Contrast

Not mine. I am going to go cry in a corner now.

A/N~ Holy Crap! I am so overwhelmed by the huge amount of reviews I got for that last chapter. You guys totally reinstalled my faith in my readers, and I am so happy a lot of you liked it. Some of you saw the whole Blaise thing coming, but that’s okay, because I eluded to it a couple of times. Very perceptive of you. There are a couple of you who are asking about them having a kid or doing a ball scene. The thing is I am trying to stay away from the clichés, unless I am making fun of them. I hope that doesn’t put you off reading the rest of my story.

Jenn~ I admit I am still having trouble with Hermione. The way I envision her is that her character is so complex that she can be a strong vixen at one moment, and tripping over something the next. I also added that tripping part because she noticed that Blaise seemed to be looking straight at her, so it freaked her out a little bit. In the upcoming chapters, we will see a stronger and more confident Hermione, because I think being with Draco will boost her self-esteem a bit. If you have any tips for me, don’t be afraid to send them my way.

And now, on to the next chapter…

* * * * *

Draco sat in his chair in the empty Slytherin common room much later that night, sunk in the shadows provided by the dying fire, scowling at the stone entrance, awaiting his so-called friend to return from wherever it is that he ruins virgins.

After Granger had told him who she lost her virginity to, he was furious, even more so when she refused to give him any details, claiming it was none of his business. Granted he didn’t actually show any evidence of his anger, but when he shagged her again before he kicked her out of his room, he was a bit rough and demanding, taking his resentment out on her that way. Of course, she didn’t seem to mind, judging by the way she clawed at him and screamed bloody murder when she came.

He hadn’t mentioned how he felt about the whole ordeal, not wanting Granger to know he was incensed at the thought of her shagging Blaise. He only told her that he was a better fuck, which was more than likely true, and that she was lucky he still wanted to carry on with her. She merely smiled at him. This caused Draco to get even angrier, and that was when he planned to confront Blaise about it.

Draco was brought out of his musings by the sound of the stone wall opening and the sight of Blaise stepping through the door. As Blaise paused on his way to the dorms to rid himself of his robe, Draco took the time to study him, trying to comprehend the reason why Granger would give herself up to him. Sure, he had that whole tall, dark, and handsome look going for him, what with his caramel complexion and his piercing dark eyes, which Draco supposed some girls found attractive. Draco believed he was much handsomer than the bloke in front of him. He didn’t have much in the way of personality; he wasn’t nearly as charming or eloquent as Draco, although Blaise often disagreed with this analysis. He did tend to have the gift of being able to persuade anyone to basically do anything, as long as it benefited him, and he spoke rather well. Since when was that the definition of charm and eloquence?

At that moment, Blaise turned and spotted Draco looking at him through narrowed eyes. Draco was also quite certain he was sneering. The one thing he didn’t seem to have control over was his damn expressive mouth. He would have to work on that.

“Waiting up for me Draco? Don’t let Mum find out you are playing the father figure, she just might do you in.”

The bloody bastard had the nerve to smile at Draco. He could feel his anger bubbling up on the inside, but Draco was determined to be the perfect embodiment of coolness if he wanted to know exactly how this monstrosity happened.

“So,” he drawled, “why didn’t you tell me you fucked Granger?”

Blaise showed no reaction other than smirking at Draco as he gracefully fell into his own chair across from Draco.

“I suppose I didn’t think it concerned you. You know I am not the type to boast about my conquests. I take it that she told you. Why do you bring it up?”

Draco shifted uncomfortably in his chair, his body itching to jump up and his fists begging to pummel Blaise. Fortunately, Draco had always prided himself on using violence as a last resort, most of the time. For now, he would just have to endure the bloodthirsty bitterness surging through him and continue being calm.

“I am just curious to know how your deflowering of the Head Girl came about, no pun intended.”

Blaise smiled nefariously at Draco. Draco wanted to punch him in the nose.

“Why Draco, do I detect a twinge of jealously in you apathetic drawl? Upset that I got to pop her cherry before you? Are you finally admitting your warm and fuzzy feelings for the Mudblood?”

The desire to punch the boy grew into a strong longing to viciously murder him instead. Draco felt his sneer grow, if possible.

“Malfoy’s do not get jealous nor do we have warm and fuzzy feelings, ever. She just mentioned it was you who shagged her, and she didn’t give me any details, the trollop. Care to do the honors? I simply must use this information against her in the future.”

Blaise was looking at Draco skeptically and sighed exasperatedly, as if to say “If you must know.”

“I was sitting alone in the library one weekend afternoon. It was about a month ago when you and I were having our little row, and I was quite bored without you to entertain me. I saw Granger sitting alone reading a little ways away from me, and I decided to have some fun with her. I sat down next to her and told her that she had gotten considerably fetching, and why doesn’t she let me deflower her. I thought she was going to smack me, or hex my balls off, but instead she got this peculiar look on her face and said ‘Alright’. I was shocked to say the least, and before I could react and tell her I was just taking the mickey out of her, she was packing up her things and suggesting we use the Room of Requirement. Since I am not one to turn down having it off with an attractive bird, I followed her out of the library. When we got in the room, she told me that our ‘encounter’ was purely for sexual purposes, and if I told anyone, she would hex me so badly I would be unrecognizable as a man. I asked her why she accepted my invitation, and she said that she decided she needed to be rid of her virginity, and since I propositioned her and I was ‘fairly attractive’, she might as well get done with it. She only asked that I be gentle the first time and not to expect anything else from her.”

Draco sat in silence, his inner anger threatening to overcome his collected exterior. He could barely see Blaise for his eyes were so narrowed they were almost closed.

“Did you only shag then?” Draco asked. He needed to hear it for some reason. It was easier to dislike the boy in front of him, grinning smartly, if he knew all of the details.

“I had to get it up, didn’t I? She went down on me, and let me tell you Draco, she was a natural. I even told her so.”

It was getting hard for Draco to control himself, knowing that Granger was confidant in her oral skills was because the person sitting in front of him had given her reason to be. And damned if she wasn’t a natural. Fuck!

“And how many times did you fuck her?”

Blaise chuckled softly. Draco wanted to strangle him.

“Only a couple, but they way she moved under me made it seem like she had been doing it all her life. It gets me hard just thinking about it. I would shag her again if I were given a chance. She is a siren, that one.”

Once again, Draco was silent. Not because he didn’t have anything to say, he had plenty, but if he were to share exactly what was on his mind at the moment, he ran the risk of giving away his and Granger’s extracurricular activities. He only hoped he hadn’t revealed it with his incessant questioning. Draco withdrew his eyes from Blaise’s face and started picking off imaginary lint on his trousers.

“So, you’re fucking Mudblood Granger then?”

Draco’s head shot up and met Blaise’s amused gaze. Fuck again!

“I have no idea where you get these ridiculous notions.”

Blaise guffawed this time, bringing Draco’s sanity on the brink. The fucking tosser was laughing at him.

“Oh Draco, you are so obvious. You were able to keep your demeanor impassive, but you couldn’t hide the anger in your flashing narrowed eyes or your sneering facial expressions. You forget that I know you better than anyone else in this institution, that we have been chums since we were in nappies. I know how to read you. As a matter of fact, I can tell that right now you are trying your damnedest not to viciously attack me.”

Draco did forget that Blaise knew Draco as well as he knew Blaise. He knew that sometime later in life his friendship with the wanker was going to come and bite him in the arse.

“She was with you last night wasn’t she? What did you use, a Concealment Charm?”

Draco sighed heavily. There was no use in denying it now.

“How do you figure?”

“I could tell by the way you went straight from the door to your room. You usually walk rather slowly, basking in the glory of the admiration the underlings send your way, winking teasingly at the young girls, inciting fear and respect in the young boys. I wouldn’t have noticed had you acted a little more natural. You really must work on your tactics if you are going to be sneaking her into your room on a nightly basis. Just a little friendly advice.”

Draco shrugged, feeling his anger ebbing.

“You don’t love her, do you?” Blaise asked while his dark features twisted into an expression of disgust.

Draco could barley contain his laughter, his reaction to the absurdity of it all replaced his depleting ill temper. Him, in love with Granger?

“Either you’re having a laugh or you are extremely daft. There is no way in the bloody hell that I will ever fall in love with her. We are shagging; there is nothing between us but lust.”

Blaise smiled cheerfully at Draco, probably most happy to know that he was no longer in danger of having bodily harm done to him.

“If that is the case, maybe I’ll have another go at Granger and give you some competition.”

The light hearted tone of Blaise’s voice did not fool Draco. His dark eyes were shinning with determination and self-confidence. Damn that Zabini boldness.

Draco, done with the conversation and ready to go to bed, stood up glancing assuredly at his friend.

“Believe me when I tell you that she is getting exactly what she needs from me.”

Blaise stood up from his chair as well and walked toward Draco, his cheerful voice becoming heavy and his once joyous expression becoming defiant.

“I think I will be the judge of that. A Mudblood slag like her could never be fully satisfied, even if she had cocks stuck in every orifice of her filthy body.”

The anger was back with a vengeance, and all Draco could see was red. It was futile to try and repress it once again. Then thin thread that had been holding on to Draco’s fury had snapped once more, but this time, Draco was not ashamed of losing his temper, he welcomed it.

With his seeker’s reflexes, Draco moved swiftly and grabbed a hold of Blaise’s shirt collar before violently throwing him up against the nearest stone wall, his feet dangling centimeters from the floor. Draco was so close to Blaise’s face he could read the shock and fear in his eyes trying to be hidden behind a bored and indifferent expression. So, Draco wasn’t the only one who revealed his mental state through his eyes.

“Listen closely Zabini; as of now Granger is my property, and it will do you well to remember that I do not like anyone touching my things or else they will suffer most dire consequences. She is mine.” Draco hissed quietly through clenched teeth.

As quickly as Draco had grabbed the boy, he dropped him to the floor, stepping around him as he made his way to the stairs that led to his room. As he ascended the steps, he heard Blaise call out, “We’ll see about that, mate.”

Draco’s response was to slam his door as hard as he could.

* * * * *

The next day Draco was sitting in the library with Granger, glaring at the Advanced Potions book set in front of him. He had been in a foul mood all day, and every time he looked at Granger, he pictured her having it off with Blaise, causing his mood to become even worse. He found it hard to focus during his classes, and was not pleased when he caught Blaise winking at Granger from across the Great Hall during lunch. Draco instantly shot a warning look at Blaise, and then stared accusingly at Granger, who wasn’t looking at him, but he could tell from meters away that she was blushing. He hadn’t said a word to her for the rest of the day, not even to insult her.

“Malfoy?”

Draco looked up from his open book and glowered at her. She looked at him inquisitively, with her head cocked to the side, her eyes bright and her bottom lip pink and wet from her nibbling on it. Damn her; leave it to the bitch to look absolutely appetizing while he was trying to be mad at her.

“What?” he asked harshly. His tone didn’t seem to bother her; she simply smiled lopsidedly at him.

“Why have you been scowling all day?”

Draco slammed his book shut, ready to give her a piece of his mind. He had been waiting for the invitation since they met at their table over an hour ago.

“You know Granger, for someone so smart you do act incredibly stupid.”

She gazed at him confoundedly, obviously having no idea what he was referring to.

“Excuse me? What is this all about?”

“When I shag someone, I at least try to make sure they are mentally stable. Sure I have a few dames following me around like stray dogs afterwards, but it never goes any further than that. But you, you have to go and shag the only other person than me who is Slytherin to the core: cold, calculating, and cunning. Zabini borders on being a sociopath. This is who you choose to be your first fuck?”

Granger’s face lit up with understanding, finally. Draco was expecting her to launch into a boring list of reasons why she chose to be with Blaise, but instead she laughed. She fucking laughed. What was with people laughing at him lately? It was most unacceptable.

“I guess that doesn’t say much about you, does it Malfoy, seeing as how I am shagging you?”

Draco grabbed a hold of her hand that was resting on the table. It was soft and warm, her delicate fingers shifted, and Draco knew she was indecisive on whether to intertwine them with his or to pull away.

“I am serious Granger; you need to stay away from him.”

She grasped his hand and a jolt of heat leapt through Draco’s body, coming to rest at his now awakening manhood.

“Why?”

Draco wasn’t sure how much he should reveal to her. It would be better if she didn’t know that Blaise was going to try and go after her, mostly because Draco didn’t want to place the thought in her head.

“He is dangerous. Like I said, when he wants something, someone, he’ll do anything to get it.”

Granger pulled her hand out of his as though she understood his deep rooted meaning.

“I can take care of myself, Malfoy, and I can most certainly handle whatever he tries to do.”

Draco removed his hand from the table, vaguely aware that a random Ravenclaw was perusing the shelf near their table.

“I don’t doubt that Granger,” he whispered, “but you don’t know what he is capable of. I am going to be keeping an eye on him, and you, just so you know.”

“Why?”

The inquiring gaze returned to her face, her eyes searching his for an answer. Draco leaned closer to her, and she reflected his movement with her own body.

“Because, you are mine, and no fucking pikey is going to mess with what is mine.”

Granger’s eyes flashed with anger. Great, just what he needed. Couldn’t the idiotic girl recognize a complement?

“I am a person Malfoy, not an object, and I don’t belong to anyone.” She said quietly but firmly.

She bowed her head and resumed reading. Draco would not let her get the last word on the subject, he never did.

“You belong to me.”

Draco did not miss the slight smile that fluttered across her face as she kept her head bent and her eyes focused on her book. As Draco opened his book, he could feel his own mouth grow into a satisfied smirk. She was most definitely his, and she knew it.

* * * * *

A/N~ There you go; I hope Draco’s reaction was satisfactory, and I hope you liked the chapter. There was sort of a big step in Draco and Hermione’s relationship taken, and no, Draco isn’t in love with her, he was telling Blaise the truth.

Oh yeah, next chapter, someone else finds out about Draco and Hermione’s relationship. Any guesses as to who it is?

So leave me lots of yummy reviews, because after the response from that last chapter, I have big expectations. Please don’t let me down!

Lots of love to all of my faithful readers!

Roberta

P.S. I have reconfigured all of my chapters in my outline, and I have decided that 1) there isn't enough plot and/or conflict for my liking, and 2) I am not ready to be done with my story, so as it turns out, there will be more than 14 chapters. I really hope you stick around to read them all when each of them come out.