Hermione whispered. The other Gryffindors were too busy with their food to listen.

"She was thrilled for me. Even more thrilled when I hinted it was you."

“That's brilliant,” Hermione said and stood up from the table. Severus waited for her for a moment and then they began walking towards the potions classroom.

Draco was angry. He wanted to do something mean to Severus. His witch should not be looking up in awe at the man.

He pouted and trotted after them. He would have her as his own entirely.

Snape was explaining to her the fineries of today's potion, and Hermione still seemed awestruck as she smashed some cocao beans for the Wolfsbane Potion. Draco wondered if it would be too bad if he pooed on Severus' chair.

"Be good, Prince." Hermione said, and she reached over to pat his head after the last of the instructions were copied.

Draco looked up at the board and hopped down and sauntered to the supply closet and began to return with the ingredients that she would need for the potion.

He was a good potioneer.

He noticed how subtle Snape was. Had managed to touch her several times, all innocent.

Draco padded to the table with all the ingredients before Hermione had finished getting her cauldron arranged.

"Good Boy, Prince," Hermione said, when she saw all the ingredients out and arranged in order of when they would be needed.

Others students began to enter the classroom so Severus sat down at his desk.

Hermione looked at Prince, then snuck a glance at Severus.

"Get started. If you don't finish the potion by class's end, don't bother staying after."

Draco's whole bottom wiggled as he sat on his stool next to Hermione.

Potter took a seat away from her. He looked pale, and his uniform was haphazardly thrown on.

Draco looked over at him and looked as smug as a puppy could. He turned around in circles on the stool happily as he watched the students start to work. He looked up at Hermione as her nose wrinkled while she measured out the rose petals.

Potions was such an unfeminine subject. She needed to do something a woman was supposed to do. Maybe crochet or cross-stitch?

She would be able to do whatever she wanted as his bride. He could afford it. His father would be thrilled with him for scoring the top woman.

Class passed smoothly until Hermione bent to get a vial from her bag to ladle potion into.

Goyle passed her desk with a glum expression. On his way back, the pudgy Slytherin dropped something into Hermione's cauldron.

Draco began to yap loudly and jumped from the stool and seized Goyle's robes in his teeth and began to tear them viciously.

Goyle went down like a lump and began to squeal. He should be afraid! Very afraid! Draco growled more excitedly at the fearful squeals.

However, Hermione's cauldron began to bubble and black smoke rose over it. Draco was too far away to save her!

A billow of black blocked his sight and Draco's heart almost stopped when he heard the cauldron explode. Was Hermione okay?

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Well, there was CHapter 5. Please leave a review.

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