Hermione Granger and The Secret Fire

Chapter 17- Holy Hogsmeade Hermione

Hermione felt the warmth of the sun on her face before she opened her eyes. This was a strange experience because the sun generally set through her windows not rose. It only took a moment for her to remember what had taken place last night and where, exactly, she was sleeping this morning. She awoke with a new sense of calm and happiness. Her eyes opened and lying in front of her on the bed was a beautiful man. Lying in front of her was her beautiful man; the object of her affection. His eyes were also open, and Hermione realized he had been watching her sleep.

'Gods I hope I wasn't drooling or anything!' she thought, her mind switching into overdrive at all the embarrassing things she could have been doing while asleep.

Draco smiled at her and whispered, "Good morning."

"It is now," was Hermione's response, "good morning to you, too."

"I trust you slept well?" he asked. Hermione was tickled by his formal upbringing shining through in such simple questions.

"Better than I have in ages. In fact, I think your bed is more comfortable than mine. Why is that?" she teased. "What did you do to get this comfortable a bed?"

He face lit up in a genuine smile and Hermione felt her heart warm and swell at the effortless gesture.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

"Well, this is certainly better than the last time I woke up in your bed," she said before she thought about what she was really saying.

Draco's face frowned in confusion and then darkened in a bit of anger. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Hermione, not really understanding the gravity of her mistake, said, "Well last time Professor Snape walked in on us in bed. Together!"

"Oh, and you were embarrassed to have been lying next to me. I see. You wouldn't want our esteemed Professor to get the wrong idea by seeing you in bed with the likes of someone like me, " he snapped. Hermione grabbed his arm as he tried to get up. He sat back down on the bed, but would not look at her.

"Draco, what are you talking about?" she asked softy, only then realizing that he thought she didn't like waking up with him the last time and she was seeing his insecurity up close. "I was so excited that morning to wake up with 'my crush' that I wasn't prepared to be embarrassed. And then when I finally understood you didn't want me there..."

"I wanted you there," he interrupted in barely more than a whisper.

Hermione felt her face flush and her heartbeat quicken. "You did? You told me to get out."

"I did not!" he said, finally looking at her in the eyes, "I specifically remember saying, 'You need to leave.'"

"After you yelled at me for being there! You accused me of trying to save you and asked me why I thought you wanted any kind of attention from me," Hermione said, trying to make him understand her initial fear and embarrassment.

"Yeah, well, you Gryffindorks are always out to save someone. You could see where I'd be confused," he said, a pout forming on his face.

Hermione couldn't help but giggle at Draco's pout and couldn't stop herself before she said, "Gods sometimes you're just like a girl! Getting all upset over one little thing. It's quite funny when you think about it."

Thankfully, Draco heard the humor in her voice and feigned being upset by throwing himself at the windows in his room with a huge show of just how 'angry' he was by her words.

"How dare you, Hermione Granger! How can you treat me with such..." Draco began but stopped mid sentence by what he saw out the window.

Hermione had been giggling but stopped when she heard Draco wasn't continuing his thought.

Furrowing her brow, she said, "What is it, Draco? What's out there?"

"Shhhh!" came the reply. "Come here!"

Hermione quickly bounced off the bed and scurried over to the window. "Where am I looking?"

"Below us. There, just past the Whomping Willow. See it?" Draco said, pointing out a figure rushing to take cover as he or she snaked their way across the fields next to the school.

In fact, Hermione did see the cloaked figure of the person who most obviously had been sneaking off campus to hang out in Hogsmeade. In all their excitement over the last few weeks, Hermione had forgotten to share the information with Draco. She had not thought about it since the Headmaster had mentioned it.

'Gods! Where is my head? I have been so caught up in Draco-land that I have been slacking off on my Head Girl duties,' she thought, as she watched the person escape into the castle.

"Um, Draco? That reminds me of something the Headmaster told me," she said, trying to think of a way to cover for her obvious absent-mindedness lately.

Draco looked at the worried expression on her face and pulled her back onto the bed saying, "What? Is this about the person running off to Hogsmeade almost every night? Snape already told me."

Hermione blew out a frustrated breath and looked Draco straight in the eye to admonish him. "And you were going to tell me this when, Malfoy? I don't think it's appropriate that the Head Bo..."

Draco threw back his head and gave a deep and delightful laugh. It stopped Hermione mid-sentence and she just stared at the gorgeous man in front of her. He leaned down and kissed her sweetly on the lips and then trailed off to her neck and ear.

In between kisses he managed to breathe out, "I forgot. Can't we find some better way of spending our time? In bed? Alone?"

Hermione closed her eyes and enjoyed the sensation of Draco's hands roaming her body and his tongue ravishing her neck.

"Mmmm-hmm," was all she could mutter before he claimed her mouth as his once more.

~*~

Halloween had passed without incident, and in the weeks that followed, Hermione and Draco grew closer. While Draco had never formally admitted his relationship with Hermione to the Slytherins, he felt less and less of a need to hide it from anyone. True, they didn't flaunt their romance in public, but Draco seemed less worried about sneaking a kiss in an empty hallway or sharing a tender touch on occasion.

The last week of November, the students in the school were all excited because Professor Dumbledore had just announced at dinner that the upcoming weekend was going to be a Hogsmeade weekend. Considering it was only three weeks before the winter holiday, everyone was most excited to get out and do some shopping.

Hermione was sitting in the library. She had just begun researching the potion for Professor Snape. As much as he aggravated and enraged her, she still knew it was a privilege to be working with him and was trying to be happy about doing the work in the library.

However, she had thought that it would be much more fun to have a snogging session than doing research for Professor Snape. Draco had wanted to go and watch Quidditch practice, as the Slytherin team had one more match with Hufflepuff before break. Hermione had tried her best to get him to miss practice by molesting him when he came down the stairs into the common room. He looked devilishly handsome wearing tight Quidditch pants and uniform cloak. She mumbled something about a man in uniform before she pounced, but it did her no good, as he laughed and left.

So Hermione was sitting in the back of the library looking through a book on lost potions, and was busy taking notes. According to the book, there had once been a spell combined with a potion for making a person invisible to the naked eye, but some magical people had still been able to see the hiding person, much like Harry's Invisibility cloak and Mad-Eye Moody.

Hermione was getting excited about the possibility of using the properties and ingredients from this potion because the items could easily be found in Diagon Alley. If she could talk Professor Snape into going into London for the day, they could gather the ingredients and have a batch brewed before Winter break. With just a few changes to the spell, she was quite certain that they could get the outcome they were looking for with minimum work.

All of a sudden, a bag banged onto the table top in front of her and she jumped as she looked up to see Misten.

"Well hello to you, too," Hermione said in a light tone.

Misten just glared at her friend and said nothing as she pulled out a quill and parchment.

"What's the matter, Misten?" Hermione said, her voice filled with worry.

"I am having a bad day," was the only response she got before the other girl started back to work.

"Well, that is obvious to the most casual observer," Hermione giggled. "What happened?"

"Nothing, Hermione. Just leave it." Misten noticed the hurt look on her friends face, sighed and started over.

"I haven't been sleeping well and now McGonagall is upset with me because I have not been scoring well on my transfigurations essays. Harry and Ron are being complete prats and are sneaking around the castle at all hours of the day and night," Misten said and gave Hermione a half smile. "Oops! I guess I shouldn't have said that to the Head Girl."

Hermione waved her hand dismissively and said, "I already knew that they were doing that. You can't live in Gryffindor and not know about their nightly adventures. Why aren't you sleeping well?"

Misten looked at her and said, "I've had a lot on my mind. But enough about me what has been going on with you? Any good Draco stories to tell?"

Hermione wiggled her eyebrows up and down and said, "I don't kiss and tell."

"Why not? That's the best part! Nothing better than sharing your dirty little secrets with a friend!" Misten said, adding her brow wagging to Hermione's.

The two girls giggled at themselves and Hermione began to tell the story of her wonderful evenings with the Slytherin Prince.

~*~

The weekend seemed like it would never come, as most weekends that are fun seem to do. Hermione woke up on the fateful Saturday of a Hogsmeade weekend more excited than she had been in a long time. She showered, dressed and pounded on her boyfriend's door to wake him up.

Draco had tried, to no avail, to get Hermione to spend every evening in his room. And while she had to admit she loved what happened in there and loved sleeping in his arms, the good-girl Gryffindor part of her won out every time and she made her way back to her own room. Her excuse was always something to do with the fact that someone might need them and what message would they be sending if they were found in bed together. Draco didn't care and grumbled about it every chance he got.

"Granger," he said as he opened the door between his room and the lavatory, "did you know you have the loudest, most demanding voice I have ever heard when I am sleeping?"

"Why, Malfoy, you're such a sweet talker," she cooed back, noticing that Draco's face was in a deep, sleepy scowl.

Suddenly, his scowl changed to a smirk. He glared mischievously at her and said, "What can I do that would possibly close that mouth?"

Hermione giggled and said, "You want me to keep my mouth closed this time?"

Draco growled, grabbed her waist and swung her into his room and onto his bed. The couple was soon panting, out of breath from their activities and Hermione knew she had to put a stop to it before it got out of control.

Sitting up she asked, "It's not fair that we can't spend the day together in Hogsmeade like other couples do!" She tried to sound casual but even to her ears it sounded a bit needy.

Closing his eyes in clear frustration at the ending of their pastime, Draco said, "I have a few things I need to take care of, so I am not certain how long I'll be there anyway. Besides you're having lunch with Potter and Weasley and I want to be as far away as possible from that."

Trying to hide her disappointment, Hermione nodded her head and said with an expectant voice, "I love you."

Draco opened his eyes, smiled and said, "I know you do. But you can keep telling me. I never get tired of hearing it."

Looking unquestionably embarrassed because she was the only one in the room professing her love, Hermione asked, "Um...Draco...how come you never say it back?" Her voice betrayed her and allowed her insecurity and self-doubt to pour into her words.

The couple looked at each other for a long while and Hermione was just going to try asking the question in a different way when Draco spoke.

"I feel...that I am falling for you, but I am scared to let go," Draco said quietly, his eyes falling to stare intently at the blanket he was laying on. "I just wish I had a crystal ball to tell me if it's worth it."

Hermione blanched at his words. "We all get scared of saying it! Did you think it was easy for me to say them to you the first time? I have said it to you because I know you need to hear it. But what about me?"

As she stopped to take a deep breath she realized the ridiculousness of his words. 'Crystal ball?'

"Crystal ball, huh? I never pegged you as a 'Divinations' type of student, Draco."

He looked up at her and a sly smile escaped as he said, "That's not what I meant and you know it. I will say it. Soon. I promise."

Getting off the bed so she could go to the Great Hall to meet Misten, she said, "Yeah, well, don't wait too long. I'd hate to hear it from our kids before I hear it from you."

The look of panic over having children that crossed Draco's face was almost worth not hearing the words.

~*~

It turned out to be a fabulous day in Hogsmeade. The weather was warm for a late November day and the sun was bright making everyone's mood better. Misten was great fun to shop with, finding little things that Hermione would have just overlooked. They were in Dervish and Banges and Hermione was in awe at all the new items.

Holding up a pair of Dragon Candlesticks that lit themselves, Misten said, "Have you decided what you are going to get Draco for Christmas? These are really neat."

Hermione walked over from where she had just found a Dragon watch. She knew it'd be perfect for Draco because the watch was magically enhanced. The Dragon puffed smoke every hour and blew fire and growled at pre-set times. She laughed knowing it might be the only way to keep the tardy boy from being late to class.

"Well, this watch for starters. Oh, those candlesticks are good, too. But I haven't really thought about it all too hard," Hermione answered honestly. She added, "Why? Do you know what he's getting me?"

Misten smiled an all-knowing smile and said, "Can't tell you that, silly. My only advice is to get him more than just the watch and the candlesticks."

Frowning in worry, Hermione asked, "Are these not enough? I mean I can get him more; I just didn't want to have too much for him. How many presents would be the perfect amount?"

"Let's get him these and keep looking. I know there are some Falmouth Falcons items over on the other side of the store that he'll love," Misten said, laughing at her friend's insecurity. "Do you know why that is his favorite team? He told me it is because their motto is 'Let us win, but if we cannot win, let us break a few heads'. How garish is that? Personally I like the Sweet Water All-Stars from Texas, but whatever."

As she was watching Misten speak about all the Quidditch teams across the world, Hermione thanked the Gods, and not for the first time, that she had made friends with such a wonderful, well-rounded, Quidditch-intelligent person.

~*~

After shopping for several hours, Hermione looked at her watch and realized that she needed to meet her friends in 30 minutes. Her stomach flipped in anticipation of being able to have a lunch like they used to and she couldn't stop the smile from invading her face.

"Misten, I need to go into the Scrivenshaft Quill Shop to buy some new quills and some parchment for Ron," Hermione said as the walked up to the store. "Do you want to come in with me before I head over for my lunch with Harry, Ron and Ginny?"

Winking, Misten said, "Nope, I'll catch up with you back at the Castle. I need to run into the Owl Post Office and mail something off."

Misten ran across the street and Hermione wondered just what she was mailing. Usually the students just used the owls from school. Even though she still had that little question floating in her head, she didn't pay much mind to it as she entered the store and walked in on something big.

"I don't think you understand, Mr. Scrivenshaft. I need these items and I need them this week," Draco said in an unyielding voice.

Hermione walked up to the two men talking and, noticing there were no other students in the store, ran her hand over Draco's back. "Hi there. What's going on?"

Draco stiffened at Hermione's touch and a scowl covered his face. "Nothing. I think Mr. Scrivenshaft is clear on what needs to be done. Am I correct, sir?"

"Yes, Mr. Malfoy. Right away, Mr. Malfoy," the small, bald shop owner said as he walked backwards into his stock room bowing over and over again.

Hermione, wondering what she walked into, smiled at her boyfriend sweetly.

Draco, however, never lost his scowl as he said, "What are you doing in here, Hermione? I thought I told you I'd be busy today."

Automatically, she drew back, surprised not only by his facial expression but by his tone. "I came in here to get something for Ron for Christmas. I didn't even know you were in here. What's the matter with you?"

"I told you I needed to take care of some business. Are you done here?" Draco asked, glancing into the backroom as he obviously waited for something from Mr. Scrivenshaft.

"No, I haven't even started as a matter of fact," Hermione answered in a curt tone. "I need to meet my friends in a half an hour. Go take care of your business."

She turned away from him and started walking toward the aisle with the parchment samples. She heard Draco sigh in frustration and she fully expected him to walk out. He was Draco Malfoy after all.

"Hermione, wait. I may have been a bit rude to you," Draco said grabbing her wrist and trying to turn her around. She refused to turn and just allowed him to stare at her back.

It took everything in her not to scream 'A bit rude?'

"Look, I have a lot on my mind and it hasn't been the easiest morning. Why don't you go and meet your friends for lunch," Draco said, in an obvious attempt at trying to get her to leave the store.

Hermione took a deep breath and blew it out before answering, "Not now, Draco. I have a bit of shopping to do."

He smiled at her and said, "Maybe I can help. We're buying for the Weasel? That should be easy. Anything is better than what his family can afford."

Spinning on her heel, Hermione ripped her arm out of Draco's hand and got set to give him the flogging of his life.

"Got you," he smiled. "I knew I could get you to look at me."

Glaring at him in her best 'you-are-such-an-arse' look, she turned back around and stormed down the aisle toward the most expensive parchments. "Well, since I was unaware that this was from us, I guess I can look at only the finest quality parchments. And since I am a girl, you wouldn't want little old me purchasing this, so I am sure you'll cover the cost."

Smirking at being taken at his own game, he mumbled, "My father will kill me if he finds out I bought something for a Weasley."

~*~

Hermione made her purchases and gave Draco a quick kiss on the cheek, as they were still alone in the store. She knew he wanted her to leave, so she said good-bye and walked outside, intent on getting to The Three Broomsticks before the lunch rush.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here? Miss Granger, and all alone," Lucius Malfoy was standing outside the store and practically spit out Hermione's name.

"Mr. Malfoy? Um-good morning, sir. Why are you here?" Hermione said, eyes wide in fear. She hoped he had not seen the brief kiss just moment before.

"What, am I not allowed to see my son when I want? Of course that incompetent Headmaster of yours won't allow me to see my own son unsupervised. He should be grateful he has a position at all in that school," the senior Malfoy drawled.

Hermione found her anger building as she listened to Draco's father spew his racist, bigoted garbage. She knew that getting angry would not solve anything and that it would probably get them in more trouble than she already was, but she really wanted to hex him into next week.

"Well, now you have seen me father. Is there some reason for this visit or are you just here, astonishingly enough, at the same time as I am?" Draco voice was low and dangerous as he came out of the store. Hermione had never been happier to see him.

Lucius Malfoy stared hard at his son and pushed him out of the way to turn to Hermione with a used-car sales-man smile. "Well, now that is done. I have seen you. Miss Granger, you and I have not gotten the opportunity to talk in all these years."

"And you are not going to now, either," Draco answered his father.

"Perhaps my son will leave us and allow us to get to know each other properly," Lucius said with an evil glint in his eyes that terrified Hermione.

Draco looked between the two and Hermione instinctively knew he was trying to think up some way to get his father to leave her alone. "Father, since you are here, perhaps we can meet..."

"Lucius! What a pleasant surprise! To what do we owe this pleasure?" Albus Dumbledore said, sweeping out from between the buildings. He looked at his two students and Hermione was certain she saw a twinkle in his eye.

"Dumbledore," he nodded his head, "I was just here to see my son. He hasn't been keeping up with his correspondence lately and I wanted to make sure he was healthy. Please excuse us as I discuss some family business with the lad." Lucius attempted to grab his son but was interrupted by a stronger force.

"No!" Hermione yelled a bit more vehemently than she meant.

"Oh, I don't think that is necessary, Lucius. You can see the boy is fine and the students really need to be heading back to the school now," Dumbledore interrupted, smiling at all in his presence.

Hermione was pleased to note that Lucius looked like he had swallowed a giant tarantula. She knew her friends would forgive her for not showing up at lunch when they got to hear the story of why she stood them up.

"We'll be going along now. I have some very important business for the Head Girl and Boy. Very important, indeed," Professor Dumbledore said and walked the two down the road toward the school, leaving a very miffed senior Mr. Malfoy in their wake.