Inevitable Lovers

Chapter 10:

'Tonks?' Harry had said blankly. 'Nymphadora Tonks?'

It was an irritable sort of day. The seventh years were experiencing onslaughts of homework, essays and tests, which took only the truly laid-back not to develop anxiety over. Hermione, Harry and Ron were feeling rather hard done-by not only because of this, but also because of Quidditch, and Head Girl Duties in Hermione's case.

However, after two days of difficult suppression, Hermione had finally been unable to resist keeping her "discovery" to herself, on the Wednesday. She had refrained from telling the others immediately in case she was wrong, or Professor Tuppy came back, but when she didn't, Hermione revealed what she knew.

Ron had almost laughed at the suggestion, but kept quiet to avoid a death glare from the girl he had secretly started to watch constantly, in pure fascination. Now Hermione was looking earnestly at them both, as if the idea was perfectly reasonable. They were standing in the Owlery in their lunch hour, so Harry could send a letter to Remus Lupin, asking about the Voldemort situation. He glanced at Hermione as he tied the piece of parchment to Hedwig's leg.

'Hermione, look, if this is some sort of far-fetched idea...' Harry trailed off almost exasperatedly.

'Listen to me, you two, I'm almost certain...it all adds up,' said Hermione frankly. 'Remember when we saw Tonks, near the beginning of term? Well, where did she go, exactly? We never found out...if you ask me, she's been changing personalities for weeks. Now, if only I knew why she's not here now,' she concluded, thinking of the empty office from two nights ago.

'Sometimes you do take things too seriously, though, Hermione. She hasn't done anything,' said Ron.

'Listen to me! I'm telling you, she is definitely not all she seems! I can prove it - I bet you we'll have a cover today for Defence Against the Dark Arts. Then you'll have to believe me.'

'Okay fine,' said Harry, as he watched Hedwig swoop off into the distance. 'Just don't go rushing into anything before we're sure.' And with that, they trooped out of the Owlery.

In the ten minutes or so before the bell rang for afternoon lessons, Hermione thought about Draco. She had seen him, of course, spoken to him, since their "disagreement", but nothing other than stiff, formulated exchanges, while they patrolled the corridors - like the previous night. She remembered the awkward feeling of trying to find something to say, and felt a tug of regret. With pride put aside, she could not deny that she wanted to make it up. Worse, she had felt uncharacteristic jealousy as she watched Pansy openly fondle him whenever they were together, but pretended she hadn't noticed. You're better off without him, she mentally chided herself, as the bell rang sharply and they proceeded to their classroom.

***

Draco, Crabbe and Goyle sauntered down the corridor to double Defence Against the Dark Arts several minutes after the bell. Not really caring about getting a late mark, Draco pushed the door open purposefully; ready to challenge the Professor if necessary. Walking in, he was surprised to see Professor Trelawney sitting behind Tuppy's desk instead, looking more mad than mystical as usual. She had set several crystal balls up on the table, and sat with her hands entangled in the many layers of her gauzy shawls. She had also conjured several low, dim, floating lights around the room, so it was now far more reminiscent of the Divination classroom at the base of the North Tower. There was an irked, bored feeling in the room, although everyone turned briefly towards the disruption. Draco couldn't help but notice Hermione's obvious slump in attention and look of irritation near the front, and despite himself, found it irresistible.

Incidentally, Draco stopped short when he noticed that all the rows of desks had been re-arranged into pairs - and what unusual pairs they were. Hermione was seated next to Blaise Zabini. Ron and Harry had been split up, Ron sharing with Millicent Bulstrode (blimey, thought Draco) as well as several other unlikely partnerships. Then he unintentionally locked eyes with Pansy who was sitting on her own, and twirling her hair with her fingers in a nonchalant manner. She looked away.

'Good afternoon, my dears,' said Trelawney, making Draco look up. Crabbe and Goyle shuffled about behind him. 'I am quite sure there is a plausible explanation for your lateness...now...' She cast her eyes about the room. 'I think it would be best if you, dear, sat with this young lady, and you two,' she waved a hand over by the window, 'sat there.'

They did as they were told, Draco wondering what the need was for a seating plan. Probably means we're increasing the psychic vibes in the room or something, he thought sarcastically, and dropped resignedly into the chair next to Pansy. He expected a self-satisfied smile, or similar reaction, but she turned away from him and leant her head sideways, on her hand on the desk. Fair enough, thought Draco indifferently.

'I have placed you, in these seating arrangements, to evoke the utmost calming, fortifying mood possible. Such feelings are known to develop sudden telepathic bursts from the most unlikely candidates, so do not be surprised if inspiration finds its way to you.' She paused for mysterious effect. 'Presently, my Inner Eye does not sense any disturbances in this room,' Ron Weasley appeared to have fallen asleep already, 'But there is a distinct feeling of unrest here, my dears.' Professor Trelawney gazed about the classroom, and continued in a soft voice, 'it is...complicated, but I sense secrecy, yes, and concealment here, concerning matters of the heart. One of you, are not showing your true colours.'

Her eyes bore into Draco's for an instant, and he felt a lurch of surprise. Bloody hell, she doesn't know what she's on about...stupid fraud, he told himself. But still...no, I'm just going soft. A quick glance at Hermione told him she didn't appear to take anything from this, for she was silently ignoring Trelawney, immersed in the Defence textbook. Seamus Finnigan sniggered, and Draco shook the feeling of invasion off abruptly. It'd be scary if she really could read minds, though...

'Nevertheless, this is not, as you know, a Divination lesson,' Trelawney continued in her misty voice. 'I was scheduled to have a fourth year class, but alas, your Professor has made a mistake of sorts, as I already knew this to be a seventh year class. Ah, how difficult it must be for those who cannot See, to organise their lives...however, it does say in this note that you are required to read the whole of Chapter six of your books this lesson, and complete the questions on page fifty-three. However, if during the lesson, any of you do find yourselves inexplicably drawn to my crystal ball, I shan't deny you a glance into...the future.' She left this sentence hanging, and continued to gaze into the glowing orb in front of her. By this time, several students appeared to have fallen into some kind of stupor.

Draco rolled his eyes, and opened the textbook. It was so dull, especially without a proper teacher, that he would have almost welcomed the unwanted attention from Pansy, if that were possible. She did not bother him, however, and when he asked to use some of her ink (testing the waters), she pushed it over with a mere flick of her hair, a haughty expression on her face. Oh god, what's wrong with her? Draco wondered. I hope she's not thought up some master plan to lure me into a trap when I'm least expecting it...I wouldn't put it past her. I could tell Hermione...no I couldn't. Although it's driving me crazy to look at her right now. He sighed.

The double lesson crawled by, everyone frequently glancing up at the clock. At one point, Draco was sure the time hadn't changed for the last fifteen minutes. When at last the bell went, students poured out of the classroom, much relieved the escape the tedious cover lesson. Harry, Draco, Hermione and Ron were among the last the leave, as Professor Trelawney scurried back to the North Tower before the classroom was emptied.

'So Ron, go and tell everyone to meet in the changing rooms for practice in an hour,' Harry was saying. 'I'll go and set up...' He broke off when he saw Draco standing by the door, a spiteful sort of gleam in his eyes.

'I wouldn't bother if I were you, Potter. I've already booked the pitch for tonight - and tomorrow, and the day after that, actually.'

'Yeah right Malfoy, I know you haven't. McGonagall told us it was free this morning. Pull the other one, why don't you?' Harry said.

'We'll see,' said Draco evenly. 'I've got a permission slip here - so any trouble, and Snape'll clear you lot out. Let's face it - with you as Captain, Gryffindor don't even stand half a chance.'

'Beat you enough times though, haven't we? You can't practice all night - your weak little players'll probably drop dead from exhaustion.' A slight smile crossed Harry's face, just as Crabbe and Goyle - both of whom were well over six feet, stepped forward. The smile dropped.

'Okay, Scarhead, whatever you say,' said Draco confidently. 'Just remember who said that at the end of the match.' His gaze flickered briefly to Hermione, before he led Crabbe and Goyle away.

'Bloody wanker Malfoy, I'll kill him,' muttered Harry. 'I had the training all planned this week, he had to fuck it up didn't he...' Ron flicked the Vs at Draco's retreating back.

Hermione felt a surge of hot fury at Draco, and hoped fervently for once in her life, that Gryffindor would thrash Slytherin. Ron, however, was smirking.

'I've got an idea,' he said. 'Slytherin always play dirty, so don't you think we should match them for once?'

'What do you mean?' said Hermione carefully.

'Well, Fred and George owled me a list of all their new "products" the other day, from their shop,' said Ron. 'A few of them looked like they'd be just the thing to sort those jumped-up losers.'

'You mean jinx them?' said Hermione, looking worried. 'But you'll get into terrible trouble!'

'Ah, Hermione that's not a Weasley attitude,' said Ron easily. 'No one would find out, and they deserve it like anything.'

'Ron, you can't do that,' said Hermione adamantly. 'It's cheating for one thing and-'

'And we're going to beat them fair and square,' Harry put in grimly.

***

Hermione then had no choice but to go her tower, hoping Draco had already left for Quidditch training. He hadn't. It seemed that instead of avoiding her, or acting very cool, he'd decided to sort himself out.

'Hermione. '

She looked at him in a would-be-causal way, but her heart fluttered and she hoped she wasn't blushing. I've got to hold onto my principles. I haven't done anything wrong...

'Yes, Draco?'

'I wanted to, er, apologise. Sorry if I upset you.' The words had rigidity about them, as if he'd rehearsed them. Only for you would I apologise, Draco thought petulantly. I never do to anyone else, so you'd better appreciate it...

'You could've said this earlier.' Hermione knew what she said now was important. 'You really were unbelievably ignorant, it must be said.'

'Well...if I give you a kiss will you like me again?' Draco said, pretending to be serious.

'Maybe,' said Hermione coyly, 'if you promise to think before you speak next time...' She had somehow fallen into his embrace. 'And you really didn't need to provoke Harry earlier either.'

'What, you mean the Boy-Who-Lived can't defend himself?' Draco murmured. 'But then, I wouldn't expect him to.' Stupid Potter, he would have my girlfriend sticking up for him. At least, I think she's my girlfriend...

'Watch it Malfoy, you're starting to tread on very thin ice again, Hermione warned, although she was stroking up and down his arms as she spoke.

'Well, if it cracks, you're coming down with me,' Draco replied wittily. He took her face in his hands.

'I missed you,' Hermione confessed, 'but why were you flirting with Pansy?'

'I wasn't!' said Draco indignantly.

'She was all over you when I saw you yesterday,' said Hermione with an appraising expression.

'Actually, I think you're wrong. I'm sure she's been playing hard to get with me lately, to try and pull me in.' He made a face, remembering their last lesson. 'But why are we talking about Pansy anyway?' Draco left the question unanswered and lowered his mouth gently to Hermione's. Soon they were kissing deeply, as if nothing had happened. Draco pulled Hermione even closer to him, in the quiet common room, and muttered something quite incoherent. His mouth passionately captured hers again and again, for at least ten minutes.

'Oh - Draco!' Hermione whispered, as he began to suck and kiss at her throat, a while later. Without thinking, she let her warm hands caress his back under his shirt. Draco huffed against her skin and gingerly took her over to the squashy sofa in front of the fire, urging her down onto it. Now above her, his light blue-grey eyes stared into her brown ones. Hermione hesitated, unsure of what to do. Don't do anything until you're ready, she cautioned herself, although the trouble was, she wasn't sure she did want to stop.

Draco's hands reached for her own shirt buttons, and Hermione helped him undo them one by one, her hands trembling slightly. Draco's own shirt had come off at some point, so there was barely any material between their fronts. Hermione half sat up, her fingers automatically reaching behind her back to unclasp her bra. A second later, it was off, and she gasped as they lay together there, bare skin on skin. Her ankles linked together, around Draco's hips.

'Draco...let's stop,' she sighed, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear for him. 'I've got homework and...'

'Fuck it,' said Draco indistinctly, leaning to kiss her on the mouth again. His tongue intertwined with hers, and he groaned. Oh, her chest... After that kiss, Hermione put a hand on the back of his neck, and guided his head down to rest just above her breasts, both breathing a little harder than normal. If only we could just stay like this forever, thought Hermione. It's the loveliest way to be...

Draco sat up then. 'I think we should stop now,' he said, a hitch in his voice, shifting his legs noticeably.

Hermione nodded, quite alarmed by how - well, turned-on she was. She held Draco's hand and crossed her legs, facing the fire. 'How close were we to sex then?' she whispered, quiet enough so that he could pretend he didn't hear if he wanted to. A little embarrassed, she shrugged her shirt back on.

'I don't know.'

'Don't you want to talk about this?'

'Yes, but not right now. I'm sorry, I just feel like I'm out of control sometimes.' He looked down, blushing, but his thumb stroked the palm of her hand. 'Maybe it's not good - us being alone so much.'

'It feels good though,' said Hermione honestly, and there was no denying that.

'I have to go and train for Quidditch now,' said Draco, for it was already nearly five o'clock.

'Please don't make trouble with Harry,' pleaded Hermione.

'I'll... try,' was the unsatisfactory reply.

***

Later, Hermione waded through her homework for the evening, mostly with a dreamy smile on her face at the thought of Draco, and various imaginary scenarios involving the two of them. It was really quite cosy, and peaceful. Crookshanks slept away by the fire.

She was suddenly startled, however, by a loud rapping on the entrance to the tower. Opening the door, Hermione was faced with Ron's anxious-looking face.

'I think you'd better come quick,' he said hoarsely.

'What? Why?' said Hermione, an uneasy feeling stealing over her.

'I'll explain on the way.'

Without further ado, Hermione briskly followed Ron out of the tower. They turned to go in the opposite direction of Gryffindor Tower, rather, Ron led Hermione down several flights of stairs.

'Where are we going?' asked Hermione, running to keep up.

'Actually, it's, er, the Hospital Wing,' said Ron grimly.

'Hospital Wing... is Harry all right? Ginny?' said Hermione at once. Draco?

'Well, it's Harry actually, and I'm not sure if he's all right, Madam Pomfrey wouldn't let me see him yet,' said Ron.

They had arrived at the Hospital Wing, Hermione's mind whirling; already guessing it was to do with Quidditch. As they entered, she heard a groan, and what sounded like some muffled swearing. Her head jerked. Draco, partially visible through a translucent blue curtain, lay back on a hospital bed, one arm slung over his face. Hermione's heart seemed to swell instantly, and she forced herself not to run over to him. Beside the fact that Ron was there, what seemed like the entire Slytherin Quidditch team were clustered around and about Draco's bed, all making quite a commotion.

Not giving this scene a second glance, Ron was already heading over to another bed opposite Draco's, where Hermione spotted a mass of messy black hair, identifying Harry. Worriedly, but discreetly peeping at Draco again, she strode over to Harry's side, immediately taking one of his hands and checking him over. Harry looked very pale, and there was a gash of blood across his cheek. Ginny was also standing anxiously by his side, while the entire Gryffindor team, contrasting to the Slytherins in robes of bright red, similarly circled their Captain.

'Harry?' Hermione asked gently.

He squeezed her hand in response, and his mouth twitched. His eyes, however, were closed. Hermione looked at Ron.

'What happened?'

Ron cast an extremely dark scowl over at the bed occupying Draco, but before he could answer, Madam Pomfrey bustled in between the small crowd, holding a bottle of bright blue potion.

'Some privacy, if you may,' she said firmly, somehow urging everyone out of the way. Hermione found herself standing on the outside of another blue curtain, facing Ron and Ginny.

'I don't know how it started,' said Ron.

'Well, it's obvious who started it,' said Ginny quickly, throwing another dirty look at the Slytherins.

'We were just practising flying formations, when I saw someone fire a hex or something,' said Ron. 'We all flew down, and the Slytherins were all starting on Harry. So we joined in, and...well...this happened. Snape came. It wasn't pretty.'

'Those stupid Slytherins were trying to steal our training session in the first place,' said Ginny, practically spitting with rage. 'We were provoked, it's no wonder we cursed them. But it would be us who end up with detentions and referrals to McGonagall, wouldn't it? I won't stand for this, I won't-'

'Who hit Harry?' cut in Hermione sharply.

'I think he and Malfoy hit each other at the same time,' said Ron, shrugging. 'I don't really know who came off worse, though.

Something caught Hermione's eye, and she looked up. The entire Slytherin team were staring at them, obviously having overheard. As they were parted at the foot of Draco's bed, he was able to see the three too. Draco let out a harsh, though somewhat wheezing, laugh.

'Think it's funny, do you Malfoy?' said Ginny fiercely. 'You'll be laughing on the other side of your face in a minute!'

'Oh, I'm so scared,' said a burly, unknown Slytherin sixth year sarcastically.

'You will be bloody scared when I've hit you with a good curse!' retorted Ginny, sounding very much like her mother all of a sudden.

But before anyone could reply, Madam Pomfrey appeared in between the two groups. In a rarely-heard bellow of a voice, she said, 'Those who are not injured, and are only interested in making a fuss, kindly return to your dormitories immediately!' Most people blanched, and when Madam Pomfrey stood very sternly with her hands on her hips, they began to shuffle reluctantly towards the exit, including the bigger Slytherins.

Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Crabbe and Goyle, however, stood fast. Hermione noticed that Crabbe and Goyle actually looked human for once, as distress was clearly written over both their faces. Madam Pomfrey appeared to soften.

'I know you're friends of these two,' she said sensitively, 'but there is really nothing you can do at the moment.' Goyle appeared to nod, and with a humbling "thanks miss", followed the rest out of the doors with Crabbe at his side. Hermione noticed Draco's eyes narrow cynically as he watched them leave.

'Please can we stay for a little while?' said Ginny imploringly. 'We'll be quiet, honest.' She looked around as if searching for the small, flame-haired spitfire who had been storming away before, and put on a beseeching expression.

Madam Pomfrey sighed, but said in assent, 'Very well. But any noise, and you're out.' Ginny smiled a huge, beautiful grin, and rushed back to Harry's bedside. Hermione turned also, but then the doors swung open once more. This time, Pansy Parkinson breezed up the corridor like a turbulent wind, her robes fluttering behind her. Hermione felt a stab of rivalry.

'Draco? Draco, oh Draco!' she crooned, almost ripping the curtains apart and crouching over his form. Hermione tore her eyes away. Harry was sitting up a bit now, his eyes open and looking slightly better after the potion. Ginny had lit the lamp on the small table there, and a friendly glow illuminated the area. The thick purple curtains almost as high as the ceiling of the Hospital Wing had now been drawn over the vast windows.

Ginny was speaking to Harry in soft, comforting tones, and Ron looked slightly uncomfortable. Hermione folded her arms, and sighed. Can't believe Draco would attack Harry like this. I'm sure the Gryffindors were provoked, like Ginny said...Oh, what a mess. I'm glad I wasn't there to take sides...And so much for "playing hard to get", she thought ironically, her eyes drifting over to Draco and Pansy again. Now she was practically feeding him a glass of water, although Draco did look slightly irritated. It took all Hermione's self-control not to make some excuse to go over there, but she could imagine how disloyal that would look. Merlin, I'm so two-faced. Here I am, pretending that that boy over there is my worst enemy, when all the while I'm having secret trysts with him...guilt washed over her.

Therefore, Hermione turned to Ron and asked him some more about the incident. When Ron told her that Lucius Malfoy would most definitely be coming to Hogwarts, Hermione felt an internal shudder. If he ever knew about Draco and I, she thought fearfully.

About half an hour later, Madam Pomfrey insisted that her patients get some rest. Thanking the nurse for letting them stay, the remaining Gryffindors said sympathetic goodbyes to Harry, and took their leave. Pansy Parkinson shot a malevolent look at them all, before kissing Draco quickly all over his face several times and flouncing off.