The Approaching Storm

Chapter 10: Friends and Enemies

Hermione walked down the drafty, candlelit hallway, performing her Prefect monitoring duties. She had already caught three students wandering around, but she was lenient with them and let them go with a warning. She was too distracted by the race to be focused on her Prefect patrol. Not only that but she still had the O.W.L.S. rapidly approaching. Hermione wondered how she was going to manage to do everything.

She sighed as she approached the staircase. She looked up to see Draco and Snape descending the steps. She stepped behind a pillar not wanting to be seen by them. Even though she was a Prefect on duty, Snape would still give her a hard time and insult her in some way. She decided to avoid the encounter altogether.

"Are you going to tell me why you were fighting, Draco?" Snape asked, walking down the stairs.

Draco said nothing and just looked straight ahead with an emotionless expression.

"That wasn't one of your typical fights, it was fierce and brutal. Neither of you used any magic. You just wanted to physically rip one another apart. What sparked such a violent reaction in you?" Snape asked, with a worried edge in his question.

Draco still said nothing, his eyes cold and hard.

Snape shook his head, and as they reached the bottom of the staircase, he walked the opposite direction from Draco, leaving him to sort out his issues alone.

Draco started to walk down the hallway, when a hand tapped his shoulder. He stopped, but did not turn around.

Hermione looked at his back and gave an annoyed sigh. She had just tapped his shoulder, but he didn't turn around. She rolled her eyes and walked in front of him to face him. As she did she looked up to his face and gasped.

"What happened to you?" Hermione asked with a concerned tone. She reached a hand to touch a large cut on Draco's cheek.

Draco took a step back before she could touch him. He narrowed his eyes slightly and starred at her.

"Are you going to talk to me?" she asked with pleading eyes.

Draco still said nothing and continued to stare at her, wearing his emotionless mask.

"Tell me what's wrong," Hermione said, as she stepped towards him. She did not like the way he was acting. She would get more of a reaction from a zombie than this emotionless Malfoy in front of her.

Draco still said nothing and stared at her.

Hermione gave him a defeated look.

"Fine. If you don't want to talk, I'll leave you alone," she said lightly, turning around to walk in the opposite direction.

Draco made a distressed face as she turned away from him. He grabbed her quickly and turned her to face him, not liking the feeling of her turning her back on him. He pulled her to his chest. He left his hands around her waist holding her protectively and securely.

What's he doing? Hermione thought, as she blushed furiously, looking at the ground, squirming slightly in his tight embrace.

Draco took one of his hands and lifted her chin up so he could see her eyes. His thumb rested on her cheek and he rubbed across the soft flesh curiously. Hermione's cheeks were flaming red. He still held her tightly with the other arm. Draco's eyes betrayed his state of confusion as he looked at his thumb rubbing her cheek. He leaned in closer to her face. His nose was only a few centimeters from her nose. His eyes were deep and dark, full of confusion and longing. She could feel his warm breath against her lips.

Hermione sucked in a breath, panic screaming through every pore of her body.

Oh my God! Is he going to do what I think he is? Hermione thought.

Her eyes widened as he closed his eyes slightly and leaned in even closer, inhaling her scent. His breath intertwined with her breath. Her heart sped up wildly, beating erratically, as her eyes involuntary closed, waiting for his lips to press against her own.

After a moment she opened her eyes, because his lips never met hers. His nose was no longer almost touching hers. It was touching her ear, as his deep breathing was sending shivers throughout her body. Hermione felt her knees start to turn to jelly. She tried with all her might to stay standing up.

"Stay away from me, Granger," Draco said, as he quickly let her go, pushing her away from him.

Hermione was shocked and quite confused from the sudden change of mood.

"What?" she said, storming up to his retreating backside.

"What is the matter with you," she said. She stood in front of him with her hands outstretched, forcing him to stop.

"Move," Draco said as a command, not even looking at Hermione.

"No," Hermione said, with defiance in her tone.

"I said move," he repeated, now more aggressively.

"No, not until you tell me what is wrong with you," she said, as she stayed in her stubborn stance.

"Why would you care, Granger? Aren't you worried about what your `friends' might think of you talking with the enemy?" Draco said, as he looked harshly upon her.

"You are not my enemy and my friends will have to except whomever I wish to associate with," she said, putting her arms down and looking up at Draco smugly.

"Foolish girl. You being associated with me could and more than likely will put your life in danger," Draco said, with a harsh attitude.

"I am one of Harry Potter's best friends. My life is in danger everyday, besides the fact I am a Muggleborn Witch. I know the danger that lies in being both of these things, and it is what I choose. Just as I choose to be your friend also," Hermione stated with finality.

"I never asked for your friendship, Granger, and I think you are a bloody idiot for risking your neck, as you do, for Potter," Draco said, as he finally made it passed Hermione. He continued walking down the hallway.

"Maybe you didn't ask, but I am your friend. Maybe your only one, so stop trying to push me away!" Hermione yelled, as she grabbed Draco's shoulder to turn him to face her.

Draco's face was full of emotion- rage, confusion, annoyance, and frustration. Hermione had never seen his facial expressions show his feelings as they did now.

"I'm not going to put your life in danger on my own accord. I'm not Potter," he said, averting her gaze and looking toward the far wall.

"Draco, it's better to live a life with friends, then be all alone. I choose my path and destiny, no matter what anyone else says. You told me once before not to let dreams affect the present, I won't. I also will not let fear, or even the threat of death, deter me from my choices. One of which is you," she said defiantly.

Draco smiled slightly still focusing on the far wall.

"That's the first," he said.

"First what?" Hermione asked.

"The first time you have addressed me as Draco," he said, as he looked at Hermione.

"Friends really don't address each other by their surnames," Hermione replied.

"No, I suppose they don't," Draco said.

"Let's start over then, from the beginning," Hermione said.

Draco gave her a questioning look.

"Hello, my name is Hermione Granger. It is a pleasure to meet you," Hermione said, as she stretched her hand towards him.

Draco gave her a sarcastic look.

Hermione looked at him, moving her hand slightly.

"This is stupid. I'm going to feel like an idiot," he said.

"Just try it, please," Hermione said, as she looked up at him with pleading eyes.

Draco huffed as he ran his fingers through his hair.

"Fine. Hello Hermione Granger. I am Draco Malfoy," he said somewhat sarcastically, but shook her hand.

Hermione smiled.

"See, that wasn't too bad. Now was it?" Hermione asked.

Draco rolled his eyes slightly.

"So who did you get in a fight with?" she asked, daring to push her luck with his more resolved mood.

Draco's expression grew darker. He looked to his side.

"Potter," he spat.

"What? Why?" Hermione asked, with a shocked expression.

Draco snorted, and turned back to face her.

"You," he said flatly and truthfully.

"Me? Why in Merlin's sake were you fighting over me?" Hermione asked astounded.

"Oh, no major reason, just about who poses more of a danger to you. The boy who has the whole dark world wanting his head on a platter, or the man," Draco smiled as he said man, "who's name is interchangeable with evil," he finished.

"I don't think you are evil," Hermione said.

"Shhh! What have I told you about spreading rumors? I'm a Slytherin, it would ruin my reputation if I wasn't evil," he said, holding his chin in the air.

"Slytherins aren't evil, just pompous dim wits," Hermione said, sticking her tongue out.

Draco did a mock laugh and rolled his eyes. Then he looked back down at her. His expression grew serious.

"You aren't worried that we put you in danger?" he asked.

"I'm not the cleverest witch for no reason. I know who Harry is and what is up against him, I always have, but he is my friend, just as you are. If we live sheltered lives, then we will never live. I thank each day that I have been blessed with my friends and I would never give that up," she said, as she smiled up to him.

He smiled slightly. "I still think you should give it more consideration before deciding to enter that race," he said.

"I have and I'm still entering it, so get use to it. I think the real reason this is bothering you is because you're afraid of the competition," Hermione said smugly.

"Terrified," Draco said sarcastically.

Hermione laughed at him.

Harry had watched them from underneath his invisibility cloak. He had watched as they had embraced. He watched as he saw the worry in Malfoy's face. He watched when Hermione declared Malfoy as a friend. Now he watched as they playfully pushed each other and Hermione giggled.

Harry knew being friends with himself was a risk for anyone. He hated the fact that he posed a threat to the ones he loved. He had almost walked away from the scene until he heard Hermione say she was blessed to have himself as a friend, and she would never give that up. He smiled at the loyalty of his friend. He knew even if he tried to make her leave, Hermione would never leave his side.

Harry sucked in a breath. He also knew that she wouldn't leave Malfoy's side either. How things had changed. He remembered what Dumbledore had told him about courage. It wasn't found in the heat of battle, but found the next day facing the repercussions. Harry had just had a battle with Malfoy. Courage had no factor in the fight. Malfoy may not be his friend and more than likely never will be, but he was most definitely Hermione's. Harry needed now to find the courage to except this.

Another pair of eyes watched the couple from the shadows. The person stood very still with his head downcast. He had his fists balled up very tightly to the point that blood was being drawn. His breathing was heavy and staggered. He lifted his head to reveal one very angry Ronald Weasley. He looked down upon the couple with a final glare of disgust. Then he turned and stormed away.

************

Hermione sat in silence the next morning at breakfast. She needed to talk to Harry, who at the moment was oblivious to the entire world. He stared at his plate, moving food around with his fork. Hermione wondered what was wrong with him. She also wondered where Ron was. She hadn't seen him all day. Hopefully he wasn't ill. She stood up to go to the Quidditch Pitch. Ginny had convinced her that they needed to practice together for the race. Hermione gave one final glance at Harry, but he was unaware of her departure.

Hermione headed down the hallway and saw a familiar red head quickly turning down another hallway in front of her. Hermione was now curious. She could have sworn Ron saw her and purposely turned down the hallway to get away from her. Ginny was walking towards her from the opposite direction. Hermione told her she would be right there, and then turned down the same hallway Ron had a second ago. She saw Ron leaning against the wall with his head downcast. Hermione started to walk up to him just as he looked up. She gasped when she saw his eyes. He starred at her with what could only be described as loathing. Ron stood up and quickly walked down the hallway, away from her. Hermione stood in shock wondering what she had done that would make him look at her like that. Someone tapped Hermione's shoulder and made her jump.

"What was that look for?" Ginny asked with curiosity.

Hermione turned to face Ginny.

"I have no idea," Hermione said, confused.

"Come on. You can worry about my idiot brother later," Ginny said, grabbing Hermione and heading to the Quidditch Pitch.

Hermione let Ginny lead her, wondering what was going on.

Ginny and Hermione practiced for about two hours. Both of them had exerted themselves to almost exhaustion. At least the flying practice had relieved the worry that had previously been in Hermione's mind. They walked back to the castle and went in opposite directions once inside. Hermione needed to attend her Prefect meeting. She hadn't even had time to change from practice with Ginny. She tried to smell herself to see if she stunk.

I wonder if I smell? Oh well, I'll just make sure I sit extra close to Draco- Hermione thought, with an evil little smirk.

As she turned down the hallway someone reached out, grabbed her, and put a hand over her mouth. Hermione let out a muffled scream as she was dragged into a deserted classroom. Her attacker released her and she turned around to face the person. Hermione was highly surprised when she recognized her kidnapper.

"Ron?" she questioned.

Ron took his eyes from the floor and stared deeply into Hermione's. Hermione was worried by his tired and angry expression. She tried to speak, but he put his hand up to stop her.

"I will only ask you this once. I want the truth," Ron said bitterly.

"The truth?" Hermione asked confused.

Ron gave her a withering glance.

"What's wrong? Why are you being like this? I don't understand," she said, her voice full of concern and worry.

"You don't understand?" Ron said dumbfounded.

"You don't understand!" he said again, now more angrily, stepping towards Hermione.

Hermione backed away. She was frightened by the heated glare he was giving her.

"I'm the one who doesn't understand, Hermione!" he yelled at her.

"How could you? After everything we have been through. After everything he has done to all of us. How can you betray your friends so cruelly? How could you betray me?" Ron said harshly.

Oh God, he knows. He knows about Draco, but how? What do I say? Hermione thought frantically.

"Ron, listen," she said as she tried to approach him.

"I haven't betrayed you," she said, as she took another step forward.

"You and Harry are my best friends. I love you both and I would never betray you," she said, in a calming voice.

"I know you don't like Malfoy. I know he can be a real arse sometimes, but he's not evil," she continued.

Ron snorted. "Let me feel sorry for the spoilt arrogant jerk. He has had such a rough life, being wealthy and all. Having everything most wizards have ever dreamed of must be a terrible burden," Ron said sarcastically.

"Ron, I know you don't believe this, but he isn't all that bad," Hermione said.

"He sure has you wrapped, doesn't he? He might as well stick a bow on your head and hand you straight to Voldemort. For someone so clever, Hermione, you are incredibly naïve," Ron said, giving Hermione another withering glare.

"It's not like that! He is not like that," she said defending herself and Draco.

"You're pathetic," Ron said with disgust.

"Ron, please," Hermione said, tears running down her cheeks.

Ron shook his head.

"No matter what you might think, Hermione, Malfoy is not your friend. He would not stick up for someone without having some ulterior motive. I think you're getting involved in something that could really hurt you in the end. Even tamed wolves still will turn and bite the hand that feeds them," Ron said, as left the room and leaving Hermione alone.

Hermione slumped to the floor and cried.

Harry walked down the hallway, still lost in thought. He happened to look up at the exact moment Ron was leaving the classroom. Ron was up ahead and Harry really didn't feel like talking at the moment, so he didn't try to get Ron's attention. As he walked past the classroom he noticed Hermione slumped to the floor crying.

Ron must know, Harry thought, as he entered the room.

He sat down beside Hermione. She didn't look up.

"Are you ok?" Harry asked.

Hermione just nodded her head.

"I was just wondering, because most people who are slouched on a floor crying aren't ok," he said.

"Oh Harry, he thinks I betrayed him because he saw Draco and I together. I told Draco I was his friend and Ron thinks I'm naïve to believe that Draco and I could ever have a friendship," Hermione said, as she turned to Harry, burying her face in his robes.

"Shh, its ok. You can't help that you have a caring heart. Everything will be alright," he said, as he rubbed her back, comforting her.

"No its not. Ron hates me," Hermione mumbled through his robes.

"He doesn't hate you. Ron is just upset. He will get over it. I promise," Harry said, patting her back.

"How do you know?" Hermione asked, as she looked up with sad eyes.

"You two always fight, but you always make up. Ron just needs some time to cool down," Harry said reassuringly.

Hermione smiled slightly.

"Thank-you," she said faintly.

"For what?" Harry questioned.

"For being my friend no matter what," Hermione said.

Harry smiled.

"I'm the one who should be thanking you, Hermione. You are a loyal friend and you have stayed by my side no matter what the danger. I will be forever grateful for your friendship," Harry said sincerely.

Hermione smiled and started crying again, but happy tears.

********

As the days passed things did get better with Ron. He kept his distance at first, but he gradually warmed back up to Hermione, but they never mentioned the name Draco Malfoy. Harry had tried to make Ron see that Hermione could have other friends besides Ron and himself, even if they didn't like her other friends. They need to respect her choices. That is part of being a friend. Ron told Harry he knew, and that he would try.

Ron secretly knew that no matter what Harry said, deep down, he would never trust Malfoy, and he would never accept Hermione's friendship with the ferret. In fact, Ron decided he would do everything in his power to end their `friendship', Hermione was not safe being friends with Malfoy.

Tryouts for the race were in two days. Hermione had practiced with Draco. He even admitted she was fairly decent, with no other snide remarks. She almost fell off her broom after his `compliment'. Now she was practicing with Ginny.

Ginny zoomed past the last marker on the racecourse. She caught her breath as she landed beside Hermione.

"Very good, Ginny. You beat your previous time by five seconds," Hermione said, as she smiled.

"I still need to be faster. Tryouts are in two days," Ginny said, screwing up her face in annoyance.

"You'll do fine," Hermione said, encouraging her friend.

"You're one to talk. You know, for someone who hated flying a few months ago, you sure have undergone a miraculous change," Ginny said with a smirk.

"What are you implying, Ginny?" Hermione asked.

"Nothing. I was just curious if this change was due to a sexy blonde Slytherin with a bad attitude," Ginny said, as she smiled and walked to the broom shed.

"It's not like that, Ginny, they are just lessons, and Draco is only a friend," Hermione said defensively.

"Whatever you say, nothing is going on," Ginny said, with a large grin, as she walked back to the castle.

Hermione stared at her friend's retreating back. She knew that `nothing' Ginny stated, was implying something.

Ginny had known about Hermione's flying lessons. She also knew how Hermione's best friends felt about Draco Malfoy. She did have to give Hermione credit for winning the Slytherin Prince over. He may be a complete arse, but his arse was hot. Hermione's life was proving to be quite the interesting soap opera. Ginny had front row seats.

Hermione grabbed her broom, not ready to go back yet, and started flying. She was mentally and physically exhausted from flying practice, studying, arguing, tutoring, and thinking. She needed a break. Inter-house relationships were so tiresome.

"Sloppy," someone said from behind her.

"What?" she said, as she turned around.

"I said you're sloppy. My grandmother could fly better blindfolded," Draco said, with an annoyed look. "The tryouts are in two days and your flying worse then you did on your second day of practice," he said, as he lectured her.

"I'm exhausted, what do you expect. I can only handle so much at one time, and right now I feel as if my life is in overdrive," Hermione said rapidly.

"Flustered, are we? Pray tell, what is it that has you so upset?" Draco said, with a smirk.

"Everything, everyone, Gryffindors and Slytherins, Ron, O.W.L.S., this race, and now Ginny is giving me weird looks and comments," Hermione said, listing her problems.

Draco rolled his eyes.

"So basically nothing important," he said smugly.

"You're not helping," Hermione said through gritted teeth.

"I'm not hear to help, just to torment," he said, flying closer to her.

"Well go torment someone else, I am not in the mood, Draco," Hermione said, as she flew ahead of him.

Draco grinned and caught up to her.

"Ah, but you see, Hermione, you are the best to torment," he said, as he flew beside her.

Hermione rolled her eyes and made a grumpy face.

Why is he only persistent when it comes to annoying me? Hermione thought.

"I'll make you a deal. If you can beat me around the racecourse, I won't torment you and I will actually listen to your pathetic problems with no snide remarks, well not to many snide remarks," he said.

"What about if I lose," Hermione questioned.

Draco grew a huge grin.

"Then you owe me," he said, as he flew ahead.

Hermione thought about this. Draco was always challenging her at something. Could she actually beat him though?

"If you're scared, just say so. I will understand. After all, you are just a girl," he said, baiting her.

"I'm not scared. I'll take you on any day, Draco Malfoy," Hermione said, through narrowed eyes.

Draco's grin grew even more.

"Then let's do it," he said, as he stopped in the air with Hermione stopping beside him.

"Ready, Set, Go!" Draco yelled, as they both took off.

Draco was ahead at the first turn, but Hermione caught up with him on the inner part of the turn. Draco had to dodge the Bludger that was headed for his head, giving Hermione a narrow lead. As they went into the second turn Hermione had to dodge the reversal wind that would reverse your direction if you were caught in it. This gave Draco the new lead. Going into the third turn, Draco slowed his speed slightly so they could be neck and neck, but not noticeable enough that Hermione would be suspicious. The forth and final turn had them exactly matched. Hermione was so focused, expertly avoiding the obstacles and staying at a fast speed. They neared the finish line and at the last second, Draco pulled ahead slightly, winning.

Both of them landed, being quite winded.

"I know you were pulling your skills. You could have easily beaten me. I'm not that dense to believe I could win, at least not at the level I am now," Hermione said, trying to catch her breath.

"If that's the case, then why did you agree to do the race? Do you like being indebted to me?" Draco said, catching his breath too, grinning.

"No, I just like the challenge," Hermione said, finally recovering form the race.

"I really didn't pull my skills too much. You gave quite the good race, Ms. Granger. I dare say you fly better than some of the Quidditch players I know. You have a good chance at the upcoming race," Draco said, with a slight smile.

"Really! Do you really think I will do well?" Hermione asked excitedly.

"I suppose, at least in the girl category, you'll do good. After all, men are better," Draco said superiorly.

"You're going to dig yourself into a deep hole with that attitude. How do you ever expect to have a girlfriend with such a chauvinistic attitude," Hermione asked, as she walked past him.

Draco laughed at this. "You're one to talk Mighty Brains. The girl who would chose a book over a boy, any day," Draco said, as he walked beside her.

"That's not true. I just need a boy who is more interesting than a book, which unfortunately, Hogwarts has few of," Hermione said, putting her broom away and heading back to the castle.

"Except for me of course," Draco said cockily.

"Of course, you're more entertaining than the whole library," Hermione said sarcastically.

Draco stopped and fell to the ground grabbing his chest.

Hermione stopped and saw him on the ground. She ran up to him to see what happened.

"Are you ok?" Hermione asked worriedly.

Draco opened his eyes. "My heart stopped from shock. You declared me more interesting than the library," Draco said teasingly.

"You dummy, I thought you were hurt. Get up and stop acting like a idiot," Hermione said, as she lightly kicked him.

Draco got up and they headed back to the castle. Draco teased Hermione along the way.

Another day gone by, and only two days left to find out who will be going to Sweden.