Chapter 4: A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Draco didn’t say a word to her as they walked toward the school lake through the October drizzle. (A/N: I can hear you all going oh!) He just watched his feet as they slopped through the mud. The moisture didn’t bother him, so he remained silent. Hermione didn’t say anything either, as she was just trying to remember where the dock was…
When she found the old wooden dock hidden in a cluster of trees a little ways away from Hagrid’s hut, she immediately began to rattle off spells to dry off the dinky little rowboat tied to the end of it. She made it stronger and dried it off. Draco just watched in silence as per usual, wondering how she knew about this place. Only he knew about this place, even in his dreams there was never anyone else. Except for the previous night, he reminded himself. She’d been there with him.
“Come on,” she gently urged him, and he grudgingly sat down at the bench spread across the vessel. Hermione sat down on the back edge, pulling out her wand to power the hull into the middle of the lake. Draco tilted up his head so the raindrops splashed onto his face. The drops made little plips as they hit the surface of the water. Hermione watched him. With each little droplet that hit his head, his blond hair became more and more like silver. He looked like a black and white photograph, and the rain made time slow down, as if she was watching a grainy video. It made the situation seem surreal, which it totally was. She was holding hands with Malfoy, whose tears were mingling with the rain sliding down his nose. Her wand served as a motor, driving them out into the black lake, away from the school. He needed distance first.
“I haven’t come out here for years,” he finally said, just staring out over the water. She didn’t respond; if he would talk then she would listen. He sighed and bent over, dipping his hand into the water. “I haven’t had time since first year.” She could relate, he knew she could. He didn’t need to be her best friend to notice how frazzled she had been during their third year. He’d never gotten a chance to ask why.
“Same here,” she responded, blinking away the rain from her eyelashes. “Time just flies by.” He nodded, as she pulled her wand away to slide it back in her pocket. They drifted before coming to a stop. She pulled her bag into her lap and sorted through it with her free hand. When her hand emerged, she held a small rectangular white cube, with a strand of plastic that had a little plastic bubble looking circles on the end. (A/N: Hm, what could that be?) Draco stared at it curiously, but had no snarky comment to offer, as she pushed a couple buttons and the screen lit up. She mumbled a few charms, somehow inserted the white cord into the strange device, and ran her finger over the click wheel. “I don’t know if you’ll like this, but it always makes me feel better when I’m upset.” He didn’t respond, so she gave him a final look before pushing the play button on her iPod, and felt her tense shoulders relax as the first line of “A Rush Of Blood To The Head,” by Coldplay burst from her speakers.
You said I’m gonna buy this place and burn it down, I’m gonna put it six feet underground. You said I’m gonna buy this place and watch it fall. Stand here beside me baby in the crumbling walls.
Draco watched as she quietly sung along, closing her eyes. It was making him feel better. Not the music, but just being there with her.
Oh, I’m gonna buy this place and start a fire. Stand here until I fill all your hearts desires.
He found he couldn’t look away as she sung, her wavy and now damp hair swinging into her face. She was oddly fascinating, unlike any other girl, that was for sure. Why was it so hard to pull his eyes away all of a sudden?
Because I’m gonna buy this place and see it burn. And do back the things it did to you In return.
It wasn’t as if she was stunningly beautiful, with plain brown eyes and hair. Her features weren’t ugly, just… standard. But he couldn’t think of a time he’d been this star struck. He couldn’t stop watching her.
You said I’m gonna buy a gun and start a war, if you can tell me something worth fighting for.
This is mudblood Granger, he reminded himself. She’s just a mudblood. Just a filthy mudblood. But suddenly he wasn’t so sure. Just a… just a, but his train of thought trailed off as her lips moved slowly and she continued, blissfully unaware of his scrutiny.
Oh and I’m gonna but this place is what I said. Blame it upon a rush of blood to the head.
Her lips were just like anyone else’s, but they seemed the opposite. But she’s a… a… And yet she was human, no different from anyone else. If she ever bled, he was suddenly certain that her blood would be pure red, not at all muddy or different from his own.
Honey, all the movements you’re starting to make. See me crumble and fall on my face. And I know the mistakes that I’ve made. See it all disappear without a trace.
In that moment, Draco couldn’t remember why he hated Hermione. She was suddenly flawless in his eyes.
And they call as they beckon you on. They say start as you need to go on. Start as you need to go on. Start as you need to go on.
My god, do I fancy Granger? He asked himself, not aware that he was running his thumb across the top of her hand. She cracked an eye, not commenting on his look of amazement and choosing to continue her song with more confidence.
Said I’m gonna buy this place and see it go. Stand here beside me baby watch the orange glow. Some’ll laugh and some just sit and cry. You just sit down there and wonder why.
The rain was blurring his vision, but he didn’t close his eyes in fear that she would disappear. He wouldn’t be able to keep her for himself, the moment would end, and she would go back to her Weasel worshiping bookworm self. He wouldn’t get this singing goddess back.
So I’m gonna buy a gun and start a war, if you tell me something worth fighting for. I’m gonna buy this place is what I said. Blame it upon a rush of blood to the head. Oh, to the head.
Her voice from his dream came back full force suddenly. “For now just… just enjoy the moment.” The moment wasn’t one of happiness, and it wasn’t one of relief. It was a moment of understanding. Hermione understood exactly what he needed. So when he leaned forward and brushed her lips with his own, she didn’t push him away. The kiss wasn’t forced, but it wasn’t one of love or lust. Draco found solstice in it, and she let her iPod and headphones drop to the floor as he wound her hand into her hair. Hermione wasn’t slutty, but she didn’t care that he wasn’t in love with her, that as far as she knew he was using her to make himself feel better. The kiss felt good, so she deepened it, and rested her hand on his knee, as he placed his own gently on her hip. To her it didn’t mean anything, as she thought it didn’t for him.
But it did mean a lot to Draco. Heck, he’d kissed his share of girls, and probably kissed someone else’s share of girls as well, yet this one felt different. Hermione was a Gryffindor, a know-it-all, the best friend of the-boy-who-lived-to-annoy-him, and one of the figureheads against Voldemort. A lot had changed over the summer, including the death of Draco’s father and the defeat of the Dark Lord, but not enough to make this acceptable in the eyes of Slytherins and Gryffindors. But all that just made this more exciting for them. I suppose this answers the “do I fancy Granger” problem, Draco realized, as the attraction brought a small pull between them and Hermione moved to sit next to him to accommodate it, never breaking contact. Coldplay sung on without her accompaniment.
Coz honey, all the movements you’re starting to make. See me crumble and fall on my face. And I know the mistakes that I’ve made. See it all disappear without a trace.
It scared him a bit that for once it seemed he was the one whose feelings were unrequited. She was kissing him because she was caught up in the moment, because it helped him. Ironically, this was just a rush of blood to the head for her, and when it ended, it wouldn’t be resumed or talked about again. But he didn’t want this to be a onetime thing!
And they call as they beckon you on. They say start as you need to go on, as you need to go on, as you need to go on.
So Draco just enjoyed the moment, knowing full well that he might never get it back. She was a good kisser, regardless of her lack of experience. At least she could never forget this, she couldn’t. It was her first kiss, as far as he knew. But he pulled away, knowing the longer this went on and the more passionate it got, the harder it would be to stop and the more depressing it would be when he never got it back. She smiled at him, confirming without words what he already knew. He couldn’t look at her, knowing that her heart would always be with Weasely. So instead he placed his forehead against hers and whispered,
“Thank you,” before taking her hand and shifting to take her now empty spot at the back of the boat. Hermione had expected this, and just quietly sung along with the last stanza of the song, while he began to power them back to the school.
So meet me by the bridge. Meet me by the lane. When am I going to see that pretty face again? Oh, meet me on the road, meet me where I said. Blame it all upon a rush of blood to the head.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
The two teenagers had been excused from classes for the day so Draco could morn, not that he showed his emotion again. His face was contorted into its normal grimace as he poured over a book about health spells in the library. Most students were in class, so the two teenagers took advantage of the quiet to get some work done. So far, he had discovered the solution to their ‘bathroom issues,’ and several other spells, including one that could make Hermione’s possible feminine problems, that hopefully they wouldn’t have to deal with if they were able to separate before that time of the month, easier to deal with.
Meanwhile, she was pouring over a book on elemental magic and the possible side effects. Draco watched as her face began to grimace like his own as she read the section on the Charge Switching Spell.
“Problem Granger?” he drawled, doing his best to keep up his Malfoy front. She didn’t look up, but instead scowled at the book and mumbled,
“I would say so.” She groaned and covered her eyes with her hands. Intrigued, he slid the book towards him and twisted it so he could read it. Hermione let her head drop to rest against the table, closing her eyes. Draco skimmed the passage, outwardly smirking, but inwardly swearing. He read it out loud.
“While usually the Charge Switching Spell has no side effects, there is the rare occurrence when the spell chooses not to alter the magnetic field of the object, but the spell caster or spell casters themselves. Not much is known about this occurrence, but it is said that the only way to reverse the side effect is for the magnetic attraction or resistance between the two persons to match the relationship between them. Only then can the spell reverse. If the two persons have a strong friendship or actual romantic love, than the Charge Switching Spell reversed.” He smirked, looking up at the upset girl across from him. “Well, you were right. we do have a problem.”
“We’re gonna be stuck like this forever,” she moaned. Draco stiffened, yes, just a rush of blood to the head.
“No we’re not, we’ll figure this out,” he said, leaning over the desk to pull her hands away from her eyes. She let him clasp both her hands in his own, and continued glaring at him.
“Oh yes, because we both harbor a secret love for each other, right ferret?” she asked sarcastically.
“No comment,” he spat in return. She took it to mean no, ripping her hands from his. “Look Granger, I like this as much as you do, but we have to deal with this one way or another! For now let’s just do our homework and keep up appearances!” He pulled his book bag out from under his chair and slid out his textbook. “I hate holding hands with mudbloods as much as the next guy, but if I’m stuck with you, then I accept that. My reputation as a Malfoy comes first, so if upholding the family name and keeping my dignity means snuggling up with the likes of you every night, then so be it.” He tore through the pages to land on the latest lesson.
“You know, if that hadn’t been completely backwards and racist, I would have complemented you on your sudden maturity,” Hermione hissed in response, clenching her fists underneath the desk. When he looked up from the textbook he saw unadulterated rage in her eyes, though her face remained stoic. One step forward, two steps back, he realized. He’d gone too far, but instead of apologizing he bit back,
“Did you expect anything else?” Her knuckles were turning white and he slapped on his smirk, though it wasn’t heartfelt. “I thought you knew me better than that, Granger!”
“I thought I did too, Malfoy. Especially since you just played tonsil hockey with me out on the lake,” she spat, her chocolate eyes boring into his own. He looked away.
“You’re just pissed that I stole your first kiss.” She blanched, tears suddenly welling up in her eyes.
“Don’t stick your nose where it doesn’t belong.”
“Oh but it does belong. I took your metaphorical innocence.” Her face grew even paler, as he wondered why it was such a big deal for her. “Oh cheer up, mudblood. you should be happy your first was with me and not Potty or Weasel. I’ve got talent and experience.” He would have given anything to know what she was thinking at that moment. She looked furious and yet lonely and mournful. Something was telling him he didn’t know the full picture.
“You have no idea what you’re talking about, Malfoy. Now go back to work and leave me alone.” Her voice was shaking and distant. Apologize damn it, he thought but the words didn’t come. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, just say it!
“I thought I already told you I don’t take orders from mudbloods.” Oops, slip of the tongue. She merely blinked.
“I thought I already told you to get used to it.” There we go, bitchy Granger’s back in action. Hermione tugged the strap of her backpack and pulled it into her lap, rifling through the dozens of books as her face slowly returned to its normal color. A frown replaced her scowl as she realized that she had leant her potions book to Ron the previous night, since his had been to hard to read after an old Exploding Snap deck burnt the words. “Damn. What time is it?” He glanced at his watch.
“12:37.”
“Free period. I need to get my book back from Ron, so get ready to go, ok?” She slid all of her papers back into her bag and took his hands so she could put her shoes back on. He didn’t move.
“Wait wait wait. Does this mean I get to see where Gryffindor tower is located? Sweet!”
“I suppose so. Now get up and get your stuff together.” Gleefully he sprung up, shoved al his materials back into his bag, and magicked his shoes onto his feet. Then he obediently followed her out of the library, pausing only to glare at assorted students who watched them pass. The walk wasn’t exactly enjoyable, but he didn’t try bothering her, figuring that he’d done enough to annoy her for the time being. When the reached the fat lady, Draco watched the portrait curiously, and waited to hear the password. However, before she gained entrance to the common room she turned to him and said, “Nonemprasa Silencio.” His mouth dropped open. She only smirked.
“Granger, remove this spell immediately!” She shook her head and said,
“No, that won’t do! That won’t do at all!” Not that he heard her; she’d taken his hearing temporarily. “Silencio.” And now he couldn’t speak. Brilliant. Pleased with her work, Hermione turned back to the portrait and said, “Courage.” He climbed through the wall after her.
“Hey Mione!” Harry called from the fireplace, his face warm and joyful. Ginny sat next to him on the rug across from Ron. They were all playing chess, with Ginny aiding her boyfriend. They waved her over, but froze when they saw who was behind her.
“Why’d you bring him here? He can’t come in here!” Ron whined, glaring at the blond as he looked around the room, a disinterested frown on him face.
“Relax Ron, he can neither hear nor speak at the moment, so it’s not like he can do much.” She pulled Draco along behind her and sat down on the couch behind Harry. They all looked doubtfully at him, but trusted Hermione’s spell work and judgment. He leered at them. “Anyway I just need my potions text book so I can work on my essay.”
“Sure, I’ll go get it.” Ron stood up and brushed off the seat of his jeans before passing them to begin walking up the stairs to enter the boy’s dorm. He didn’t get far however, because Lavender climbed through the portrait hole and yelled,
“Won Won!” He spun around, a smile already plastered on his face. Hermione stiffened, her grip on Draco’s hand tightening. He looked over his shoulder to watch the blond girl bounding over to meet the blond halfway. They greeted each other in passionate lip lock. Harry and Ginny seemed to be used to this, but Draco could feel Hermione’s uneasiness. Just to see what would happen, he curled his arm around her shoulder. No one noticed, and Hermione didn’t bother to remove it. She just continued glaring at the couple. Finally he realized that he could still do nonverbal magic (duh) and slowly pulled out his wand so the girl next to him wouldn’t feel the couch shifting.
Nestesparous separatous, he recited silently, and with a loud bang, Ron and Lavender were thrown away from each other, each falling on their bums several yards apart. Hermione’s head shot up and she glared at Draco, shrugging off his arm. He gave her an innocent smile.
“Damn it, Malfoy!” Harry yelled when he saw Draco snickering as Ron helped a moaning Lavender up off the floor. He didn’t hear him. Hermione watched as Harry pulled out his wand, growling under his breath, and walked towards them. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all… “You can’t just come in here and get into our business!” Now Draco was flicking back his hair and winking at a group of sixth year girls. They giggled.
“Harry, he can’t hear you,” Hermione reminded him, while giving the boy next to her a nudge in the shoulder. He started and looked up at the murderous boy behind him, his flirtatious smirk becoming amused.
“I don’t care Mione! I’ve had enough of this arrogant git!” Sensing what was about to happen, Draco pulled his wand back out of his pocket and tugged Hermione up with him. He didn’t point it at Harry; however, and just let it hang by his side. She got her wand out as well.
“But that gives you a huge advantage, Harry! That’s just as bad as attacking someone when their back is turned!” She protested. Ron joined Harry’s side, wand aimed.
“Just like he did to me?” the red head growled.
“Go ahead, take your spells off him, Mione, if you want it to be a proper wizard’s duel. I got a lot of practice over the summer, what with killing Voldemort and all.”
“Fine! Finite Incantantum!” Draco sighed as his hearing came back. The two teens across from him sent him death glares as he clucked his tongue disapprovingly.
“Bad Potter! Didn’t you realize that if you fire off jinxes at me then you could easily hit Granger? And Weasely, your aim is so bad that you’d do more damage to the sofa behind me than me.” Ron lunged at him, but Harry grabbed him by the collar.
“Stop Ron, you’ll just hurt Hermione,” Harry grumbled, through you could see he pined to just let go of his squabbling friend and let him kick the stuffing out of the arrogant boy before them.
“Oh honestly!” Hermione huffed, glaring at the three. “Come on Malfoy. And Ron, get me that book before dinner.” Then without a second glance she dragged the still cackling Draco out of the common room, nearly stepping on Colin and Denis Creevy as she stalked out.
“I can’t believe you,” she hissed once they had climbed back out of the portrait hole. He just blinked, still smirking.
“What can’t you believe? How stunningly sexy and witty I am?” He swung their hands gently back and forth.
“More like how arrogant and vile you are. You know you have some nerve. I trusted you and thought you could stop being an ass for five minutes while I got a book from a friend. And what do you do?” She pointed her finger accusingly in his face. He took a small step back. “You embarrass me in front of my friends to the point where if things had gotten a chance to escalate I could have been hurt! What the hell is wrong with you?” Boy was she upset. Her hands were shaking and each breath she took was sharp and loud. Damn it, apologize! He thought. Do it, swallow your pride and do it!
“I don’t understand, Granger. You should know better by now than to trust me!” What the & is wrong with you? Why didn’t you apologize? He yelled to himself. There was no doubt she would slap him. Hell, she should punch him. He would let her! Her bottom lip was quivering now, as she impatiently blew that stubborn lock of hair out of her eyes.
“I’m not even going to reply to that,” she finally said, her voice suddenly smooth and emotionless. Then she readjusted the strap of her backpack and turned defiantly on her heal, before dragging him back to their common room.
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