STOLEN KISSES

Chapter Seven

The first day of classes back from the holidays was a dreaded one for most of the students. The thought of hitting the books again and the threat of Umbridge who roamed the school halls looking for anyone breaking one of her precious decrees, kept a lot of them on their guards.


The Slytherin and Gryffindor fifth years sat in Professor Snape’s class reviewing their potion that they brewed before the holidays. Anyone who did not do their research on the potion, Snape gleefully deducted points, or glared at the Gryffindor’s who did. A few minutes before the class was to end he dismissed the class, requesting that Harry, Hermione and Draco remain.

Snape looked at the three with Hermione in the middle. He glanced down briefly and noticed that Draco’s fingers were grasping Hermione’s loosely, their robes covering most of their touch. He looked to Draco and raised his brow, where Draco let go and stepped away. Snape had his suspicions about the two, but couldn’t believe it until now.

He cleared his throat. “Potter, you will start you remedial potion classes with me tonight again, and also on Thursday nights as well.” He saw Potter’s eyes fill with anger, and sneered down at him. “You may go Potter, see you at 6:00 sharp, not a minute later.”

“Yes. Sir!” Harry said angrily. He turned to Hermione. “See you at lunch ‘Mione.” Then hurried to his Divination class.

“Now you two.... I am going to let the detention for disrupting my class go this time, but not again. I will not hesitate to give you detention with Filch the next time this happens.”

“Yes, sir.” They both chorused.

“Miss Granger, you may go.” Snape said as he waved her out. He watched as she picked up her ever present overflowing book bag and left with a last look towards Draco.

Snape brought his wand out and warded the classroom so he would not be disturbed, and came around to the front of his desk, leaning his hip back against it, his arms crossed against his chest. “Now, Mister Malfoy. I have recently been told of your wish to help the light side against The Dark Lord., and that you know that I am a spy for Dumbledore.” He paused. “If I hear that you have exposed me in any way, I will not hesitate to make you sorry you did.”

“Yes, sir.” Draco replied.

“Now, I was told so far what has transpired with you, and Umbride’s plans for the next quiddich game coming up. Have you anything to add?”

“Well, Professor..... Dumbledore had mentioned some kind of potion or amulet to protect everyone, but Her–“. Snape raised his brow again at the near slip. “Some of the students might not want to drink the potion or wear the amulet. And how would you explain why they would need to.” Draco explained.

“And what would you suggest Draco?”

“We thought maybe if the entrances of the pitch could have some kind of shielding charm on them, once the students pass through it could maybe put a protective covering over their bodies to shield the spell when the snitch is caught.”

Snape listened and had to admit to himself it had plausibility. “I will pass this to the Headmaster.”

Draco smirked. “There was also a comment made on that it would be too bad if the hexed snitch could find it’s way to a death eater meeting.”

Snape’s upper lip lifted up in a sneer. “And Umbridge would be most ly aly at this meeting.” He said aloud. “There’s a meeting planned the same day the game is scheduled.”

“What about you sir? If you are there at the meeting, you could be affected also.”

“The Dark Lord knows that it would be suspicious not to be here for the game, especially if my own house is playing. No.... I don’t think that I will be summoned that day for the meeting.” He walked around and sat behind his desk. “Is there anything else Draco?”

“No sir. It’s been pretty quiet over the holidays.”

“There is just one more thing Draco.” Snape started. “The Headmaster has requested that I teach you Occlumency, along with Potter.”

“Potter?! What is Occlumency?”

“It is a magical defense of the mind against outside influences. Someone, like your father or the Dark Lord can delve into a weak mind seeing their thoughts, be able to share your feelings. Potter has been able to share some of the Dark Lords thoughts and feeling due to the scar that was given to him on his forehead when he was younger. The Dark Lord unknowingly transferred some of his characteristics and abilities to Potter giving them a mind link. Potter has been trying to stop this from happening through these extra classes. You need to learn this new ability so that no one can see into your mind. It could be a danger to yourself and others that are involved.” Snape explained.

“With Potter though?”

“Yes with Potter. The remedial potions class has been a cover for the Occlumency classes. You are to tell anyone who asks that you are taking extra potions classes with me for extra credit.”

“When?”

“Tonight. 6-o-clock. And Thursday nights as well.”

Draco picked up his books. “Fine. Is there anything I need to do for this class?”

“Just try to clear your mind, let go of all your emotion. We will go into it more tonight.” wro wrote a quick note and handed it to Draco. “Here is a note for your next professor explaining your lateness. Now go.” Snape dismissed as his head bent to a stack of parchments.

Draco left, feelings nervous about this Occlumency class that night, but eagerly anticipated it at the same time. The only downside would be that he was taking it with Potter.


Later that day after dinner, Harry made his way down to the dungeons with trepidation. He had tried to clear his mind when he slept, but the same vision was revealed to him night after night. Although Ginny’s goodnight kisses helped him to put some of the visions to the back of his mind at the beginning of the night, he still woke up with the same vision.

As he entered the classroom, Snape was standing at the front of his class, his arms crossed again across his chest with his wand in the one hand. Off to the side he noticed Malfoy. “What. Is. He. Doing. Here?” Harry said between clenched teeth.

“Enough Potter.” Snape glared. “You will be taking the Occlumency classes with Mister Malfoy.”

“But sir....” Harry began.

Snape held up his hand to silence Harry. “It has come to our attention recently that Umbridge and Lucius have made plans against this school. Mister Malfoy had overheard the conversation and has come forward. He is now on our side.”

“Just like that?!” Harry sneered.

“Yes. Just like that Potter. Now let’s get started. You two will be doing the spell. Potter, you are to use the Legilimency spell on Malfoy. You must make eye contact for it to work properly.” He looked to Draco. “You have to try to block him out. Clear your mind.” He looked to one and to the other. “On the count of three. One.....”

Draco closed his eyes to clear his mind, his thoughts going to the kiss he shared with Hermione before he came down here.

“Two.....”

He shook his head to clear the image from his head.

“Three.” Snape finished.

“Legilimens!” Harry said clearly as he raised his wand to Draco.

Draco’s eyes became blurry as a dizzy feeling washed over him. Images of his childhood flashed before his eyes..... his mother being beaten by his father ...... his father’s hand raised to him ......quiddich games .....the first kiss he shared with Hermione in the library .....the day she gave him the hickey in the empty classroom ..... New Years Eve.....

Harry saw all this and he lunged fhe whe weakened Draco. “You son-of-a-bitch!!” He cried as his fist connected to Draco’s jaw. “How fucking dare you!”

“Dare what Potter?” Draco said weakly as he stepped closer to Snape. “Dare to do something you’ve been wanting to do?”

Snape glared at the two of them. “What are you two fools babbling about now?”

“He took advantage of Hermione.” Harry seethed angrily, pointing his wand to Draco again menacingly.

Draco raised his wand and pointed it to Harry’s chest. “I did not take advantage of her. Did you happen to notice it wasn’t always me on top Potter?” He sneered.

“You gave her a potion or put her in a spell or something. She would not willingly touch you.”

“No. I did not do any such thing. Ask her yourself. You just wanted her for yourself.” Draco sneered to Harry. He was suddenly on his back as Harry threw himself on top of him, grabbing the front of his robes. “Get off Potter.”

“Why then? Why Hermione?” Harry asked, squeezing tighter on the collar.

Draco tried to buck Harry off his chest but gave up in defeat. He looked up into the Gryffindor’s angry eyes. “Because I love her.” He said quietly.

Harry shoved Draco against the floor and got up. “You don’t know the meaning of the word Malfoy.” And stalked out of the classroom. Draco lay on the floor, his eyes closed at the show of weakness he let Potter see.

Snape had watched the interaction between Potter and Draco with interest, his wand at the ready if things were to get really out of hand. He held out his hand to Draco who grasped it and was pulled up. “You did not clear your mind.” Snape stated simply.

“No. Some memories I was able to stop Potter from seeing.” Draco replied tiredly.

“You could have used a hex to stop him.”

Draco smirked. “Now you tell me.” And touched his jaw. “We weren’t planning on them finding out this way.”

“I would suggest you give Potter some time to cool off, then both of you should talk to him. I would also suggest that you and Potter work together on this class. It is very important. You can go, and it might be an idea to visit Madame Pomfrey to take care of that jaw. Umbridge does not need to see that.”

Draco nodded and left the classroom. He hoped that Potter would not give Hermione a hard time and would not blow his cover to the rest of the school.


Harry stormed into the common room, looking for Hermione. She was sitting by the fire knitting one of those infernal caps to try to give to the house elves. “Hermione. How could you?’ He cried out.

“How could I what Harry?”

“With him of all people?”

Hermione looked around the room to see curious stares directed their way. She got up and pulled his arm. “Let’s talk in private Harry.”

“Fine. We’ll go to Ron’s room.” Harry stormed off followed by Hermione and Ginny to the Gryffindor boys prefect’s room.

Once they entered Ron’s room, Hermione turned and warded the door with a silencing and locking spell. “Now. What are you talking about Harry?”

Harry went to stand by Ron, who was already in his room, looking puzzled why this impromptu meeting was taking place in his room. “Why him?” Harry asked again.

“Why who Harry?” Ron asked.

“Why not Harry. He’s changed and I like being with him.” Hermione answered calmly.

“But he’s such a bloody git. What about all those things he’s said and done to you over the years?”

“Who are we talking about?” Ron asked again.

“Malfoy.” Harry spat out.

Ron looked to Harry and Hermione, “You mean he’s the one that sent you the kiss.” He shook his head. “No way!”

Hermione smirked but looked calm. “Yes way.”

“He’s the one you’ve been sneaking around with? The one that gave you that hickey?” Ron asked perplexed.

“Yes.”

“Why did you keep it from us ‘Mione?” Harry asked as he sat on the bed.

“Precisely because of the way you are acting now, and because it could endanger him if anyone was to find out. He’s changed Harry. He does not side with Voldermort or his father anymore. He has been letting Dumbledore know of any plans Umbridge has been trying....he is on our side Harry. And frankly, it’s my life. Not yours.” She said kindly to take the edge off her words.

“What does he have that we don’t ‘Mione?” Ron asked. “Why do you want to hang around with him?”

She smiled in memory. “He has the most amazingly kissable lips.” She said dreamily.

“Too much information ‘Mione.” Ron replied disgustingly.

“Besides, kissing you two would be like kissing my brothers.” She smiled and looked to Harry. “You know I was going to tell you eventually, sometime soon. It’s still kind of new to us still. How did you find out?”

“He’s taking the Occlumency classes with me.” Harry said dejectedly.

Hermione beamed, “That’s great Harry. I know he’s been worried about his father finding out about his defection. If he could block his mind from him, it would be great.” She said as she kneeled down in front of Harry. “Harry, please understand and accept this. I don’t want to lose your friendship.”

Harry looked down into her pleading eyes and gave a hesitant smile. “I’ll try.”

Hermione hugged him, knocking him flat on his back on the bed. “Thanks Harry.” And was rewarded with a soft pillow at the side of her head by Ron who laughed at her expression of surprise.

“Oh, you think so.” She laughed as she grabbed a nearby pillow. The next hour pillows were hit every which way as Harry and Ginny joined into the fight. When one of the pillows broke and feathers fluttered around them, they stopped, their cheeks sore from their laughter.

Harry sat up on the bed, his face serious suddenly. “So what has Malfoy overheard from Umbridge, and why should we believe him?”

Hermione, Harry, Ron and Ginny all sat cross-legged on the bed amid white feathers from the pillow. She recounted everything from the professors that were on Umbridge’s hit-list to the quiddich game coming up, with Draco overhearing he was to be one of the ‘victims’. They were sitting there well past curfew as they discussed these new developments and suggested their own ideas.

Harry made an extra effort to clear his mind that night as he did not want Voldermort to find out about Draco defecting. He had to reluctantly admit that it could be an asset having someone on the inside next to Umbridge and the Inquisitor Squad. And he did not want Voldermort to find out that they knew about the plans for the quiddich game.