You Wouldn't Know

Ron asked Hermione questions the whole time while they were in the library though Hermione insisted she knew nothing of it. It was after the hundredth question that Hermione gave up and returned to the common room, Ron trailing noisily behind. Hermione proceeded to ignore him and Ron grumpily consented to going to bed. Hermione however sat in the common room, curled up in one of the comfy armchairs by the fire, working on the homework she didn't finish. But truthfully, she was waiting for Harry. She was very anxious to hear what happened between Harry and Draco, as well as just wanting to see him. Coincidentally, Harry took that moment to walk into the common room. He looked a bit preoccupied and deep in thought, but when he saw Hermione, he immediately snapped out of his trance. He smiled at her and walked towards her.

"Hey Hermione," Harry said, taking a seat in the armchair opposite her. "What are you doing up?"

"I was waiting for you," Hermione said, giving him a smile in return. Then her face became serious. "What happened to Malfoy?"

"I gave a very clear warning and that was it," Harry said, shrugging. "Except for the part where I tackled him but..."

"Harry! Did you hurt him? You could get in so much trouble! What if there was a teacher or..." Hermione said hysterically.

"Hermione calm down," Harry said. "There were no teachers so it doesn't matter."

"Harry, I don't want you to get into trouble over me. You get in enough trouble as it is without having to stick up for me," Hermione said uneasily.

"Hermione," Harry said softly. "Someone needs to stand up to him, and after what he did to you? I promise Hermione, I won't get in trouble. But Hermione, you're one of my best friends and I really do need to stick up for you."

"Okay, just be careful," Hermione said. She stood up gatering her books and materials and gave a small yawn. "I think I need some sleep. It's been a long day."

"Yeah, Hermione. Get some sleep," Harry standing up as well.

"Thanks, Harry. For everything," Hermione said giving him a small smile. She walked over to the staircase, turned around and whispered softly, "Goodnight."

Harry stood by the fire, thinking about everything that had happened. He sighed and dropped back into the chair by the fire. He knew a lot had happened, but somehow, his mind keep flashing back to one particular moment of the day. Hermione's lips on his, her breath warm and sweet. Why do I have to think about this? What if she doesn't feel the same as I do? And she seems to forget that it happened... Why is that? He sighed again and got up, heading up to his dormitory. Ron, unsurprisingly, was waiting for Harry. He immediately began firing questions at Harry, who simply warded them off. He was so tired, he fell asleep through Ron's questions.

* * *

Draco left the hall, satisfied with his little meet with Potter. He could see from the look in Harry's eyes, that some part of him was jealous. This pleased Draco, as he had difficulty ever making famous Potter jealous. Not that he was surprised that he was jealous. Draco knew that Hermione was his soft spot. Anything that happened to her would be a weakness to him. That's why he had other plans for the Muggle-born. He smirked as he entered the portrait hole. The common room was deserted and Draco realized it was late. He shrugged and headed up the steps to his dormitory. He arrived at his bed and saw a small handwritten note on his bed. He picked it up and read it slowly.

Draco,

I need to see you again soon. It's obvious you didn't learn your lesson in our last session. I need to convince you of where your loyalties lie. Meet me in the usual place tomorrow at sunset. Do not disappoint me Draco.

Your father

Draco shifted uneasily and set the note in his dresser. He pulled out a pair of silk green pajamas and quickly changed into them. But he noticed as he pulled his shirt over his head, the small scars he had across his fine toned chest. Draco had a very well built chest, compliments of six years of playing Quidditch; but across it, there were the occasional cuts and scars it. He had a particularly large one across the side of his ribs. He closed her eyes and took a deep breath as he remembered that night.

Draco sat on the floor, screaming as his father threw curses at him. His father stopped and looked down at him with emotionless eyes.

"You will serve him," he said simply. He then turned to leave the room, leaving a seven year old Draco, panting near the fireplace. Draco pushed himself up and said coldly, "Never!"

Lucius spun around, wand at hand and blasted Draco back into the fireplace, fury in his eyes. He stared at Draco. Lucius had such anger that there was no need for words. Draco meanwhile had landed on a fire poker. He screamed out in agony, but Lucius strode out the room, robes billowing behind him. Draco rolled onto his stomach, tears in his eyes. He painfully pulled out the poker, which was now drenched in his blood. He looked at his side and saw a large cut, blood forming a small puddle underneath it. He lay there until the next morning when a house elf found him.

Draco shivered at the thought and quickly buttoned up his silk pajama top. He climbed into his bed and fell asleep the second his head hit the pillows.