In the Eyes of the Enemy

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being mand nnd no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

In the Eyes of the Enemy- Chapter Six Awakenings


As the sun poured in from the open window, Hermirealrealized she was not alone in her bed and the previous evening had not been a dream. Her head was resting on Draco’s chest. His arm curled around her, with his hand resting on her hip. As she looked up, she noticed he was not asleep, instead he was watching her. Giving him a smile and a soft kiss on his lips. “How long have you been awake?”

He returned the smile and replied, “A while.”

This admission caught her by surprise to which she quickly asked, “Why didn’t you wake me up?”

Draco merely shook his head and nervously began to run his fingers through his hair before answering, “I just wanted to remember you like this before the potion ends and we go back to the way we were.”

His words he had spoken were the truth. What they had shared wasn’t about any plan to get Potter, any conquest, or an attempt to gain power. Instead it was a feeling of completeness. Draco had never realized that allowing yourself to care for someone could actually make you feel stronger. His father hlwaylways taught him, that feeling love for someone was a foolish emotion that made you weak. Draco wondered if his father had ever truly loved someone, for he felt anything but weak holding Hermione in his arms. His stomach churned, but this wasn’t real, this was the result of a potion that in a matter of hours would be over and he frowned.

Hermione kissed him once agaiforefore saying, “Draco, the potion lets us love each other, but there had to be love there to begin with, even if it was only very small. Otherwise we never would have found it. Judging from what has happened so far, I think we both have more than just a little hiding inside. We just need to find it for ourselves.”

To her words Draco smiled. “Do you really think that’s possible?”

Hermione smiled, “I think anything’s possible, just as long as you continue to my Prince Charming, rather than turning back into the Ferret Prince.”

Draco laughed. “That’s it. You’re in trouble now.” The two rolled around the bed tickling each other and laughing aloud.

After their tickling session concluded, Hermione noticed the time. Oh God, I’m going to be late for History of Magic.”

Draco smirked. “How can you stand to take another year of Binn’s rambling?”

She smiled. “Simply because I figure this year he’ll finally be finished with the Goblin Rebellion and might actually have something useful to say about Voldemort.”

Draco cringed at hearing the Dark Lord’s name and replied, “Well, I better go too. I’ll be missing Divination but I’m sure Trelawney will have seen my tardiness coming.” With that Hermione and Draco whole-heartedly laughed again.

Draco picked up his pile of clothing by the side of the bed, and then turned for the door. He pulled Hermione to him and placed a hard kiss on her lips. “Don’t forget me when you’re back to being Weasley and Potters little princess.”

Hermione chided, “Nor you me when your back to being that Slytherin prat.”

Draco smiled. “I do have my reputa to to consider.”

To that Hermione huffed. “Fine, then good riddance to bad rubbish.”

Draco pulled her up for another kiss this time longer feeling her mouth open to his. Then smiled and replied, “You’ve got Slytherin under your skin now. It won’t be that easy to get rid of me,” and with one last smirk he was out the door.

Hermione stood there for a long moment hoping he would return but once she realized he wasn’t, she quickly changed into her robes and headed to class. *** ***

Draco ascended the ladder to the Divinations class he heard the Professor’s airy voice floating down to him, “Mr. Malfoy, though I have foreseen your tardiness, I must ask that you hurry now so not to delay us any further.”

Once Draco found his seat she continued, “Today we will be studying the tarot cards. Muggles have used the cards for many years without realizing it’s full potential, as the tarot lies dormant unless touched with a magical hand. If you are one of thcky cky ones, they will speak to you. Listen closely for you must for the tarot’s words go unheard by those that do not poses the touch. It is not just being magical that allows you to use the tarot it is your strength of heart. What the tarot says is not always kind or what you want may wish to hear but it’s the truth they speak and if you’re wise, you’ll listen.”

Professor Trelawney set a deck in front of each student and announced, “You will take five cards from the deck. They will appear black to you at first. If you have the touch as you place you’re hand on each, they will form into a character. They will then converse amongst themselves and tell you what your future holds. You cannot speak to them so do not bother trying but should they deem you worthy you will hear them speak.”

Draco pulled the top five cards from the deck not bothering to sort through it as most of the other students had begun to do. He then set them in a row before him. Draco reached out and touched the first card, watching the blackness swirled to reveal the death card. To this he chuckled.

“Should have known in this class I’d be predicted to die.”

The card shook his head and pointed to the card beside it, which Draco touched and the swirl becahe fhe fool. The merry man bounced around before pointing to the next card. The third card after being touched swirled to become the lovers’ card. The naked couple motioned for him to touch the next card, which become a woman on a thrown known as the High Priestess who, with a stern _expression on her face, pointed to the last card. Upon touching it he saw a lion standing on all fours growling at him. The characters began to talk amongst themselves before turning to him and beginning to speak:

Death- Your life has changed and still you realize it not. From today on, everything you learn will be new and foreign to you but will not be without reward.

The Fool- You have found happiness in a place you never would have looked and should you choose to fight to keep it the triumph will be your own.

Lovers- You will be forced to make a decision on your journey: to choose between the new life you’ve found or to return to the life you knew and in doing so, it will be determined if you are to walk the path of light or of dark.

High Priestess- You’ve found your partner, your perfect match but some secrets she will hide, it is not for you to search them out but instead allow them to be revealed in their own time.

Strength- You must not allow your emotions to betray you. Should theth bth be found or that which you love most will be destroyed if you can’t find courage in your heart.

The cards faded back to black as Trelawney called class to an end. Draco’s world began to blur and faded to black.

***

In Professor Binn’s class, students were forming a circle around Hermione, who collapsed to the floor just as class had been dismissed. Seamus Finnegan, noticing Harry in the hall, called out, “What happened to Ron?”

Harry replied, “I don’t know, he just collapsed at the end of class I’m taking him to see Madame Pomfrey.

Startled Seamus asked a frantic voice, “Harry, Hermione’s passed out as well do you think we should take her too?”

Harry turned in shock. “Something’s wrong with Hermione too? You better grab her and follow me. I can’t carry them both and we better hurry.”

As Harry and Seamus were entering they hospital wing they were stunned to see about half a dozen other unconscious students being carried in the door.

Madame Pomfrey very angrily gave instructions to the students flooding her facility, “I told Snape he was to remind them to come here before the draughts effects ended but did he listen? Of course not. Please lay them down on the cots. They will awaken in about thirty minutes. You’re welcome to stay as long as you’re not missing any class. Otherwise, you are free to go. Thank you for bringing them here.”

Seamus turned to Harry. “I would lov sta stay but I’ve got Transfiguration with McGonagall next and though I know she loves Hermione, I don’t think she’d let me off the hook for being late.”

Harry replied, “Of course. I’ve got Care of Magical Creatures but I think Hagrid will forgive me, especially since half his class is in here.” Seamus nodded and rushed out the door. Harry walked over to Madame Pomfrey and asked, “What’s wrong with them?”

A very unhappy looking Madame Pomfrey replied, “It’s an after effect from the love potion. Frankly, I’m surprised that you and Neville aren’t out cold like the rest of them.”

Harry frowned and answered, “Neville and I weren’t successful at brewing the potion.”

Madame Pomfrey gave Harry a hug and smiled, “It’s probably for the best dear. I don’t know what the Ministry and Dumbledore were thinking to give Snape permission to teach you students how to brew that draught. It will be embarrassing enough for this bunch when they wake up but putting you and Neville together was downright cruel.”

Harry returned to his seat between Hermione and Ron while Madame Pomfrey continued checking each of the unconscious students, mending any bumps and bruises she came across.

Almost at the same time the students started to come too though a bit groggy at first. Hermione and Ron were relieved to see Harry seated next to them. The three, after being cleared by Madame Pomfrey, made their wawardward Hagrid’s hut. Along the walk Harry shared funny stories with Hermione of a love sick Ron sobbing about how he had ruined any chance he had with Padma at the Yule Ball three years ago. When asked how her experience went she merely replied, “That she spent most of the time in her room quite content.”

To this Ron laughed. “You must not have at one shred of love for Malfoy to amplify, not that any of us do.”

Hermione stiffened and announced, “You know what? I forgot my book in the hospital wing. I better get it. I’ll be right there just let Hagrid know I’m coming.” Harry and Ron nodded in agreement and continued toward Hagrid’s Hut.

About twenty feet behind them just exiting the castle Hermione spotted Draco’s bright blond hair heading in her diion ion and she froze. ‘What would he say about last night? What would he say if the love potion had worn off then why did she still have feelings for him?’ Before she could think of anything further he was standing in front of her holding out her book. “You left this back in the hospital wing, I thought you might need it.”

Hermione blushed. “About last night….”

Before she could continue he held up his hand and said, “It was the effects of the love potion, nothing more.”

Hermione opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. Here, she was thinking about what had happened over the last twenty-four hours. That maybe there was something more to Draco than what she had always known. After hearing Harry and Ron joke about him, she had realized that maybe she did feel something for him. Granted, the potion had made her do and feel things she could never imagine, but she wasn’t going to regret it. Instead she was going to make the most of the door that had been opened and see what she found inside.

Draco though had been unwilling to let her in. Hermione felt sad, confused, and lost. How had she let him make herl thl this way? The Slytherin prat had returned and she was too proud to ask him to leave. She nodded and replied, “Yes the potion. Please tell Hagrid I’ll be down in aent.ent.”

Running his fingers through his hair Draco nodded and said, “Sure, I’ll let him know.” Draco watched her turn to run into the castle. She hadn’t looked back or said goodbye. A lump rose in his throat. He’d done the right thing hadn’t he? Someone like Hermione would have been ashamed of the last twenty-four hours. She was part of the Golden Trio and he was the Prince of Slytherin; love was not in their cards.

True, according to his plan he intended to woo her, which would be easy since he was a Malfoy, and possessed a fair amount of charm. Love though, that had never been part of the plan. Despite the fact that the Love Potion had wore off, Draco knew that his feelings for Hermione hadn’t changed. If he were to confess himself, it would be an embarrassment. It was better to keep these feelings to himself than risk being rejected.

Running his fingers through his hair once more, Draco turned and headed in the direction of Hagrid’s Hut.

***

Hermione raced toward her room desperately, hoping she’d make it before it was too late. She stumbled up several flights of stairs and bumped into several walls on her way to the Prefect meeting room. Turning the handle of her common room door, she bolted inside. The portrait of herself and Draco’s likenesses were still cuddling on her couch. This had been more than she could bear.

With tears streaming froes ses ses she sobbed, “Restricted section,” and plunged inside her room. Once inside she collapsed on her bed feeling overwhelmed with waves of sadness and tears. Dobby who had been cleaning the room went unnoticed and disappeared with a pop.

***

Draco arrived at class to find groups of students hovering around cages, holding what looked to be brown balls of long curly fur, which Hagrid called, “Gribbles.” Hagrid motioned for everyone to pick one up. “They’re quite tame, these Gribbles, so long as you don’t shake them they probably won’t bite you.”

Pansy held up her Gribble in front of her face and laughed. “Draco look, it’s Granger. Just better looking.”

Draco snapped and grabbed Pansy hard by the arm causing her to drop her Gribble, which rolled off, toward the forest. He then shouted, “If you ever say anything bad about Hermione again I’ll hex you bald, and you’ll be begging that Gribble for a transplant.”

Pansy pulled her arm out of his grasp and spat, “You bastard, how dare you threaten me! Since when have you cared about that filthy Mudblood?”

Before she could react Draco raised his wand and shouted, “Relegare Capillus,” and smirked. “Since now.” Pansy shrieked as her hair fell to the ground around her and dashed off toward the castle.

Harry and Ron were dumbstruck. Draco Malfoy, a known Muggle hate,r had just been defending Hermione. The two exchanged looks, not knowing what to make of it. Their stares where broken by Hagrid’s bulking figure, which stepped in front of them, and said, “I didn’t see anything that happened. Did you?” Giving a wink to the boys.

Smiling Harry and Ron both shook their heads. “Nope we didn’t see anything.”

Hagrid smiled at the boys and turned towards the castle following Pansy.

With a pop Dobby was standing in front of Harry and Ron franticly trying to grab at their hands. Harry kneeled down to speak to Dobby and asked, “What is it Dobby? What’s wrong?”

Dobby tried to tug the boy’s hands toward the castle, “It’s Miss Hermione. Harry Potter and Mr. Weasley must come quick, she is in a terrible state.”

Hearing Hermione’s name Draco moved toward the group and asked, “What’s wrong with Hermione?”

Dobby launched himself at Draco screaming, “It is because of you! You is hurting sweet Miss Hermione.” Pounding his fists all over Draco’s lower body, Dobby continued to scream, “Dobby is warning you against hurting Miss Hermione, and now Dobby will be hurting you.” Draco managed to hold Dobby’s fists in his hands only to find Dobby lunging at him with his teeth.

Harry and Ron rushed over and asked, “What did you do to Hermione, Malfoy?”

Still struggling with a writhing Dobby. “I didn’t do anything.”

Harry yelled, “Dobby, stop!” Dobby reluctantly listened and relaxed. Draco set the house-elf back on the ground but Dobby continued to stare daggers at the boy.

Harry and Ron started to run toward the castle and turned abruptly when they realized Draco was right behind them. With anger in his voice Ron asked, “Where do you think you’re going?”

Draco sternly replied, “With you. You can’t get into the common room without me and believe it or not, I’m just as concerned about Hermione as you.”

Harry placed a hand on Ron’s shoulder and calmly said, “Ron, he’s right. We do need him and once we see Hermione, we’ll be able to figure out his part in all this.”

Ron huffed and ran toward the castle entrance.

The Trio had managed to knock down about a dozen students on their way to the Prefect’s meeting room but once inside they breathed a sigh of relief. Draco opened the door to his and Hermione’s shared common room and dashed to Hermione’s portrait, saying the password and closing the door before Harry and Ron could enter.

Hermione jerked her head towards the doorway and was shocked to see Draco looking back at her, his eyes dancing with concern. She tried to wipe away the tears but it was too late, he had already seen the streams rushing down her cheeks.

She did the best she could to smooth out her crumpled robes and bravely said, “What are you doing here?”

Draco slowly walked to the edge of the bed and taking a seat replied, “Dobby said something was wrong with you and I was worried.” She turned and cast her eyes to the ground. Draco moved closer to her on the bed, and taking her, “Hermione, what’s wrong?”

Hermione merely shook herd std still casting her gaze at the floor. Draco reached over and gently turned her head so that she was looking at him and tenderly asked, “Was it something I did?” Unable to control them any longer tears began to flow from Hermione’s eyes.

Draco’s heart was breaking; she was upset and Dobby had been right. He was the cause. What could he do? What could he say? What had he done to upset her so? Unable to think of answers to the questions, he did the best thing he could think of, and pulled her toward him in an embrace.

She sobbed into his chest. He let her, and when he thought she was done he whispered in her ear, “Hermione, I’m sorry for whatever I’ve done wrong. Please forgive me,” and after a moment he continued, “I think I’m falling in love with you.”

***

Harry and Ron stood in shock staring at the portrait before them, which contained what looked to be Hermione and Draco snogging. It was Harry who finally spoke, “That’s just wrong.”

Ron fumed and growled. “Damn straight that it’s wrong. I’m going to tear it down and then wring Malfoy’s neck.”

As Ron started to seize the portrait Harry reached out and pulled him back. “It’s only rtrartrait Ron, it’s not really them.”

Ron jerked away from Harry and replied, “If he’s in there hurting her, I’m going to kill him.”

Harry nodded in agreement and said, “If he hurts her, I’ll help you kill him and bury the body. But my question is, how did he know her password?”

Ron shrugged. “I don’t know. He said it so fast, I wasn’t able to catch it.”

***

Hermione pulled back from Draco’s arms and looked directly at him before asking, “Do you really?”

With a bit of a frown he replied “Yes, but I don’t expect you too feel the same way. I just wanted you to know.”

Hermione smiled and pulled Draco’s face to hers, placing a kiss firmly on his lips. With a look of shock across his face he muttered “What? I don’t understand.”

This time it was Hermione who raised her hand to stop him and said, “I think I love you, too.”