ACA: chapter 23 and 24

Chapter 23

“He who gives what he would as readily throw away, gives without generosity; for the essence of generosity is in self sacrifice.”

~Henry Taylor

“We’ll have to monitor him for a couple days. He’s weak, but the bleeding has stopped and his vitals look normal. There’s a specialist who I’d like his guardian to talk to.”

Severus nodded to the Healer. “I’m his unofficial guardian for now.”

The Healer regarded him for a moment. “Very well, this way.”

Severus glanced at the small crowd gathered in the waiting room before following the Healer down the hallway.

“Well, it looks like Severus will sort everything out,” Remus smiled, turning to the kids whose faces all seemed glum. He exchanged a desperate glance with Arthur who, understanding perfectly, went about trying to lighten the mood.

“Why don’t you kids go back home? We’ll call when he comes around.”

“I’m not leaving,” Hermione quietly but firmly replied.

“Hermione, you need to eat something and rest,” Tonks coaxed, “We’ve been here for twelve hours.”

But she shook her head. “I have to know he’s alright. I-It’s my fault he’s in there. If I’d only stayed with him-“

“It would have happened anyways,” Harry cut in.

She threw him a woeful look, but he was already pulling her to her feet. Without another word, she let him lead her towards the floo. She was tired and confused and worried and afraid-and all these emotions were playing havoc on her nerves. Her last thought before she hit the sack, was of Draco.

**

The adults lingered around as promised. Molly took Fleur home after she came back from donating blood and, although she wasn’t very happy, she couldn’t bring herself to hate the boy. He had looked so pathetic lying there, seeming whiter than the sheets,that she couldn’t bear to hold her grudge.

“What did the Healer say?” Remus asked as the men sipped their fifth cup of coffee.

“He introduced me to the specialist who paid Draco a visit at Hogwarts,” Severus replied, “He’s getting worse.”

Arthur frowned. “What did he say to do?”

“Put him in therapy. He wants to try and slow the symptoms down. Apparently they’re progressing too rapidly.”

“But he’s still in school!”

“At this rate, it won’t matter much. I’ll doubt he’ll learn anything.”

“What do you mean?” Remus pressed.

Severus sighed. “He’s taking stronger pain potions. I know he has recurring headaches and he tires easily. If he keeps this up, he’ll wear himself out-trying to act normal. Draco needs to forgo his old life-his old self. He won’t be able to deal at Hogwarts with the way he is now.”

“Then you think he should be stuck here in the hospital?”

When Severus said nothing, Remus continued, “I’ve read what Hermione wrote, Sev. It’s not that simple. I don’t think any amount of therapy can cure him-“

“No, it can’t. Draco has less than ten years, but he needs to go if he wants to last that long.”

Remus pursed his lips, but said nothing. Arthur closed his eyes, feeling dreadful for the boy. He was so young…

“Does he know?” he asked after a time and when Severus nodded, Arthur couldn’t help cursing the fates.

“What about his mother?” Remus asked.

“What about her?”

“Shouldn’t she know?”

“If Draco thinks so, he’ll let her know-and no, Remus, it’s not up to us to interfere. That boy has enough on his plate without worrying about his mother’s nerves and Narcissa’s delicate nerves are best left unaggravated. She’s never been the same since Lucious’ arrest.”

Severus drained his coffee and was debating whether he should go for a refill when Molly bustled around the corner.

“He’s awake,” she announced.

Severus glanced at the werewolf who sighed in relief while Arthur drained his coffee with a small smile. He’s awake, Severus thought, But for how long?

**

Draco was barely lucid when the adults entered his small room. They had let him have his own, seeing as he was a special case. He blinked at them slowly and managed to give his Head of House a small smile, but he was too tired to say much.

Severus thought he looked considerably better for someone who had almost died, but then, Draco had never been fragile. He was too stubborn.

“Sorry, for worrying you,” he at last spoke, his voice a mere whisper. “I didn’t know what was happening till I became sick and fainted.”

“No harm done dear, as long as you’re alright,” Molly smiled in her motherly way.

But I’ve ruined their Christmas, he bitterly thought, wondering what they were doing here with him of all people.

“And you are not to blame,” Arthur cheerfully added.

“Arthur’s right,” Severus said, “But if you want to prevent future catastrophes Draco, asking for help when you need it would be a good start.”

Draco smiled a little sheepishly before asking, “When can I leave?”

“In a few days, but you won’t be going to Hogwarts at the end of break.”

Draco’s eyes grew wide. “Why not?”

“The Healer believes it’s time to start the therapy-“

“But Dr. Heinshaw said it could wait till I graduated!”

“That was before he knew the rapid progression in your case-“

“I won’t go!” Draco was almost shouting, his voice raspy.

“You don’t have much choice-“

“I don’t care! I’m not going! I don’t want to-to be stuck in a hospital!” He broke off coughing.

“There-there-“ Molly soothed, rubbing his back. He let her comfort him as he fought the tears of desperation that rose against his will.

Molly glared at Severus’ tactlessness as she tried to calm Draco. He was still coughing, his breathing harsh.

“Severus, come,” Arthur said, beckoning the frustrated man out the door, but as the men made to leave, Draco’s voice arrested them.

“Please,” he called in barely a whisper, “Let me go to Hogwarts. I want to-to see this year through.” He pinned his teary eyes on the professor, whose stoic expression seemed to soften just a little when he saw his anguish.

“Very well,” he sighed, “but only if you heed the Healer’s instructions. I won’t have you cause a scene like this at school.”

“Sev-“ Remus chided as Draco gave him a small nod, wiping his eyes furiously.

“Thanks, professor,” he whispered, sinking into the cushions, looking utterly worn out. He was asleep even before they turned out the door.

**

Tonks, Remus, and Mrs. Weasley stayed long after the rest had gone. Draco didn’t know why they even bothered, seeing as all he did was sleep most of the time. He was still too tired and they were pumping him with potions to regain his strength. He knew he had lost a lot of blood, and vaguely wondered who had cared enough to give him some. He had tried asking Remus when he was left alone with the werewolf for a time, but the man had slyly tiptoed around his questions. Draco figured whoever the person was, they didn’t want to associate with him any longer than they had to. He understood of course, but the thought disturbed him a little, and he was quiet the rest of the evening.

Dinner had just been brought to him and he was pushing the unsavory around the plate, doing an impression of eating which the adults of course saw through, when the door creaked open and in peered bushy head of curls.

“Hermione,” Remus greeted and no sooner did Draco look up then he found his hands full of a hysterical Hermione. Remus slipped out with an amused smile as Hermione’s shrill voice filled the air.

“Draco! Don’t you dare do that to me again! God I was so scared! There was so much blood and you-you could’ve died! Merlin! I-“

“Hermione,” he whispered sinking into her warmth. “I’m sorry.”

“No,” and she pulled back enough to stare fiercely into his eyes. “I’m sorry. None of this would’ve happened if I hadn’t left you alone-none of it!” The tears trickled down her cheeks as she spoke and Draco felt guilty for being the cause of them.

“It’s not your fault,” he softly told her, wiping her eyes and pulling her down beside him so that she sat by his hip. “We fought over nothing and I…should have been more honest.”

She wiped her eyes, nodding. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

He shrugged, “I didn’t know how to. I’m not-I’m not used to asking for help.” He looked away as he spoke and stared at his hands.

Hermione pushed the blond bangs off his forehead and forced him to meet her eyes. “There’s nothing wrong with telling me if you’re feeling awful. Who else will you turn to, Draco? And didn’t I promise to help you any way I could? If you won’t let me, how can I keep my promise?”

He smiled at her thinly before pulling her closer by the wrist. He buried his face against her neck, inhaling her soothing scent and was so still that Hermione wondered whether he had fallen asleep.

“Draco?” she whispered, running her hand through his soft locks.

“Hm?” His voice reverberated down his spine and through her arms, making her shiver. He looked at her a second before lifting his chin to press his lips against hers. Hermione welcomed him, sighing into the kiss. She eased him onto his back and leaned forward, her hair curtaining them both.

She could feel his fingers pressing into her waist as they deepened the kiss and she let her own fingers toy with his hair. She never could get enough of his soft, blond tresses. So lost they were in each other that they missed the creek of the door and the stifled gasp. It wasn’t until Harry spoke that Hermione sprang apart, eliciting a moan from Draco at her sudden loss.

“Are you guys quite done?” Harry smirked, standing with folded arms. Ginny smiled playfully at them while Hermione stuttered a reply, smoothening her clothes in the process.

“Had to ruin the moment as always Potter, didn’t you?” Draco said, his lips red and hair disheveled.

“That’s what I’m there for, aren’t I?” Harry retorted as they both walked in and then said more seriously, “I’m glad you’re feeling better, though. They had a hard time finding you a blood match.”

“They won’t tell me who it is,” Draco replied, hoping Harry would tell him, but he only shrugged and Draco frowned.

“Does it matter?” Hermione put in, reaching a hand out to smooth Draco’s hair. “I’m just glad you’re alright.”

“When can you leave?” Ginny asked, giving Hermione a coy smile that made her blush.

Draco ignored their exchange. “In a few days, but I’m hoping tomorrow. I hate being stuck here.”

“Yeah, it’s Christmas tomorrow,” Harry said.

The door opened again as they spoke and Draco looked up to see Ronald Weasley watching hesitantly.

“You can come in Weasley. The others came uninvited,” Draco said to which Harry promptly added,

“Gee, thanks Malfoy.”

Ron glanced at Hermione who was watching him with wide eyes that made his heart ache. He didn’t want her to fear him or look at him with such pity. They were a stranger’s eyes. Where had the warmth and laughter gone? he wondered as he walked near the bed, towering above it.

He cleared his throat before speaking. “Um…so, are you-are you alright?”

Draco wanted to scoff his poor attempt, but he humored him instead. “I will be.”

“Well that’s…good.” He glanced at Hermione again and saw her watching him with some sort of amusement. She smiled when their eyes met and Ron found himself unable to resist smiling back. He knew then he never could be mad at her-not for long anyways.

“Well I’m glad we’ve had this touchy reunion,” Draco said bringing the attention back to him, “but I think I’d like to sleep now. Shouldn’t you be down at dinner?”

“I think Mum’s just about done,” Ginny said, taking Harry’s hand as they stood.

Draco looked at Hermione and she shrugged, not wanting to leave his side. “Go eat something, love,” he whispered, “You can come back later.”

And as hesitant as she was, she couldn’t refuse when he spoke with endearments. Kissing him quickly and blushing furiously, she followed Harry and Ginny out the door. Ron nodded to Draco, but before he could leave, Draco called after him.

“Weasley, can I have a word? Alone?”

He looked at him curiously before shutting the door with a nod. “What is it?”

Draco sat up a little straighter against the pillows. “There’s…no straight way to say this but, I know you still love Hermione. I can see it in your eyes.”

Ron’s jaw tightened. “So?”

Draco didn’t reply at once, studying the anger that made Ron’s freckles deepen. He sighed finally and looked at his hands. “Look, I love her and you do too. I know that if it hadn’t been for me, both of you would be together now. I’ve come between you-“

“If you’re about to apologize, then forget it Malfoy! An apology can’t mend what you’ve broken.”

Draco looked up and there was a pained expression in his eyes. “I know,” he quietly replied. “And I won’t apologize, because I’m not sorry, but…” He closed his eyes briefly before pinning him with determined eyes. “You saw what happened to me. I’m sick and it’s only going to get worse. I’ve been given ten years, but I don’t know how much time I’ve got at this rate.”

“What do you mean?” Ron cut in, a tinge of fear in his voice.

“I mean, I’m going to die,” Draco coolly replied and watched Ron pale, his fists clenching not with anger but with an emotion he couldn’t name. “I’ve been diagnosed with an incurable disease. What you saw is only the beginning. I know form now it’s only going to get worse.”

Draco allowed the news to sink in, waiting for the tall boy to say something. Ron at last took a deep breath. “She knows?”

Draco nodded and Ron closed his eyes, cursing inwardly. “I need to ask a favor from you,” Draco said when Ron opened his eyes again.

“What?”

“I…need you to be there for her-“Ron looked puzzled, -“when I’m gone-“ His eyes grew wide and he shook his head.

“Malfoy, you’re not going anywhere. You’ve still got ten years-they’ll find something-you’ll see.”

Draco smiled weakly at the boy’s attempt to comfort him, but he knew his own situation better than anyone. “Maybe,” he replied, “But either way, I need you to be there for her when I leave-“

“Leave?”

“I’m going away after graduating from Hogwarts.”

“Where-why?”

Draco sighed, knowing they had reached the hard part. “When you look at me, you see a Death Eater’s son-don’t deny it, I know. The rest of the world is the same and I’m not blaming them. I know I’ve done nothing to deserve their kindness, but that’s my problem. I don’t want to see Hermione suffer through it as well. She’s gone through more than enough and she certainly deserves better than this-“ he vaguely gestured at his prone state. “If she stays with me, she won’t be happy, but you-you can give her everything I can’t-everything she deserves. A good name, a good life-a promised life. She’ll be happy with you-“

“And are you ok with this-with letting her go? I thought you loved her.”

Draco smiled sadly and looked away. “Sometimes…the best way to love is to let go. I won’t tie her down with my problems. She’s only known me for a few months, but you’ve been through the war with her. I know she’ll come around eventually because she’s resilient and stubborn, but she won’t be able to unless you’re there for her.” He looked up again as he spoke. “I need to know that you’ll do this…will you?”

Ron was speechless. Of all the things they could’ve talked about, this wasn’t what he had expected at all. For Malfoy to give up Hermione…and for such unselfish reasons-it made Ron feel ill, but he read the desperation in those grey eyes and he knew he couldn’t refuse them. He had never known Malfoy to be reasonable, but then, he had never really tried to know him at all.

“Fine,” he whispered and saw the blonde boy release a long sigh. “But where will you go?”

“To mother’s…maybe. I don’t want you to tell her about any of this. She can’t know-do you promise?”

Ron gave him a level look, before nodding once.

“Good,” and Draco sank into the pillows looking utterly worn out. His eyes drooped sleepily and Ron, seeing he was about to drift off, made to quietly take his leave.

Before he walked out the door however, he heard a quiet thank you. Ron looked into those grey eyes again, feeling himself drowning in their depths. He tried to smile-to say something-but only managed a small nod before he all but rushed out the door.

Chapter 24

"Sex is emotion in motion."

~ Mae West

Harry and Remus brought Draco to the Burrow on the third day. He was still more tired than usual, but the pain had become manageable again and the rest, Draco reasoned, he could handle. The girls had just set a pan of cookies to bake when they arrived by floo.

Mrs. Weasley paused long enough from setting the table to give him a warm smile as Remus led him to the sofa. “Welcome back, dear,” she said and he couldn’t help but smile back, nodding his head in a gesture he hoped she would take for his gratitude.

Ron, who had been busy with a lone chess game, gave him a small nod of his own, which Draco returned just as the girls came from the kitchen.

“Draco,” Hermione whispered, leaning down for a quick kiss despite the many eyes. She realized she didn’t care what anyone thought anymore. After that scare, she didn’t want to estrange him ever again.

“Something smells good,” he smiled, taking her hand in hers when she perched on the arm of his chair.

“Cookies for all those with a sweet tooth,” Ginny announced. “Should be ready in another ten,” and she took Harry’s hand as she spoke.

The adults had wisely left the living room, giving them privacy. The five of them had never really been alone since coming.

“Care for a game, mate?” Ron asked as he reset the board.

Harry glanced at the board, then at Ron’s eager face before he felt Ginny squeeze his hand.

“Ah…” Harry began, uncertainly, but Draco, seeing his discomfort, cut in before he could start.

“I’ll play you one, if you’re up to it.”

Hermione glanced nervously between them when Ron’s eyebrows shot up. They seemed to regard each other with a cool stare before Ron merely shrugged.

“Sure.” He brought the coffee table closer so Draco could reach and plunked in a chair on the other side. “White or black?”

“Doesn’t matter.”

“White then. Your move.”

Draco pulled out his knight and while Ron contemplated his first move, Harry and Ginny quietly slipped out of the room. Hermione saw them go, wishing she could drag Draco away for herself. She had missed him so much, but he seemed to be enjoying himself. Making sure the boys weren’t going to whip out their wands any second, she retired to a nearby chair and summoned her Charms textbook. She reasoned she might as well be productive in the meantime. She half listened to the boys’ wayward comments as she read.

“Clever,” Ron murmured, frowning in concentration.

“You’re not half-bad yourself, Weasley,” Draco said after a moment. “I think you’re the second person to last so long.”

“Who was the first?”

Draco’s smile seemed to falter. “Professor Snape.”

“Oh.” They resumed the game in silence thereafter.

By the time they finished their third set, both were frowning in concentration. They were two to one, with Ron winning. Draco had to admit he was a great strategist, for someone who was average at everything else. He marveled why he hadn’t been the brains of the operation instead of Hermione.

But then, he realized Ron never compromised with the pieces. He charged ahead despite the danger of losing a piece-a one track mind. That would never work in a real war. Pawns were just as valuable as the more solid pieces. He did treasure his knight though. Most of his moves were carried out by the horseman and so Draco, being the ruthless tactician that he was, set out to destroy the knights before any other piece.

“Dirty move,” Ron grumbled when Draco’s bishop dragged his fallen knight off the board.

“You love your knight too much,” Draco smirked.

“He’s always won with it,” Harry added as he came in, followed by Ginny who carried a fresh pan of cookies.

“Anyone hungry?” she asked, happily setting them down. Ron reached for one without further ado, munching in with a moan.

“These are ‘eally ‘ood”, he spoke with a full mouth. “Chocolate and blueberry-haven’t had that in a while.”

Harry grinned as he bit in, moving the tray toward Hermione who was peeking curiously at the odd combination. “Want one?” he asked Draco who wrinkled his nose.

“I don’t like blueberries-“

“Not like blueberries!” Ron cried, “Blimey, you’re pickier than Ginny.”

Draco frowned, but chose not to answer as he debated his next move. Hermione smiled at his turned back as she munched on a cookie. She helped Ginny sort the kitchen and was glad the boys had finished with their chess game when she returned.

Draco yawned, stretching in his seat. He smiled when their eyes met.

“Tired?” Hermione asked, brushing his blonde bangs lightly from his eyes.

“Hmm…Weasley actually made me think.”

Ron, who was cleaning up the game, felt his ears turn red at the compliment, but he didn’t snap back. He couldn’t bring himself to. As much as he hated to admit it, Draco wasn’t half so bad. Maybe Harry had a point. A bloke could change if he wanted to, couldn’t he?

“Ron, we’re going flying before it gets too dark,” Harry announced as he and Ginny left the kitchen door.

“Wait, I’m coming!” he cried, scrambling after them, the chess pieces scattering in his wake.

Hermione shook her head as she watched him go before pulling out her own wand to straighten the mess. She turned to Draco again, who eyed her sleepily.

“Let’s go up-“ and Draco let her tug him to his feet. He followed her to the room he was sharing with the two boys and flopped onto his bed. Hermione crawled beside him on her knees, looming over him so that her hair fell around them both.

“Merlin, I missed you,” he whispered, raising a hand to cup her cheek. She blushed under his intense stare and let him pull her down for a kiss.  She melted under the assault of his fiery mouth and her body trembled when she felt his fingers brush up her bare arms.

“Draco,” she breathed, trying to break the kiss.

Draco drew back and lay staring at her questioningly, a little irritated.

Hermione, who was very aware of how alive Draco felt beneath her blushed deeply at where her thoughts were going when her eyes wandered over his pale neck.

“What’s the matter?” Draco asked, chaffing her arms lightly. He wanted to get on with ravishing her lips, but he felt her hesitate.

“I-I just…Are we just going to kiss?”

Draco started. “What?”

Hermione had the decency to blush even more, her face and neck turning a brilliant shade of red and Draco couldn’t help but snicker when he realized just what she had implied.

“Oh, you want to do more is that it?” he teased, “I can comply easily. You know I’ve wanted to ever since that day when you’re mother-“

But Hermione didn’t let him finish, choosing to silence him with a kiss instead. She moaned when he pressed their lips hard together. His hands were trailing up and down her back, tangling in her hair only to stroke her neck. Unconsciously, she straddled his hips and gasped when he brushed against her.

“Look what you do to me,” he whispered, just as breathless, his pale face a faint pink from the heat of the moment.

“You’re…” She stared at him, wide-eyed. Merlin, wasn’t this what she wanted? To feel Draco, to know and see just how much they craved each other. She wanted to show him her love and she wanted to see his love for her. Without taking her eyes away from his hazy stare, she slowly lowered herself until he pressed into her heat.

“Hermione,” he gasped, his fingers curling around her arms. He trembled when she titled forward, rubbing against him, a malicious glint in her eyes. “Oh, fuck…” he groaned, his own eyes falling shut under her assault.

She smiled, amazed at her power over him. Dipping her head, she kissed his neck and felt his Adam’s apple bob nervously when his head tipped back. She licked his throat before letting her teeth scrape over his collar bone. He suddenly pulled her back by the shoulders.

“Hermione, what are you-?” he panted.

But she pressed a finger to his lips and shook her head. “Don’t think,” she whispered, “Just…I want to feel you. I need to feel you, Draco.”

Draco was worried at her sudden desperation-this wasn’t the level-headed Hermione he knew-but if this was what she wanted, he would give it to her.

“Draco-“

“Shh…” He slowly sat up and gently pushed her down so that their positions were reversed. She looked at him in anticipation when he began undoing his shirt buttons, licking her lips nervously as her stomach fluttered in excitement. She thought he took forever and wanted to reach out to yank the shirt off, but when he let the garment fall, all thoughts of irritation left her mind.

He was just as she had imagined: smooth, firm, perfect. His pale flesh glowed under the setting sun that flooded the room in warm orange and red. He was lean, but supple; thin, but strong.

He let her eyes wander over him, trying hard not to blush under her curious stare. When she sat up and reached out a tentative hand, he stayed put, his breath hitching when her soft fingers finally touched his chest. They brushed over his torso in a feathery touch, tracing the thin scars across his ribs and chest where Potter had cursed him.

She knew about the curse-knew what had happened in the bathroom-and her heart grew heavy when she thought of how much he had suffered even before they had become close. She looked into his eyes and read the nervousness and the need that was reflected in her own. Without a word, she took his hand and pressed it against her own chest.

“Show me how much you love me,” she whispered, “I need you…”

There was no hesitation, no embarrassment, just a simple desperation that went straight to Draco’s heart. She looked so vulnerable-so exposed-that he couldn’t help but lock her in his arms and kiss her. She responded readily, deepening their kiss, pulling back just so to allow him to fumble with the buttons.

He undressed her, never breaking the kiss, until she wore only her inner garments. Then they drew back, panting and nervous.

“Are you sure?” he asked, lightly caressing her cheek which was warm and rosy.

“Absolutely,” she whispered, falling back onto the pillows and staring at him expectantly.

Draco’s mouth went dry when he looked at her-really looked at her. She was slim and petite-all curves and smooth limbs. Her legs were long for a girl and her waist slender. He tried to steady his breath as he leaned over her and kissed her softly. He felt her hand clasp his wrist before slowly she pressed his hand to her breast. She moaned when he touched her, arching off the bed.

He trailed kisses down her swan-like neck as he removed her bra. His lips teased her, nipping and sucking while she held his head to her chest, breathing hard. He wandered lower, kissing her stomach, letting his tongue dip into her belly button. She smiled then, squirming a little when it tickled, but gasped when his fingers pressed against her heat.

He looked at her, uncertainly, but eyes closed, she only moaned, thrusting her hips into his hand. Draco licked his lips nervously. He wanted to do this, but he had never done anything so intimate and he didn’t want to hurt her. Taking a shaky breath, he let his instincts guide him, encouraged by her breathy moans.

She was practically writhing on the bed, her fingers tugging his blonde locks. She had never experienced anything so intense and yet so pleasurable in her life. She felt hot all over. Her senses were alive and begging for his touch, aware of only what his tongue was doing to her. She gripped his hair, wanting him to stop but to continue all the same. She didn’t know how long more she could stand this before she went insane.

Her toes curled into the mattress. Her hands dug painfully in his hair as she arched off the bed, crying his name when an intense wave sent her over the peak. Seconds later, she collapsed boneless onto the mattress, breathing hard. She looked at Draco, her fingers still tangled in his hair.

He was flushed, his lips wet and rosy. He was panting, trembling…Hermione smiled weakly at him.

“That was…that was-“

“Unbelievable,” he finished in a husky voice that shook with his need.

She loosened her hold and carded her fingers through his tangled locks. Sitting up, she cradled his face in her hands, her thumbs caressing his jaw. She felt him shiver. His jaw clenched at her touch.

Smirking, she pulled him onto the bed and reached for his pants, but he batted her hand away.

“Hermione-“

“What?” she scowled. “Don’t you want me to do this?”

Merlin, if she only knew…But he held her wrists firmly. “I’m not forcing you to do anything-“

“Of course not,” she cut in, letting him read the sincerity in her eyes.

“Are you sure?” he asked for the second time and Hermione almost rolled her eyes. Almost. She appreciated his patience more than anything, but she knew what she wanted and she wanted to do this. She wanted him to feel her love for him. She wanted to show him how he had shown her.

She nodded once and this time, when she reached over to unclasp his belt, he didn’t try to stop her. He leaned back on his arms and then helped her remove his pants. She could clearly see how much he wanted her even before they made light work of his boxers.

Hermione couldn’t help but stare, not caring whether she made him uncomfortable. Draco said nothing, leaning back on his arms again. He let her do what she wanted, unsure whether he could handle anything more. This was already more than he could ever ask for and he didn’t dare push his luck.

So he watched and waited as Hermione sank to her knees and touched him. His breath caught in his throat, but she was deaf to his harsh pants, too caught up in what she was about to do. She licked her lips and then slowly, tentatively, closed them over him. A wall of sensations crashed over him and he almost cried out, biting his lips at the last moment to stifle his moans.

When her tongue began to caress him, his arms shook and Draco sank onto his elbows, watching her through half-open eyes. Her own eyes were closed, a distinct blush across her cheeks, as she concentrated on pleasuring him just as he had pleasured her.

It wasn’t as hard or as bad as she thought. He was so sensitive. She could feel him trembling, hear his uneven breathing, as she increased her pace. Her hands rested on his knees and she felt his tense muscles.

He tasted…It was hard to describe really. She had never tasted anything like this before. But it wasn’t unpleasant. He was hot and hard, yet soft and vulnerable at the same time. When she flicked her tongue around him, she heard him moan and then gasp.

“F-fuck! Hermione…I-I’m…” He clutched her hair, pulling her away from him just as he came, crying out weakly and falling forward in her arms.  She held him as he tried to catch his breath, warm against her neck. He was trembling violently, his fingers clinging weakly to her flesh.

“Draco?” she whispered, chaffing his back, worried. He shivered and she drew back to peer at his face. There were tears in his eyes.

“What’s wrong?” she panicked, afraid she had hurt him somehow, but he gave her a weak smile and shook his head.

“Nothing,” he whispered, sinking back into her embrace. Hermione held him, unconvinced, but she knew better than to push him.

She stroked his back, licking her lips and blushing when she tasted him. Merlin, she couldn’t believe what they had just done! It was a far cry from kissing, and much better, she thought. She felt him calm after a time.

“Draco?”

“Hmm…” He looked up, smiling, his grey eyes soft with an emotion she couldn’t name.

“Are you ok?” She brushed back his bangs, feeling his forehead.

“Never better,” he took her hand and kissed her palm. “No one’s ever done that-It was…intense.”

And she nodded, knowing perfectly what he meant. “But I didn’t hurt you?”

“Of course not,” he quickly replied, “I just-it was intense.” He hoped she understood. He didn’t know how else to convince her of how wickedly good she was with her tongue.

But she seemed convinced. “So what do we now?” she asked, a coy smile lighting her lips.

He smirked, thinking of a million things they could do, but before he could answer, a yawn escaped him. “Sleep,” he whispered, pulling her down on the bed next to him.

“Sleep?” and Draco wondered if he imagined the disappointment in her voice.

“Sleep,” he murmured, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. He sank into her warmth as exhaustion tugged at him.

He felt her draw up the blankets around them. Vaguely, he heard her whisper something in his ear before her lips pressed lightly against his forehead. Draco drifted in her arms just as she settled against him, perfectly content.

**

Hermione woke up to a wall of darkness, aware of Draco’s warm embrace. She peered out the open window, noting that it was dark and the moon was up. How long had they slept? She shivered, carefully untangling her limbs from Draco’s, smiling affectionately when he snuggled closer, holding her around the waist.

“Draco,” she whispered, but he was still lost to the world. Leaning down, she blew softly, smirking when his bangs fluttered, tickling his nose. He moaned and batted at them.

“Draco, wake up,” she said, shaking him lightly. He cracked his eyes open a fraction and peered at her groggily.

“It’s probably past dinner. We should go down,” she said, wondering if he even understood. He looked out of it.

“Let’s not,” he whispered, tugging her into his arms.

She giggled, feeling his naked body beneath the blankets. “We can’t stay like this,” she reminded him. “What if Ron and Harry come up?”

“They’ve probably already seen us.” He smirked when she blushed in the dark.

“Well, either way-“ she pushed him away gently, reaching for her discarded clothes. “I’m hungry, aren’t you?”

He shrugged, content to lie back and watch her as she dressed, wanting to undress her as soon as the soft skin disappeared from view. She wore too many clothes.

“I think I’ll sleep,” he said, giving her a reassuring smile when she shot him a worried look. “I’m fine-honest. Just a bit tired. They told me I would be.”

She bit her lip, but then nodded. Reaching out, she smoothed the blankets over him and it was such a motherly gesture that Draco couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows. But then Hermione leaned down and kissed him softly, whispering a good night before she left. He sighed and curled onto his side, missing her warmth already.