STOLEN KISSES

Chapter Eight


It was somewhat of a relief to hear that Umbridge had postponed the next quiddich game between Slytherin and Gryffindor to the end of January.

Harry was in the library with Hermione the following Saturday as she browsed the shelves, looking for a certain book. He decided since he was there anyway, that he would get his transfiguration assignment out of the way that was due for Monday. He was leaning over his book, reading, when Hermione slammed a book down. “Found it.” She said triumphantly.

“Found what?”

“A book on meditation. I figure it might help you and Draco with the Occlumency class.”

“Do you think it will help ‘Mione?”

“It’s worth a try. We’ll start tonight.”

“Where?” Harry asked.

“Somewhere close.” She said mysteriously. She wrote a quick note and slipped it in her robe pocket, then went in search for Draco.

She had to wait until lunch time, where she saw him sitting at the Slytherin table. He looked up when he felt her gaze, but quickly looked away as he saw Snape out of the corner of his eye who gave a slight shake of his head.

Hermione left the Great Hall and waited by the dungeon steps, waiting for her blonde Slytherin to come out. He soon did but was followed by Pansy. She shook off her disappointment and walked towards them, fingering the note in her hand under the hem of her sleeve. She purposely bumped into his left shoulder, her hand finding his as she slipped him the note.

He pocketed the note and sneered for Pansy’s benefit. “Watch it Granger.” He pulled on Pansy’s arm as she was advancing towards Hermione. “Come on.” He turned to go, giving one last look at a smirking Hermione as he went down the dungeon steps.

He hurried to his room where he unfolded Hermione’s note:


Meet me in our room
10:00 pm
Harry will be there.
I miss you.
H.


He was really hoping to be alone with her as they haven’t been able to sneak in a kiss anywhere for the past couple of days. ‘What was she up to now.’ He smirked to himself as he went back down to the common room and whiled away the afternoon playing Wizard’s chess with Blaise Zabini.


Harry and Hermione slipped the invisibility cloak over their shoulders as they walked through the Gryffindor common room to the portrait. They opened it slowly and stepped through to cross the hall to the empty classroom.

Hermione shrugged off the cloak and adjusted her backpack that hung low on her back. “It’s through here.” She motioned as she pulled the wall sconce.

They both stepped through, their lit wands lighting their way. “How did you find out about this?”

“Two guesses.” She replied smirking.

“Fred and George.” He said simply.

“You got it. This leads right into the restricted section of the library.” She said as they made their way carefully down the stairs.

Harry watched her pull another sconce on the wall to see part of the wall slide over for them to walk through. She looked around, then made her way to a large portrait at the back of the library. “Harry, this is me aracoraco’s private place. Could you please cover your ears?” She said hopefully.

He smirked. “Sure ‘Mione.” As he placed his hands over his ears and looked the other way.

Harry looked around the room once they entered and saw that it looked quite cozy. He glanced over to the side of the room to see Draco was already there, looking over the books by the desk. Harry and Draco exchanged glares, then Draco came over to Hermione and kissed her on the mouth. Harry looked away, not sure if he could get used to that sight any time soon, and walked towards the fireplace.

ioneione pulled Draco’s hand over to the couch and sat him down, then went to Harry to nudge him on the couch as well. Both boys went to the far corners of the cushions.

Hermione rolled her eyes upwards. “Really guys. And ...... how old are you?” She said sarcastically.

“So, what’s with this meditation Hermione?” Harry asked as he crossed his arms. Draco looked to Hermione wondering what this was about.

“I found something that may help in your Occlumency class. Harry, you told me Snape said you had to clear your mind, let go of all your emotion.” At Harry’s nod, she continued. “I think you two should try meditating. It would be better if you were by yourselves for the first while, but I’ll go over some of the things that I read.” She sat down on the fur rug in front of them. “You guys need to get in a relaxed position, I can tell by looking at you that you are tense. They say not to lie down at first when trying this, as it will make you fall asleep.”

Harry sat on the floor, his back to the couch, a cushion under his knees. Draco leaned back on the couch cushions, his hands resting on his stomach, his legs slightly parted.

“Good. Comfortable?” They both said that they were. “Now, there are few different things you can do. You can focus on an image, of say a beach or a sunset, and remain focused on that one image. Or there’s listening to music also. Most important is your breathing. First you need to pay attention to your breathing. While your focusing on your breathing, your mind can take you away from your thoughts, and take on a calming feeling. Now close your eyes and let go, breath. Try not to think of anything...... clear your mind. Focus your mind on the continuous rhythm of breathing, in and out.” She said quietly as she watched them closely.

She looked on as the boys chests moved steadily for about a half hour. “You guys aren’t asleep are you?” She said smirking.

They both opened their eyes to look at her. “How often should we try this?” Draco asked.

“The book says you should try daily or a couple of times a week.” Hermione replied. “Did it help though?”

“I think so, but it took me a while.” Harry said, sitting up on the couch.

“This meditation hopefully will help you control your thoughts. Of course, with Occlumency, you need to be able to put up a natural block, you may not know when someone is looking into your mind. It’s kind of like the ‘Imperious curse’, you can block it, refuse to let it into your mind. With the ability to use ‘Legilimency’ you need to have eye contact with someone, so there may be a bit of a warning before it’s tried.”

Draco leaned his elbows on his knees. “You’ve really checked into this, haven’t you?”

“She’s probably read every book she could find on it in the library, just this afternoon.” Harry remarked dryly.

Draco smirked. “We could also use some form of a hex or something to disarm the other person, couldn’t we?”

“You could, but it could be dangerous if you were surrounded by ..... say death eaters, or if it was your father, it could lead to repercussions later.” She said to Draco. “No, I think you need to concentrate on controlling your thoughts and blocking the intrusion into your mind. You could try a few spells though, like a shing ing charm, or a repelling charm to bounce the spell back to the other person, or ......” She continued lecturing until Harried ied to stifle a yawn.

“It’s too bad there wasn’t someplace or sometime to practice the Occlumency. We can’t openly try it.” Harry said.

“What about your DA meetings?” Draco asked.

Harry’s head shot up, now fully awake, “How did you know about that, and for how long?”

“I’ve known for a couple of weeks. I’m glad someone’s learning some Defense Against the Dark Arts. Umbridge is utterly useless.” Draco smirked.

“You haven’t told anyone?” Harry asked.

“No. Who do you think is keeping the squad away from that corridor the nights you meet?”

“Um .... thank you.” Harry stammered.

Draco smirked. “That was difficult for you, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah, kind of.” Harry replied, giving a reluctant smile.

“We already have the Occlumency classes with Snape twice a week, it would be hard to sneak around with Umbridge around ...... unless we kind of sneak it in between some classes every once in a while.” Draco said.

Hermione covered her mouth to cover her yawn. “You know guys, the two of you actually talking civilly towards each other is great, but I’m beat. I’m off to bed.” She said tiredly as she stood up and stretched the kinks out of her back. “You coming Harry?”

“No, you go ahead. I’ll be coming shortly.” Harry replied.

“Okay.” She yawned again and went to the portrait, Draco close behind her.

He held her in his arms where she melted against his body. “I was hoping to be able to snog you senseless ..... but thanks for tonight Hermione.” He smiled as he kissed her cheek.

“You’re welcome.” And turned her face to meet his mouth with hers. Her lips lingered on his until she pulled away. “Goodnight. Try not to kill each other, huh.” She smirked as she left to go to bed.

Draco walked back into roomroom to sit on the couch. “So .....”

“Have you told her?” Harry asked cutting him off.

“That I love her?” HarrHarry’s nod. “No. Not yet.” Draco said quietly.

“Don’t hurt her.” Harry warned.

“I’ll try not to Potter.” He said seriously. “Now, about this quiddich game ....” Draco started. The two of them made their own plans and talked for the next couple of hours, forming a slight reluctant friendship.

That night they both took Hermione’s advice, concentrating on their breathing. Hearing her voice talk softly inside of their heads as they drifted into a dreamless sleep.