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When Malfoy wants a Witch
folder
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female › Draco/Hermione
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
21
Views:
40,333
Reviews:
170
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female › Draco/Hermione
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
21
Views:
40,333
Reviews:
170
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I don't own Harry Potter. I borrow. I make no money from this fic.
The War isn't Over
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Reviewers:
SomewhatGlutinous - Draco is childish because he doesn't get what he wants! He's been a spoiled lil darling. Yes, hermione has kinda got a thing for older men, but her idea of love is very naive.
hotbabe - I promise that in this fic, there will be ABSOLUTELY NO threesomes/moresomes. This is purely a Dramione. Hermione sees Lucius as a father figure, but she is being nice and affectionate towards Lucius to hurt Draco. Eventually, she will love Draco, and Draco only!
angeles - Draco has to suffer a bit, after what he has done to her! She is a witch ready to make Draco suffer. But she may soften!
Panther Eyes - My heart goes out to Draco, too. he is a lovely boy, he is just going about getting her love in the wrong way. For now, let me say that Harry&Ron are too busy with each other, also, they have no clue how a het relationship evolves.
Priscilla - Here is your update. Hope you like it!
Coipje - They both are so very cute! And get in line, there are plenty of future Mrs. Draco Malfoys waiting already! :D
Gryffindor_Slytherin - Draco is applying Slytherin methods to get what he wants! Here is your coveted update!
margaritama - Well, this is a romantic comedy and our Draco sometimes does get too happy. Oh, Hermione will find out that Severus is gay...at some point! ALso, I do not hold the fic hostage--I update when I feel everyone of the 'regulars' has read it! So that there's an update every few days!
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Chapter 8 - The War isn't Over
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“Why do you hate me so much? I have tried to atone for all the wrongs I committed as a child. I mean, even Potter and Weasley are my friends now...”
"Forgiveness takes time for people, longer for me. You were crueler to me. Why do you want me so much?"
“Because you are unlike other witches. You were friends with Potter not because he was famous, but because of his personality. You didn't shun Weasley for being poor. All women see me as the rich notorious Malfoy heir. I want to be loved for me, not my vault.”
"Well, I don't like what you've done to me Draco. That isn't to say anything about you. I speak of your actions. You lied about me," Hermione whispered, continuing to stroke his hair. Tension seeped out of her. "You know you ruined something that I was counting upon."
“I saw no other way! How many times did you reject my offer to take you out? How many times did you bin the lunch I brought you?”
"Draco, I am in love with someone else," Hermione said, wiping one of his tears with her thumb. "I didn't feel it was right to try to date someone that I was not interested in."
“Who? Why is he better than me?”
"We don't choose with whom we fall in love, Draco. I don't think he even knows that I love him, but now it is over before it had a chance to start. And you are the cause. You see that, don't you?" Hermione said, sitting on the edge of the seat.
“But why is that the only valentine you get is from me? If he was so perfect, why did he not claim you?”
"I didn't say that I thought he saw me the same way," Hermione said, blinking quickly. "And he probably never will."
“Maybe he will never love you. I love you more. So desperately. I will do anything to make you see that we're right for each other.”
"He surely won't now, and that wound is fresh, Draco, and more than a little painful. And yes, I blame you for it."
Hermione pressed her nose to his temple and rubbed his back. It was nice to hold someone and comfort them. Hermione stroked Draco's soft hair.
“Why are you touching me?” he asked. His voice was so low that she could barely hear him.
"I touch most people that I perceive in need of comfort," Hermione said, backing up from him and dropping her hands.
“I don't need your pity,” Draco said and buried his face in the old toy.
"It isn't pity," Hermione said. "It's empathy. I've been in love with someone I didn't have a snowballs chance in fiendfyre."
“Just as I don't have a chance with you, eh?” he asked, stifling a sob.
"I don't know," Hermione said softly. She clenched her fists in the night-robe. She didn’t want to reach out and touch Draco Malfoy again. "Your father says that no Malfoy has ever settled for his second choice."
“You are the only one. You don't know how happy I was to see you every day, in school even. I wanted to go and sit down next to you in the library, offer you a sugar quill and talk about homework.”
"Why didn't you ever make an effort to be kind to me? Why were you always antagonizing me?"
“I thought Father would get in trouble if I was friendly with you. And the strain of war was heavy on my family. Also, I was jealous of Potter and Weasley.”
"Why didn't you just ignore me then?" Hermione asked, moving to sit so she could look into his eyes. She tucked her legs up.
“I couldn't ignore you. I wanted you to react to me. I wanted to scratch out Krum's eyes at the Yule Ball. You don't know how badly I wished you were on my arm.”
"If you had, I would have never been able to forgive you."
“But he was all over you. Dancing so close, his bear paws on you. I saw you two kissing on the balcony, too. I was so angry,” Draco's eyes flashed as he thought about it.
"Viktor and I aren't even in contact anymore," Hermione said, sliding a hand out to touch Draco's knees. She slid her arms around them as she slid her feet between his.
Draco sighed happily.
“But then I envisioned you snogging both Potter and Weasley. That was torturous.”
"Harry and Ron, despite their best efforts, are helpless for each other. They don't like girls no matter which ones they kissed."
“I was made wicked with jealousy till I walked in on them both in the showers in the aurory. I was so relieved, though totally grossed out at the same time.”
Hermione slid her hand to his face.
"I've never kissed anyone but Viktor, and you," Hermione said, letting her hand slide from his cheek.
“Promise?” He asked, his eyes glittering with tears.
"Well, I kissed your father's, Harry's, Ron's, Severus’, Remus’ and my father's cheeks, but I don't know that they count," Hermione said, wiping the tear from his eye.
“That doesn't count.” He took a deep breath. “How many men have made love to you.”
"How many women have you been with?" Hermione said, pulling back from him.
“None. I have not been with any woman. I do not desire anyone but you.”
"I broke off contact with Viktor because he wanted me to have sex with him, among other seedy things."
"I'll kill him!"
“No no, it's fine. Than I'd have to kill you for that. I'd not want that.”
"You don't want to kill me?" Draco asked, reaching out and pushing a strand of hair back from her eyes. "So you've never?"
“I never what?” she asked, blushing.
"Never had sex?" Draco asked, biting his lip.
Hermione blushed crimson. “No, there was never anyone I found worthy to make love to.”
"What about the guy you like now? Would you with him?" Draco asked, sniffing as he set Snort down on the seat between him and the window.
“I love him, but I have never imagined how and if I would make love to him. Sure, he is handsome, but it is more a mind over matter love.”
"So he is ugly?" Draco asked.
“No, not ugly! Just looks don't come first for me.”
"Am I ugly?" Draco asked. "Is that why you always frown at me?"
“From the beauty standard, you are gorgeous," Draco grinned and blushed. "I frowned at you because I wondered what mean thing you would come up with next.”
"I'm not mean," Draco said, taking her hand. "I'm a nice wizard, and you've never given me a chance."
“There's always the memory of how you were in the past looming. When I look at you, I see the little boy sneering at me and calling me Mudblood.”
"When was the last time I called you that word?"
“Maybe in our sixth year?” Hermione said.
"Can you try to forgive me for all that? I wanted my father to be safe, as he was already in trouble. Did you know you-know-who threatened to kill my mum and dad if I didn't kill Dumbledore? And I still couldn't kill him."
Hermione hugged him.
"Mother didn't want me to have to do that, and she asked Uncle Severus to step in if I couldn't do it."
Hermione ran her hand through Draco's hair.
Draco leaned into her.
“And if you-know-who had known that you meant so much to me, he would've used that against me. He would've hurt you, to make me do his bidding. That's why I couldn't be nice to you in school.”
Hermione rested her cheek on his knees.
"I was best friends with Harry Potter. I was already his number two target," she whispered.
"It scared me. I didn't want him to hurt you."
His admission seemed sincere. Lying would not bring him anything now.
"What is going to happen to us?" Draco asked.
“I don't know. I am still mad at you for saying I am pregnant.”
"Someday you will be," Draco said, looking at her. "I would be honored if I was the father."
“I would want the father of my child to be a good wizard.”
"I am a good wizard."
“Then you should prove it to me.”
“How can I do that?”
Draco touched her arm happily. She was giving him a chance.
“Just respect me and my wishes. You and I both know that I am not pregnant,” she said sternly, even as she bit her lip. Just because she had been drunk at the last Gala and Draco took her home...it didn't mean she threw herself at him.
"Of course!" Draco said, "I can wait!"
“Good,” Hermione murmured. She leaned forward and traced her finger along his calf, smiling as she felt the muscles tense and jump.
“I know I might sound bold, but could I get a little kiss? I have spent years wishing to kiss you.”
"I don't know," Hermione said, puffing her lips out. "You've stolen a good too many kisses already."
“If you would give them, I would not be forced to resort to preverse kleptomania.”
Hermione giggled at the serious look on Draco's face.
"I don't love you. It would feel dishonest to kiss your mouth."
“If you would let me kiss you, I could show you how much I love you.”
"I will kiss your cheek, Draco, but no more. Can that be okay?"
Draco pouted.
“What about a little peck?”
"On your cheek," Hermione said, squeezing his hand. "Or not at all."
“Okay,” Draco said sulkily.
"Ungrateful," Hermione said, standing up and walking toward the door.
"What about my kiss?" Draco asked, standing up. He pointed to his right cheek.
Hermione smiled and went to him, pecking his cheek quickly.
Draco wrapped his arms around her and leaned down to kiss her cheek.
“No matter what you think of me, Hermione, I love you.”
He hugged her.
Hermione smiled, and she hugged him back pressing her cheek over his heart.
“Before you go, take something of mine with you. I know I would love it if you stayed with me for the night, but as I know it won't happen...” He released her from the embrace and run tot he window seat, picking up his battered toy dragon. “Take Snort with you. He is very important to me. I have had him since I was born,” he said and held out the toy to her.
Hermione looked at the little dragon.
"He is a Swedish shortsnout, isn't he?" Hermione asked, taking the offered toy.
"Yes," Draco answered, taking her into his arms for another hug.
“He will keep you safe when I am not here. Please do not blast him?” he begged, pouting a little as he looked into her eyes.
"Draco Malfoy, I've never hurt a stuffed animal. And I never will!" Hermione said, holding Snort close and kissing his head.
“Can I get a good night kiss too?”
"You already had your kiss," Hermione said, turning and looking around. "Where are we?"
"We are in my old playroom," Draco said, blushing a little.
Dozens of well-loved plush toys lined the shelves and one corner boasted an impressive rack of training brooms while another wall held shelves of children's books.
“I come here when I feel upset and need someone to listen to me. Snort is always here,” Draco confessed, looking away from her and bouncing a little.
"Who would have guessed that you were such a lover of stuffed toys?" Hermione said, walking over and looking at the little faces.
“They all have names and histories, too. I know it's silly and no one but my parents, and now you, know of this room, but being here allows me to let go of the strain. And when I was little...well...Slytherin children tend not to have many friends, and these were my only friends."
"Aw," Hermione said, and she hugged him around the waist. "I thought I was the only person who did that with their stuffed toys."
“You give them all names too?” Draco asked, smiling genuinely.
"Yes," Hermione said, "Come with me."
Draco took her offered hand and his heart skipped a beat. Maybe he might not need to drug her?
Hermione raced down the hallway toward the parlor with Draco's hand held in hers. What was she doing? She shoved the voice out of her head. She should be nice to him.
He didn't know where she was taking him, but it didn't matter. She was giving him a chance.
Hermione stopped in front of the fireplace and pulled out her wand.
"Incendio," Hermione said, and the wood burst into light as a fire erupted from them.
Draco stood there wondering what she had in mind.
"Follow me, Draco," Hermione said, grabbing a handful of floo powder from the fancy pot on the mantle. "Hermione Granger Flat."
Draco had always wondered what her home looked like. Now he finally saw it.
"Wait here," Hermione said, and she darted up the stairs.
She had willingly invited him to her home.
Draco looked around and took in everything. He smiled as he saw pictures of her friends as well as one of all the auror department.
Hermione came down a moment later with something stuffed behind her back.
She smiled when she saw Draco looking almost at home in her flat.
"Here," Hermione said, biting her lip as she pulled out a seagreen unicorn. "This is Jezebel. I want you to have her. She likes wizards."
Draco blushed.
Hermione looked at him holding out the toy. "I had her since I was born too."
Draco hugged the toy she had given him. She was still holding his Snort.
Hermione snuggled Snort. "We should go back to the Manor before your father finds out we are gone."
“Yes, we should return,” Draco said and took her hand.
Hermione allowed herself to go side-along with him.
They re-appeared in the parlor of the manor.
"Where have you two been? Your father isn't happy, Draco."
"Is he ever happy?"
“I just wanted to give Draco my favorite toy!” Hermione said and smiled.
Draco grinned and petted the unicorn.
"You two are children." Narcissa couldn't help but smile. Her son looked happy.
Hermione snuggled the dragon as she walked off to her room.
Draco held the unicorn. At least she had given him a peace offering.
He walked to his own bedroom and fell back on the bed with a loud sigh.
She would love him. If the stupid potion had not worn off, she would have been his by now. She had to like him, and quite a bit, to give him such a treasure. He gave her his most prized childhood possession.
Draco set the unicorn on the bedside table next to a picture of Hermione and stared at both as he drifted off to sleep.
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In her room, Hermione sat on the bed and looked at the dragon. She would have never imagined Draco to possess such a sensitive side.
"He's still a nasty little sod," Hermione said, tugging the covers up around her. "Why am I even thinking this? I don't even like him."
However, she fell asleep hugging Snort.
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Draco preened in front of the mirror. He had to look good. After all, he now had right to kiss Hermione and hug her in greeting. She would be sweet to him.
He checked if his breath was minty fresh and his teeth were sparkling white.
Satisfied with his looked and that he smelled good, Draco slipped out the door smiling at the stuffed unicorn.
"I will kiss your mistress this morning," he said to it before shutting the door.
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Hermione went down to breakfast in a good mood. She rolled her shoulders to try to ease the pain in them. Maybe she could tolerate Draco without the need to resort to violence as long as he didn't touch her.
She sat down at the small breakfast table set up on the back porch.
She sighed as she saw the assortment of teas and the steaming teapot.
Lucius and Narcissa were nowhere to be found.
Draco straightened his robes as he walked out onto the porch. He smiled at the little bluebird hopping in the yard twittering.
“Good morning, Love,” he said as he leaned down to kiss her cheek.
Hermione reeled back.
"Who said you could touch me?" she said, glaring at him. "We had a nice conversation last night. But that doesn't mean that you can touch me as you please."
Draco's smile fell. He had hoped she was fine with him.
"It was just a kiss on the cheek," he said, glaring back into her eyes. "Not like I rucked your dress up and bent you over the table."
“I did not solicit such from you. You ought to ask.”
"You are my fiancée!" Draco said, stomping his foot. "I should be allowed to kiss you on the cheek in greeting."
“I did not say you could do it. Last night was on special request,” Hermione said, as she added cream to her tea. She stirred the tea a little and licked the spoon.
"You were only nice to me because there was something in it for you," Draco said, pointing at her. His jaw hung open a little.
“Well, your father made it very appealing.”
Draco glared at her. She needed to be ravished and often by him. She didn't know her place.
“What did he offer?” Draco asked, anger rising in him.
"A favor of undetermined nature in the future," Hermione said, smiling at Draco as she took a sip of her tea.
Oh, his father would get a good talking to.
"So you still don't like me?"
"You're not entirely intolerable," Hermione responded, buttering a scone. She wouldn't look up at him and see those big grey eyes looking at her hurt.
“All I said yesterday was true! And you dismiss it like... nothing!”
“What did you expect?” She asked, taking a bite from a scone.
"You should have been in Slytherin!" Draco said, and he took her arm. She would pay attention to him.
"Let go of me."
"I'm not going to hurt you. But you need to pay attention to me! I am going to be your husband. Witches are kind to their husbands. And their husbands care for them."
“I will not listen to you. I don't like you.” Hermione's eyes looked down as she said this and her tone rose a little at the end. She brushed a strand of hair back from her face. She hated the hurt in his eyes and hated that she felt like she couldn't help niggling at him and being mean. "I won't marry you."
“Are you interacting with my father just to spite me?”
"Get out of my face, Malfoy!" Hermione said, pushing at him.
“Not until you tell me honestly. Was everything we talked about yesterday meaningless to you?”
"Let go of me," Hermione said, wiggling and trying to get free. Her eyes were wide as she reached behind her on the table.
Draco didn't budge.
Hermione gasped when she found the teacup and flung the contents in his face.
Draco wheeled back releasing her with a yelp.
It stung his skin just a little, but cooled quickly in the morning air. He took a napkin and cleaned away the liquid.
Hermione darted around the other side of the table.
An unremarkable brown owl swooped down and held out a missive to her.
Hermione glared at the bird.
Lucius strode into the room with a flushed Narcissa clinging to his arm.
The bird hooted its annoyance and held the missive out to Lucius.
He tore open the ministry seal and his eyebrows rose as he read the letter. The owl helped itself to a piece of bacon before swooping away with an air of self-importance.
"Miss Granger, you attacked Draco?" Lucius asked.
"He tried to kiss me. Then he grabbed me, and he wouldn't let go when I told him to!"
“So what did you do?” Lucius asked slowly.
"I threw tea on him as I was frightened he would hurt me," Hermione said, working some tears up into her eyes.
"Don't fake cry. It isn’t cute," Lucius snapped, slamming the end of the cane down on the porch.
“My poor baby! Are you alright?” Narcissa asked as she fussed over Draco.
"I'm fine, Mother. But Father is horrible to me! He traded favors with Hermione to make her be nice to me last night!" Draco said, and he pointed a finger at Lucius. "I can't manipulate her to be nice, but apparently he can!"
“I didn't manipulate her. We just came to an agreement.”
Narcissa glowered at Lucius and stroked her Draco's hair.
"But Draco was led to believe that her kindness was genuine which was caused by your agreement!" Narcissa said, blocking her son from any wrath from the others in the room. She pulled her wand out.
Lucius glowered at Hermione.
"You have no finesse or tact!" he accused.
“You didn't say it was a secret pact. He has to know I would not be nice to him.”
"Have you ever heard the saying: 'what you don't know can't hurt you?'" Lucius asked.
“What goes around comes around!” Hermione snapped back. “He deserves to be hurt. He tore me away from the man I love!” Hermione looked at the breakfast dishes as she said the last part. She wished briefly to turn the table over and break all the fine dishes.
Lucius sighed.
"Did you learn nothing last night?"
“He is a wicked, nasty ferret, and he wanted me to kiss him!”
"You kissed my cheek! You were practically clinging to me!"
“I was just friendly. Doing no more than I would for any friend.”
"You were all over me! You gave me treasure!"
Hermione glared at him. "A lapse in judgment!"
“But you seemed so sincere! Like you understood me!”
Hermione looked away from him. "You think I will forgive you for you’ve done to me? My hopes are ruined! You have always ruined everything!"
“I was a teenager! The war was over us! I did not kill anyone!”
"I care that you've separated me from the man I loved before I had a chance to know how he felt. And now, he sees me as ruined goods. And I don't blame him for it. You’ve made everyone believe that I am a hussy, and I am going to find a way to prove that you are lying to the world!"
“If only you knew about the man you claim to love!” Draco spat. Draco tried to slip around the table and grab her.
"You don't even know whom I love!" Hermione said, stomping her foot and keeping the table between herself and Draco.
“Don't you both want to know what the letter said?”
"What?" Draco asked.
"It says that Miss Granger is to be punished in the manner approved by the head of house, for attacking Draco."
"He started it!"
"I just wanted to give her a good morning kiss!" Draco said, glaring at her. "I was led, last night, to believe that a kiss on the cheek was acceptable behavior."
“I did not give you the freedom to repeat it!”
"Why would I assume that it was wrong?"
“Because I hate you, Ferret!”
"Miss Granger," Narcissa began softly. "Once a lady gives her permission to a wizard to kiss her hand, cheek, etc, it is commonly accepted that the behavior can be performed at any time. The exception is intercourse."
Draco glared at her.
"YOU WILL LOVE ME!" he declared, and he ran out of the room.
Enough was enough! He stalked into the parlor and grabbed a handful of floo powder. He stepped through the floo the instant the flames turned green.
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Chapter 8 is here. And I am not holding the story hostage for reviews. I am sorry if that was what I made you think. But please give me a review if you like or have something constructive to say. I like constructive.
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Reviewers:
SomewhatGlutinous - Draco is childish because he doesn't get what he wants! He's been a spoiled lil darling. Yes, hermione has kinda got a thing for older men, but her idea of love is very naive.
hotbabe - I promise that in this fic, there will be ABSOLUTELY NO threesomes/moresomes. This is purely a Dramione. Hermione sees Lucius as a father figure, but she is being nice and affectionate towards Lucius to hurt Draco. Eventually, she will love Draco, and Draco only!
angeles - Draco has to suffer a bit, after what he has done to her! She is a witch ready to make Draco suffer. But she may soften!
Panther Eyes - My heart goes out to Draco, too. he is a lovely boy, he is just going about getting her love in the wrong way. For now, let me say that Harry&Ron are too busy with each other, also, they have no clue how a het relationship evolves.
Priscilla - Here is your update. Hope you like it!
Coipje - They both are so very cute! And get in line, there are plenty of future Mrs. Draco Malfoys waiting already! :D
Gryffindor_Slytherin - Draco is applying Slytherin methods to get what he wants! Here is your coveted update!
margaritama - Well, this is a romantic comedy and our Draco sometimes does get too happy. Oh, Hermione will find out that Severus is gay...at some point! ALso, I do not hold the fic hostage--I update when I feel everyone of the 'regulars' has read it! So that there's an update every few days!
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Chapter 8 - The War isn't Over
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“Why do you hate me so much? I have tried to atone for all the wrongs I committed as a child. I mean, even Potter and Weasley are my friends now...”
"Forgiveness takes time for people, longer for me. You were crueler to me. Why do you want me so much?"
“Because you are unlike other witches. You were friends with Potter not because he was famous, but because of his personality. You didn't shun Weasley for being poor. All women see me as the rich notorious Malfoy heir. I want to be loved for me, not my vault.”
"Well, I don't like what you've done to me Draco. That isn't to say anything about you. I speak of your actions. You lied about me," Hermione whispered, continuing to stroke his hair. Tension seeped out of her. "You know you ruined something that I was counting upon."
“I saw no other way! How many times did you reject my offer to take you out? How many times did you bin the lunch I brought you?”
"Draco, I am in love with someone else," Hermione said, wiping one of his tears with her thumb. "I didn't feel it was right to try to date someone that I was not interested in."
“Who? Why is he better than me?”
"We don't choose with whom we fall in love, Draco. I don't think he even knows that I love him, but now it is over before it had a chance to start. And you are the cause. You see that, don't you?" Hermione said, sitting on the edge of the seat.
“But why is that the only valentine you get is from me? If he was so perfect, why did he not claim you?”
"I didn't say that I thought he saw me the same way," Hermione said, blinking quickly. "And he probably never will."
“Maybe he will never love you. I love you more. So desperately. I will do anything to make you see that we're right for each other.”
"He surely won't now, and that wound is fresh, Draco, and more than a little painful. And yes, I blame you for it."
Hermione pressed her nose to his temple and rubbed his back. It was nice to hold someone and comfort them. Hermione stroked Draco's soft hair.
“Why are you touching me?” he asked. His voice was so low that she could barely hear him.
"I touch most people that I perceive in need of comfort," Hermione said, backing up from him and dropping her hands.
“I don't need your pity,” Draco said and buried his face in the old toy.
"It isn't pity," Hermione said. "It's empathy. I've been in love with someone I didn't have a snowballs chance in fiendfyre."
“Just as I don't have a chance with you, eh?” he asked, stifling a sob.
"I don't know," Hermione said softly. She clenched her fists in the night-robe. She didn’t want to reach out and touch Draco Malfoy again. "Your father says that no Malfoy has ever settled for his second choice."
“You are the only one. You don't know how happy I was to see you every day, in school even. I wanted to go and sit down next to you in the library, offer you a sugar quill and talk about homework.”
"Why didn't you ever make an effort to be kind to me? Why were you always antagonizing me?"
“I thought Father would get in trouble if I was friendly with you. And the strain of war was heavy on my family. Also, I was jealous of Potter and Weasley.”
"Why didn't you just ignore me then?" Hermione asked, moving to sit so she could look into his eyes. She tucked her legs up.
“I couldn't ignore you. I wanted you to react to me. I wanted to scratch out Krum's eyes at the Yule Ball. You don't know how badly I wished you were on my arm.”
"If you had, I would have never been able to forgive you."
“But he was all over you. Dancing so close, his bear paws on you. I saw you two kissing on the balcony, too. I was so angry,” Draco's eyes flashed as he thought about it.
"Viktor and I aren't even in contact anymore," Hermione said, sliding a hand out to touch Draco's knees. She slid her arms around them as she slid her feet between his.
Draco sighed happily.
“But then I envisioned you snogging both Potter and Weasley. That was torturous.”
"Harry and Ron, despite their best efforts, are helpless for each other. They don't like girls no matter which ones they kissed."
“I was made wicked with jealousy till I walked in on them both in the showers in the aurory. I was so relieved, though totally grossed out at the same time.”
Hermione slid her hand to his face.
"I've never kissed anyone but Viktor, and you," Hermione said, letting her hand slide from his cheek.
“Promise?” He asked, his eyes glittering with tears.
"Well, I kissed your father's, Harry's, Ron's, Severus’, Remus’ and my father's cheeks, but I don't know that they count," Hermione said, wiping the tear from his eye.
“That doesn't count.” He took a deep breath. “How many men have made love to you.”
"How many women have you been with?" Hermione said, pulling back from him.
“None. I have not been with any woman. I do not desire anyone but you.”
"I broke off contact with Viktor because he wanted me to have sex with him, among other seedy things."
"I'll kill him!"
“No no, it's fine. Than I'd have to kill you for that. I'd not want that.”
"You don't want to kill me?" Draco asked, reaching out and pushing a strand of hair back from her eyes. "So you've never?"
“I never what?” she asked, blushing.
"Never had sex?" Draco asked, biting his lip.
Hermione blushed crimson. “No, there was never anyone I found worthy to make love to.”
"What about the guy you like now? Would you with him?" Draco asked, sniffing as he set Snort down on the seat between him and the window.
“I love him, but I have never imagined how and if I would make love to him. Sure, he is handsome, but it is more a mind over matter love.”
"So he is ugly?" Draco asked.
“No, not ugly! Just looks don't come first for me.”
"Am I ugly?" Draco asked. "Is that why you always frown at me?"
“From the beauty standard, you are gorgeous," Draco grinned and blushed. "I frowned at you because I wondered what mean thing you would come up with next.”
"I'm not mean," Draco said, taking her hand. "I'm a nice wizard, and you've never given me a chance."
“There's always the memory of how you were in the past looming. When I look at you, I see the little boy sneering at me and calling me Mudblood.”
"When was the last time I called you that word?"
“Maybe in our sixth year?” Hermione said.
"Can you try to forgive me for all that? I wanted my father to be safe, as he was already in trouble. Did you know you-know-who threatened to kill my mum and dad if I didn't kill Dumbledore? And I still couldn't kill him."
Hermione hugged him.
"Mother didn't want me to have to do that, and she asked Uncle Severus to step in if I couldn't do it."
Hermione ran her hand through Draco's hair.
Draco leaned into her.
“And if you-know-who had known that you meant so much to me, he would've used that against me. He would've hurt you, to make me do his bidding. That's why I couldn't be nice to you in school.”
Hermione rested her cheek on his knees.
"I was best friends with Harry Potter. I was already his number two target," she whispered.
"It scared me. I didn't want him to hurt you."
His admission seemed sincere. Lying would not bring him anything now.
"What is going to happen to us?" Draco asked.
“I don't know. I am still mad at you for saying I am pregnant.”
"Someday you will be," Draco said, looking at her. "I would be honored if I was the father."
“I would want the father of my child to be a good wizard.”
"I am a good wizard."
“Then you should prove it to me.”
“How can I do that?”
Draco touched her arm happily. She was giving him a chance.
“Just respect me and my wishes. You and I both know that I am not pregnant,” she said sternly, even as she bit her lip. Just because she had been drunk at the last Gala and Draco took her home...it didn't mean she threw herself at him.
"Of course!" Draco said, "I can wait!"
“Good,” Hermione murmured. She leaned forward and traced her finger along his calf, smiling as she felt the muscles tense and jump.
“I know I might sound bold, but could I get a little kiss? I have spent years wishing to kiss you.”
"I don't know," Hermione said, puffing her lips out. "You've stolen a good too many kisses already."
“If you would give them, I would not be forced to resort to preverse kleptomania.”
Hermione giggled at the serious look on Draco's face.
"I don't love you. It would feel dishonest to kiss your mouth."
“If you would let me kiss you, I could show you how much I love you.”
"I will kiss your cheek, Draco, but no more. Can that be okay?"
Draco pouted.
“What about a little peck?”
"On your cheek," Hermione said, squeezing his hand. "Or not at all."
“Okay,” Draco said sulkily.
"Ungrateful," Hermione said, standing up and walking toward the door.
"What about my kiss?" Draco asked, standing up. He pointed to his right cheek.
Hermione smiled and went to him, pecking his cheek quickly.
Draco wrapped his arms around her and leaned down to kiss her cheek.
“No matter what you think of me, Hermione, I love you.”
He hugged her.
Hermione smiled, and she hugged him back pressing her cheek over his heart.
“Before you go, take something of mine with you. I know I would love it if you stayed with me for the night, but as I know it won't happen...” He released her from the embrace and run tot he window seat, picking up his battered toy dragon. “Take Snort with you. He is very important to me. I have had him since I was born,” he said and held out the toy to her.
Hermione looked at the little dragon.
"He is a Swedish shortsnout, isn't he?" Hermione asked, taking the offered toy.
"Yes," Draco answered, taking her into his arms for another hug.
“He will keep you safe when I am not here. Please do not blast him?” he begged, pouting a little as he looked into her eyes.
"Draco Malfoy, I've never hurt a stuffed animal. And I never will!" Hermione said, holding Snort close and kissing his head.
“Can I get a good night kiss too?”
"You already had your kiss," Hermione said, turning and looking around. "Where are we?"
"We are in my old playroom," Draco said, blushing a little.
Dozens of well-loved plush toys lined the shelves and one corner boasted an impressive rack of training brooms while another wall held shelves of children's books.
“I come here when I feel upset and need someone to listen to me. Snort is always here,” Draco confessed, looking away from her and bouncing a little.
"Who would have guessed that you were such a lover of stuffed toys?" Hermione said, walking over and looking at the little faces.
“They all have names and histories, too. I know it's silly and no one but my parents, and now you, know of this room, but being here allows me to let go of the strain. And when I was little...well...Slytherin children tend not to have many friends, and these were my only friends."
"Aw," Hermione said, and she hugged him around the waist. "I thought I was the only person who did that with their stuffed toys."
“You give them all names too?” Draco asked, smiling genuinely.
"Yes," Hermione said, "Come with me."
Draco took her offered hand and his heart skipped a beat. Maybe he might not need to drug her?
Hermione raced down the hallway toward the parlor with Draco's hand held in hers. What was she doing? She shoved the voice out of her head. She should be nice to him.
He didn't know where she was taking him, but it didn't matter. She was giving him a chance.
Hermione stopped in front of the fireplace and pulled out her wand.
"Incendio," Hermione said, and the wood burst into light as a fire erupted from them.
Draco stood there wondering what she had in mind.
"Follow me, Draco," Hermione said, grabbing a handful of floo powder from the fancy pot on the mantle. "Hermione Granger Flat."
Draco had always wondered what her home looked like. Now he finally saw it.
"Wait here," Hermione said, and she darted up the stairs.
She had willingly invited him to her home.
Draco looked around and took in everything. He smiled as he saw pictures of her friends as well as one of all the auror department.
Hermione came down a moment later with something stuffed behind her back.
She smiled when she saw Draco looking almost at home in her flat.
"Here," Hermione said, biting her lip as she pulled out a seagreen unicorn. "This is Jezebel. I want you to have her. She likes wizards."
Draco blushed.
Hermione looked at him holding out the toy. "I had her since I was born too."
Draco hugged the toy she had given him. She was still holding his Snort.
Hermione snuggled Snort. "We should go back to the Manor before your father finds out we are gone."
“Yes, we should return,” Draco said and took her hand.
Hermione allowed herself to go side-along with him.
They re-appeared in the parlor of the manor.
"Where have you two been? Your father isn't happy, Draco."
"Is he ever happy?"
“I just wanted to give Draco my favorite toy!” Hermione said and smiled.
Draco grinned and petted the unicorn.
"You two are children." Narcissa couldn't help but smile. Her son looked happy.
Hermione snuggled the dragon as she walked off to her room.
Draco held the unicorn. At least she had given him a peace offering.
He walked to his own bedroom and fell back on the bed with a loud sigh.
She would love him. If the stupid potion had not worn off, she would have been his by now. She had to like him, and quite a bit, to give him such a treasure. He gave her his most prized childhood possession.
Draco set the unicorn on the bedside table next to a picture of Hermione and stared at both as he drifted off to sleep.
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In her room, Hermione sat on the bed and looked at the dragon. She would have never imagined Draco to possess such a sensitive side.
"He's still a nasty little sod," Hermione said, tugging the covers up around her. "Why am I even thinking this? I don't even like him."
However, she fell asleep hugging Snort.
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Draco preened in front of the mirror. He had to look good. After all, he now had right to kiss Hermione and hug her in greeting. She would be sweet to him.
He checked if his breath was minty fresh and his teeth were sparkling white.
Satisfied with his looked and that he smelled good, Draco slipped out the door smiling at the stuffed unicorn.
"I will kiss your mistress this morning," he said to it before shutting the door.
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Hermione went down to breakfast in a good mood. She rolled her shoulders to try to ease the pain in them. Maybe she could tolerate Draco without the need to resort to violence as long as he didn't touch her.
She sat down at the small breakfast table set up on the back porch.
She sighed as she saw the assortment of teas and the steaming teapot.
Lucius and Narcissa were nowhere to be found.
Draco straightened his robes as he walked out onto the porch. He smiled at the little bluebird hopping in the yard twittering.
“Good morning, Love,” he said as he leaned down to kiss her cheek.
Hermione reeled back.
"Who said you could touch me?" she said, glaring at him. "We had a nice conversation last night. But that doesn't mean that you can touch me as you please."
Draco's smile fell. He had hoped she was fine with him.
"It was just a kiss on the cheek," he said, glaring back into her eyes. "Not like I rucked your dress up and bent you over the table."
“I did not solicit such from you. You ought to ask.”
"You are my fiancée!" Draco said, stomping his foot. "I should be allowed to kiss you on the cheek in greeting."
“I did not say you could do it. Last night was on special request,” Hermione said, as she added cream to her tea. She stirred the tea a little and licked the spoon.
"You were only nice to me because there was something in it for you," Draco said, pointing at her. His jaw hung open a little.
“Well, your father made it very appealing.”
Draco glared at her. She needed to be ravished and often by him. She didn't know her place.
“What did he offer?” Draco asked, anger rising in him.
"A favor of undetermined nature in the future," Hermione said, smiling at Draco as she took a sip of her tea.
Oh, his father would get a good talking to.
"So you still don't like me?"
"You're not entirely intolerable," Hermione responded, buttering a scone. She wouldn't look up at him and see those big grey eyes looking at her hurt.
“All I said yesterday was true! And you dismiss it like... nothing!”
“What did you expect?” She asked, taking a bite from a scone.
"You should have been in Slytherin!" Draco said, and he took her arm. She would pay attention to him.
"Let go of me."
"I'm not going to hurt you. But you need to pay attention to me! I am going to be your husband. Witches are kind to their husbands. And their husbands care for them."
“I will not listen to you. I don't like you.” Hermione's eyes looked down as she said this and her tone rose a little at the end. She brushed a strand of hair back from her face. She hated the hurt in his eyes and hated that she felt like she couldn't help niggling at him and being mean. "I won't marry you."
“Are you interacting with my father just to spite me?”
"Get out of my face, Malfoy!" Hermione said, pushing at him.
“Not until you tell me honestly. Was everything we talked about yesterday meaningless to you?”
"Let go of me," Hermione said, wiggling and trying to get free. Her eyes were wide as she reached behind her on the table.
Draco didn't budge.
Hermione gasped when she found the teacup and flung the contents in his face.
Draco wheeled back releasing her with a yelp.
It stung his skin just a little, but cooled quickly in the morning air. He took a napkin and cleaned away the liquid.
Hermione darted around the other side of the table.
An unremarkable brown owl swooped down and held out a missive to her.
Hermione glared at the bird.
Lucius strode into the room with a flushed Narcissa clinging to his arm.
The bird hooted its annoyance and held the missive out to Lucius.
He tore open the ministry seal and his eyebrows rose as he read the letter. The owl helped itself to a piece of bacon before swooping away with an air of self-importance.
"Miss Granger, you attacked Draco?" Lucius asked.
"He tried to kiss me. Then he grabbed me, and he wouldn't let go when I told him to!"
“So what did you do?” Lucius asked slowly.
"I threw tea on him as I was frightened he would hurt me," Hermione said, working some tears up into her eyes.
"Don't fake cry. It isn’t cute," Lucius snapped, slamming the end of the cane down on the porch.
“My poor baby! Are you alright?” Narcissa asked as she fussed over Draco.
"I'm fine, Mother. But Father is horrible to me! He traded favors with Hermione to make her be nice to me last night!" Draco said, and he pointed a finger at Lucius. "I can't manipulate her to be nice, but apparently he can!"
“I didn't manipulate her. We just came to an agreement.”
Narcissa glowered at Lucius and stroked her Draco's hair.
"But Draco was led to believe that her kindness was genuine which was caused by your agreement!" Narcissa said, blocking her son from any wrath from the others in the room. She pulled her wand out.
Lucius glowered at Hermione.
"You have no finesse or tact!" he accused.
“You didn't say it was a secret pact. He has to know I would not be nice to him.”
"Have you ever heard the saying: 'what you don't know can't hurt you?'" Lucius asked.
“What goes around comes around!” Hermione snapped back. “He deserves to be hurt. He tore me away from the man I love!” Hermione looked at the breakfast dishes as she said the last part. She wished briefly to turn the table over and break all the fine dishes.
Lucius sighed.
"Did you learn nothing last night?"
“He is a wicked, nasty ferret, and he wanted me to kiss him!”
"You kissed my cheek! You were practically clinging to me!"
“I was just friendly. Doing no more than I would for any friend.”
"You were all over me! You gave me treasure!"
Hermione glared at him. "A lapse in judgment!"
“But you seemed so sincere! Like you understood me!”
Hermione looked away from him. "You think I will forgive you for you’ve done to me? My hopes are ruined! You have always ruined everything!"
“I was a teenager! The war was over us! I did not kill anyone!”
"I care that you've separated me from the man I loved before I had a chance to know how he felt. And now, he sees me as ruined goods. And I don't blame him for it. You’ve made everyone believe that I am a hussy, and I am going to find a way to prove that you are lying to the world!"
“If only you knew about the man you claim to love!” Draco spat. Draco tried to slip around the table and grab her.
"You don't even know whom I love!" Hermione said, stomping her foot and keeping the table between herself and Draco.
“Don't you both want to know what the letter said?”
"What?" Draco asked.
"It says that Miss Granger is to be punished in the manner approved by the head of house, for attacking Draco."
"He started it!"
"I just wanted to give her a good morning kiss!" Draco said, glaring at her. "I was led, last night, to believe that a kiss on the cheek was acceptable behavior."
“I did not give you the freedom to repeat it!”
"Why would I assume that it was wrong?"
“Because I hate you, Ferret!”
"Miss Granger," Narcissa began softly. "Once a lady gives her permission to a wizard to kiss her hand, cheek, etc, it is commonly accepted that the behavior can be performed at any time. The exception is intercourse."
Draco glared at her.
"YOU WILL LOVE ME!" he declared, and he ran out of the room.
Enough was enough! He stalked into the parlor and grabbed a handful of floo powder. He stepped through the floo the instant the flames turned green.
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Chapter 8 is here. And I am not holding the story hostage for reviews. I am sorry if that was what I made you think. But please give me a review if you like or have something constructive to say. I like constructive.
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