Markings of an Inmate

AN: I was told that there was no QQSS in Hogsmeade; I randomly put it in there to fill some shops in the small village. So yes I know it’s not really there but I made it so…just letting ya’ll know.

Chapter Eight: Pretty Girls and Pretty Dresses

‘Thank the gods for the weekend,’ I thought lazily as I snuggled closer to Mi’s warm body.

For first time in a month, I wasn’t in pain at all, no blue balls, no pain from the tattoos, nothing. My body was completely relaxed and sated. Staying in bed all day sounded like a wonderful plan.

Mi turned over to face me and rested her head against my bare chest. I opened my eyes and smiled down at her. Her fingers softly traced over a design on my shoulder. “Mornin’ love,” I said quietly, kissing the top of her head.

“Morning,” she replied looking up at me. I pushed her away and on to her back, before rolling on top of her, my hips nestled in between her parted legs, I grinded myself against her causing her to arch and moan. “Seriously? You’re not tired yet?”

I smirked and shook my head. Of course I wasn’t, a little fooling around wasn’t going to tire me out. Sex maybe, but just foreplay, no.

I quickly captured her lips with my own in a slow, sinful kiss. Her tongue brushed against mine in a lazy manner. It wasn’t as feverish as our previous kisses had been. I wanted to enjoy this. Softly, I bit into the plump flesh of her bottom lip and heard her gasp slightly.

I smirked into the kiss.

Pulling back slightly, I kissed my way up her jaw, to her ear, sucking slightly on her earlobe, down her neck, pausing at her pulse point. I nibbled softly on the spot, before kissing my way down to her collarbone.

I went back to her lips once more before pushing away, completely. “Let’s stay here,” I said, slightly breathless. “In bed, all day.”

She smiled softly at me, running a hand softly through my hair. “I wish we could, but we have to go to Hogsmeade to pick up our costumes for the Halloween Ball.”

I lowered myself slowly onto her body, taking care not to hurt her, before nuzzling gently into her neck, grumbling my disappointment.

“But we don’t have to leave until eleven, and it’s eight, so we can stay in bed until then,” she supplied, rubbing my back. I arched as she dug her fingernails into the flesh, and a hiss escaped me.

I pushed myself off her before moving away and collapsing on the plush mattress. She snuggled against my shoulders, playing with the hairs at the nape of my neck.

“Draco?” Her voice was so small. I turned my head to look at her.

“Yes, kitten?” She seemed so unsure of herself. I shifted so that I was on my side facing her, one hand on her hip. “What is it, love?” I was concerned.

“W-w-what we did last night,” she started shyly, “It was really, really different.”

“Did you not enjoy it?” I asked pushing myself up on one of my elbows. Oh gods, I hoped she didn’t regret it

“Yes, it’s just some things were really different,” I cocked my head to the side and watched as she fumbled over her words. “It just took me by surprise that I liked them,” she said softly.

“Never thought that a little pain would feel so good, did you?”

She shook her head, cheeks bright with blush.

“I can tell you this. I’m completely different than Weasley. Things that you have experienced with him will be different with me, but if you feel too uncomfortable or you don’t enjoy what I do to you, then I won’t do it.” While I wanted to explore and experiment all sorts of delicious experiences, I didn’t want Mi to be afraid. I would go slowly.

She had a spark of excitement in her eyes. “I’ll try everything once,”

I curled my tongue behind my teeth in a smirk. “That’s all I’m asking.” I kissed her forehead softly.

“I have another question.”

I let out a small laugh at her innocent expression. “Hmm.”

“Actually two,” I nodded my head for her to continue. “Are you going to be acting differently now, and are we still going to be together?”

That caught me off-guard and I felt anger toward Weasley flair up once more. He had broken her so much.

“You need to understand this Mi. I’m not planning on going anywhere. Just you, you are the one I want. I’m not going to do what he did. You and I are not him and you. Our relationship is completely different.” I sighed and pulled her close. “I’m drowning in you, and I love every minute of it.”

“Now, for the answer about my behavior changing, yeah a little. I’m very possessive and I think of you as mine. I tend to make sure everyone knows what is mine, meaning random snog sessions in the Commons or in between classes.”

I saw the smile behind her stern glare. “Public displays of affection like that aren’t allowed in Hogwarts.”

I slipped my hand up her shirt and palm the warm globes, playing with them. “We are seventeen, love. Hormones rule our lives,” I said as I tweaked one of the hardened buds.

“You’re a pig,” she swatted my hand away.

“Oink, oink, baby,” my smirk only grew.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We walked down the cobble streets of Hogsmeade hand-in-hand.

Damn, she looked good in my Quidditch jacket, my name and number in silver on the back showing the rest of the male population that she was mine. I had seen a number of students head’s turn since we had gotten together but I had noticed not one of the guys in Hogsmeade perhaps there’s hope for them, yet.

We had just finished shopping in the Costume Boutique at the edge of town and still had an hour before we had to meet Blaise and Daphne for lunch. I was smiling softly as she pouted. She didn’t like the fact that I wasn’t letting her pay for her things when I was around.

“Mi,” I said, gently coming to a stop in front of the Quidditch Quality Supply Store. She turned to face me, her expression guarded. “What’s wrong?” My voice was filled with genuine concern.

“Nothing.” She pulled her hand away from mine and wrapped her arms around herself.

“Something’s wrong. You’re shutting me out.” I took a tentative step towards her, reaching out. She simply shrugged me off. “Hermione, talk to me. What have I done?” I was still so unsure about what I should or shouldn’t do even in a normal relationship, but with Mi, I was completely lost at times.

“Is this about me not letting you pay for things?” She looked up at me and nodded curtly. “Why? I told you I didn’t mind.”

“But I do.” She sat down on a bench in front of the store. I walked over and sat down beside her, putting an arm around her. “I have money of my own, Draco.”

“I know.” I was very confused. Why didn’t she like me buying her things?

“I can buy my own things.” Her eyes were swimming with emotion that she had tried to hide earlier.

“I know, but I like buying you things that make you happy, like books and a few sweets here and there.”

She sighed deeply, “The costume was expensive Draco.” She had a resolved look on her face. “It was too much.”

“But you wanted it.” I knew confusion was present in my eyes. “I don’t understand what’s so wrong about it?”

“I’m not with you because of your money Draco.”

Was that what all the fuss about? I let out a relieved breath. “Pet, I don’t thin . . .”

“You may not think that, but everyone else doesn’t think the same way as you do.” She sounded hurt.

“What do you mean everyone else?” I put my fingers under her chin, forcing her to look at me.

“Everyone else,” she muttered quietly.

“Who said something to you?” I knew how teasing could bother her, though she pretended it didn’t. Hell, I had been the main perpetrator for the past seven years.

“They didn’t say it to me directly, I just over heard it.” She finally allowed herself to lean against me. I wrapped my arms tightly around her frame drawing her close.

“Do you know who said it?” She shook her head. I sighed deeply. “Fuck them, what does it matter what they think. They don’t know you, they don’t know me, I know you and you know me. The only ones who matter are happy for us; the rest of them, fuck them.”

She let out a weak laugh and I knew she was smiling.

“If I want to buy my girl pretty dresses and jewels, and then show her off, then damn it, I’m going to do it.” I nodded in my declaration. She stood up and pulled me up with her, laughing more whole-heartedly.

“So, what? I’m your Barbie Doll, now?”

I frowned as we walked into the Quidditch store. What in the hell?

“What?” she said smiling at my expression.

“A what doll?”

She laughed again. “A Barbie Doll. They’re plastic dolls that little Muggle girls play with. Some boys play with them as well but they won’t admit it.”

“All right, then,” I said as I picked up the kit I needed and paid for it, quickly. I knew I wouldn’t play with any dolls, Muggle or Wizard. We walked out of the store and started walking down the streets again.

“What time is it?” Mi asked.

“We have about thirty minutes. Do you want to go and just wait, that way we can grab a table?”

She nodded, “You know how the Three Broomsticks can get.”

I grabbed her hand and we walked toward the establishment.

It had already begun getting crowded when we walked in. I spotted an empty booth near the back and quickly guided Mi to it. She slid in first, leaving the bench in front of us empty for Blaise and Daph.

I wrapped an arm around her shoulder, drawing her close before placing a soft kiss on the top of her head. I could still feel some tension in her. “Are you sure everything is okay?”

“Is there anything going on between you and Daphne’s sister?” Her voice was soft and unsure.

“Astoria?” I felt my breath hitch in my throat. “Not anymore. Why do you ask?” She couldn’t know about the contract.

“She was one of the people saying those things about me.” She was so quiet, I barely heard her.

“You didn’t overhear what she was saying did you?” I knew Astoria, she rarely talked behind a person’s back, and most likely she would have said it to Mi’s face.

“No,” she breathed out.

“What did she say?” I asked tentatively.

“Who said what?” Blaise asked as he came over to the table, Daphne holding tight to his hand.

“Astoria,” I said not looking at him but still at Mi.

“Ohhh. . .” he sat down in front of Mi. “Don’t worry about her, she’s gets all bitchy when she doesn’t get her way, and everyone knows she’s been after Draco since. . .well forever,” he shrugged before looking over Daph’s shoulder to signal Madam Rosmerta.

“My sister is just upset that Draco’s never returned her affections, and she is slowly realizing he never will,” Daph said as she slipped off her jacket. “What did she say?”

“That I was only with Draco because of his money and some other things . . . I can’t remember.” I saw the look Daphne gave my girlfriend and felt Mi shake her head.

Rosmerta came over to our table and we ordered our lunch. Daphne and Mi both decided on a salad and water, Blaise chose a traditional club sandwich, and I had a grilled chicken and prosciutto ham sandwich with pumpkin juice. I relaxed against the leather seat and watched the occupants of the pub.

Liam sat in the back with his friends, looking extremely awkward. When he caught my gaze he smiled softly and nodded to me.

Luna Lovegood sat with some of her friends. She was talking with her hands, probably about something that didn’t exist. She was one weird bird.

McNair sat staring at our group with a look of disgust on his face, Astoria curled against him. Why was she with him?

I felt myself sneer at him, wrapping my arm tighter around Mi.

I diverted my attention from the other occupants of the room when our food was served. I took a swallow of my drink before starting on my chips and sandwich.

“So, you two ready for that test in DADA on Monday?” Blaise’s question brought me back to the conversation at our table.

I nodded in response.

“I think so, but I am going to the library to study a bit more tomorrow,” Mi said after taking a sip of her water.

“Mind if I come along?” Daphne asked.

“Of course not. What about you Blaise? Are you going to join our study group?” Mi asked. While she was distracted with the conversation, I tried to sneak away a cucumber that was on her plate but she slapped my hand, hard.

“Ow,” I drew my hand back, smirking before popping the slice of vegetable in my mouth.

“Hey!” I let out a small laugh at her exclamation. Blaise and Daphne laughed at the entire exchange. “Eat your own food.”

“Draco, what are you doing tomorrow?” Blaise asked still laughing.

“Going to visit Mother,” I said solemnly, his laughter died.

“Are you going to be okay?” Daphne asked. Mi took my hand in hers in a comforting manner.

“Yeah,” I said, brushing it off nonchalantly. We all were silent for a few moments.

“You want me to go with you, mate?” Blaise knew that going to see my mum would be hard on me. I hadn’t seen her since before I was sent to Azkaban.

“Yeah,” I nodded, knowing I was going to need his support.

“When are you leaving?” Mi asked leaning her head against my shoulder.

“Early, around nine.” I turned to Blaise. “You going to be up?” I knew Mi was worried, hell, all of them were, but it was a touchy situation when it came to Mum. I just hoped Mi wouldn’t be too hurt about my actions later on.

“Yeah, mate. Meet you at the entrance hall or your common room?” He asked before eating a chip.

“Entrance hall, we’re apparating.” I had gotten permission earlier in the week to go off the grounds to apparate to see my mum.

He nodded in reply.

The rest of our meal was eaten in near silence, only discussing random tidbits about classes. It wasn’t until Rosmerta asked if we wanted anything else that we realized it was time to go. Mi and Daphne went outside to wait while Blaise and I went to pay for the meal.

“Mate?” Blaise asked.

“Yeah?”

“This visit, what’s it about?” He paid for his and Daphne’s lunch, and waited as I pulled the right amount from my wallet.

“I just have to get some things settled, that’s all.” I paid the check before we made our way to the door.

“Okay.” He knew there was more to it but didn’t push.

When we walked outside, I heard Daphne arguing with her sister and saw McNair towering over Mi in a threatening way. Blaise and I shared a look of surprise before we ran over to our respective girls.

“You are nothing but a filthy Mudblood. Weasley was smart to get rid of you. I am just trying to figure out why Malfoy stooped so low to roll around with you.” McNair’s comments sent a wave of rage through me. I yanked hard on his shoulder, causing him to put enough space between Mi and him for me to slip in between them.

I shoved him away from us, causing him to stumble on his feet as he tried to stay balanced. Once he was a few meters away from Mi, I sauntered forward, an icy stare in my eyes and a sneer of my lips.

“You need to back off, McNair. Now!” My voice was cold as I stared at him. He was only a few millimeters taller than me.

“Oh look, it’s the blood traitor protecting his Mudblood,” he chuckled.

“The war’s over, drop the act.” I noticed we had drawn quite the attention.

“Aw, I wonder what your daddy would say if he knew what you were doing? Bet he would flip if he wasn’t a babbling fool behind bars. How does it feel to know your name means nothing now, Malfoy?” He spat at my feet.

“Pretty damn good,” I smirked as his fell. I knew how to play these games.

“I-I-I,” he stuttered with a comeback. “Blood traitor,” he hissed at me.

“Yeah, you already said that,” my smirk grew.

“Fuck you, Malfoy, and your Gryffindor whore.” Okay, that struck a nerve. My hand found his throat quick. I yanked him to me, sending him on his knees. I bent over tightening my grip.

“I don’t care if you insult me or my father, but you insult her,” I pointed at Mi, “like that again, and what the Dark Lord did to you will look like mere child’s play compared to what I will do.” I whispered harshly into his ear. “I’m not the same person from before, McNair. This year, I can and will back up my words.”

He clawed at my hand before I released him. “You’re insane, Malfoy,” he said, backing away quickly before stumbling into Blaise.

“He is that, isn’t he?” Blaise let out a laugh as McNair scrambled away from him and ran down the cobblestone street, tripping every once in a while.

I turned to Mi, she was hugging herself tightly. “Love, are you alright?” She nodded numbly. I looked over to Daphne to see her still fussing with her sister. “Look why don’t you go with Blaise and Daphne back to the castle. I still have a few things I need to do.” I kissed her gently.

Blaise came over and wrapped an arm around Mi, as I walked over to the two bickering sisters. “Astoria, you don’t understand what’s going on,” I heard Daphne argue.

“Daph,” I placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Go with Blaise and Mi back to the castle. I need to speak with Astoria alone.”

She gave me a small nod before walking over to where Blaise and Mi stood. When they turned and made their way back to the carriages, I turned my attention to the fifteen-year-old in front of me.

“We need to talk,” I said gently.

“Yes, I got that much,” she replied huffily. “So, talk.”

“Somewhere private,” I grabbed her arm and guided her over to the spot Potter and I had used a while back.

I sat down gracefully on the grass and she followed suit, sitting so close she was touching me. I wrapped a comforting arm around her as she rested her head on my shoulders.

“Are you happy?” Her voice was soft.

“Yes, I am,” I looked down into her blue eyes, and she sighed heavily.

“I’m scared Draco.” I knew she was. Her parents didn’t care about either of their daughters, already disowning their oldest for her choice of partner.

“I am not going to let anyone hurt you, A.” She nodded and wiped away a few tears. “I am not going to let McNair get to you.” I had known when I saw her earlier in the pub with him that he was trying to force himself on her. No doubt he knew about the letter I had sent her parents about dissolving the contract between us.

“You promise?” her voice was clouded with tears.

“I promise.”

She smiled softly and kissed my cheek. “Guess I am in trouble with the whole insulting your girlfriend thing, aren’t I?”

I nodded. “She doesn’t know about the contract between us, and I plan to keep it that way.”

“Draco, I don’t think that is the best idea.” She pushed away from me, looking at me honestly. “If she finds out and it’s not from you, not saying I will tell her, she’s going to be angry and hurt.”

“Let me deal with this.”

She shook her head but then nodded. “She’ll be good for you.” She stood up as she said this. “I’ll apologize tomorrow.”

I smiled up at her before standing. “Thank you.”

She nodded as she ducked under my arm. “Come on lover-boy; let’s get you back to the castle.”

I pulled her close before kissing the top of her head and breaking away.

~~~~
Edited: Feb. 27, 2010
AN: Betas for this chapter are Margarita (check out her stuff it's awesome) and Sam!