fervere

Chapter Thirty One

“I’m going to marry Ron,” Daphne sighed wistfully, a wash of dreamy stupor filled her face. 

The only acceptable response from Draco was to spit out his own lukewarm tea that he just sipped on. He began to cough the burn at his throat, give Daphne a ludicrous stare. It had only been a few days after Valentines and Draco just knew that Ron was able to impress Daphne based on the goofy look on his face every time Ron walked into their lessons.  

Daphne, looking insulted at Draco’s reaction, huffed, “I don’t see why you’re so surprised. My palm reading yesterday indicated an early marriage and these tea leaves look a lot like hearts here.” 

“You’re fifteen!” Draco exclaimed, clearing the rasp in his throat as he set his own empty cup down. 

“About to be sixteen!” She corrected, plucking her quill from her ink pot to jot something down in her book, looking at her tea cup before a frown etched on her doll-like face.  

Draco gave her a long, exasperated sigh, “You’re supposed to be reading my cup. You can’t read your own.” 

Daphne’s quill froze at the realization and winced at the mistake, glancing around at the curious students who caught what she had just proudly (yet, erroneously) announced. A few giggles escaped from the mouths of some Gryffindors behind Draco, delighted to see Daphne collapse under the weight of her own feelings that she had been previously kept in check (well, according to her that is). 

Draco couldn’t have imagined that Ron and Daphne could have gotten any more disgustingly sweet and yet he was proven wrong along with the entire student body.  

It was almost impressive now.  

Daphne had this glow about her since Valentine’s day and only few could assume what exactly took place between them that would make Daphne fall for Ron even more.  

It was usually Ron who looked like he was struck silly in luck having Daphne by his side. It was the kind of attention one couldn’t believe when most of Ron’s life he had been overlooked constantly. And as unexpected as it was, Ron treasured her notice and pined for even a second for her attention. Now, it was Daphne suffering from the effects of her infatuation that nearly made her a complete different person from the girl Draco had taken to the Yule Ball last year.  

Daphne had been a hermit and kept to herself and currently, as she is now, there was a profound difference that love could do to a person. Draco identified it in his own life except the only difference was that Hermione hadn’t pined for him like Daphne did for Ron.  

While Draco frowned at his own thoughts, he had caught Daphne several times dazed out, a placid smile on her face while she doodled in her books. There was a far off look in her eyes that Draco imagined was filled with Ron and flowery stuff. Draco could use his own basic legilimens skills to take a peek but he wasn't that interested nor that kind of intruding friend.  

Daphne tucked a strand of perfectly blond hair behind her ear and sighed.  

“Speaking of sixteen,” She pressed her lips together in thought, “My birthday is coming up.” 

Draco’s eyes flickered up to her for a moment, before reverting his attention to Daphne’s cup that he reached out across the table for at the sound Professor Firenze’s hooves lightly padding their way.  

The scent of nature and earth swept over the pair of friends.  

Although both Draco and Daphne were one of the newest additions to Intermediate Divinations with Professor Firenze, they both learned very quickly that centaurs took their ancient craft very seriously. It made the class more of a serious topic than something overly spectacular or a sham like Professor Trelawney did before she was excused from her position by Umbridge.  

The centaur paused by the pair and it felt like they were being examined on a much deeper level than the obvious actions they were taking. Professor Firenze shook his head and pointed to the roof, indicating the heavens.  

“Do not predict wants,” Firenze instructed, “Only interpret the symbols in the way that they relation to each other. Like the stars, they are steadfast and certain, but their positions in the sky indicate a great deal with the occurrences of events.” 

And with that, Professor Firenze padded away towards another group. Draco let out a long silent breath, really wanting to know what in the world his professor meant. Most of the time Professor Firenze spoke in rather simple but vague terms and a lot of students simply listened and jotted notes down as if it was clear as day. For some, especially Draco, his lessons were rather quizzical and hazy to even begin to understand.  

Even when it came to something as simple as tea leaves, Draco didn’t have the confidence to look at a basic chart of shapes and come up with an in-depth reading of Daphne’s cup.  

She had been right.  

There were lots of blobs that resembled hearts at the bottom of her porcelain cup and perhaps marriage was something that Draco would have also said as a prediction but it was basic and altogether a simple answer.  

To give a well-rounded interpretation on what was obvious to everyone around him, Draco needed to tap into a kind of analysis he was still not good at however, his professor didn’t seem to mind and reminded him to point out things of interest to him and write them down on their assignment charting and interpretation.  

Taking the advice of Professor Firenze, Draco hoped that maybe the positions of the hearts could hold a deeper meaning but after a long stretch of time, he couldn’t make much of the small details that the advance tea leaves lesson was supposed to teach them.  

Each speck was special and needed to be taken into consideration.  

“So you are aware my Reception is coming up,” Daphne batted her lashes as if to persuade Draco into an easy acceptance of a long standing tradition in their upper circles.  

“Is it?” Draco stuck his tongue into his cheek, concentrating on the sketch of tea leaves on his assignment, glancing back to the cup for reference, “In the middle of the semester?” 

Daphne shrugged, “Well mum decided on holding the event during Easter holiday, it is a three day weekend after all.”  

Draco never cared for Easter Break. A handful of students usually took the time off to visit their family if they lived nearby, but most stayed behind to enjoy an extra day to relax. Draco didn’t think it was worth the day trip just to see his parents if he was honest. His father would certainly be busy at work (and perhaps with his duties as a Death Eater) while he’d spend half of his day looking around for his mother in the manor. 

“Mum and Dad are well acquainted with the head of the Floo Network Department,” Daphne looked upset, only because Draco hadn’t immediately said yes.  

“You can’t floo in and out of Hogwarts,” Draco pointed out. 

Daphne rolled her eyes in annoyance, “I know! But they’re securing a fireplace in Hogsmeade and that’s all we need to get to my summer house. Umbridge can’t really stop it anyways. Parents are expecting some of us to make use of a break.” 

Draco’s brows rose not really wanting to have this conversation but still slightly amused. The Greengrasses were a rather affluent family, the kind that were just as respected as his in the pureblood realms but frustratingly enough, never swayed here or there. They were as neutral as once can be regarding political views. 

That said, a summer home was not something humble when it came to families like hers, like theirs. Surely it was some grand thing out in the middle of the country with trim lawns and beautiful rolling hills, stretching as far as the eye can see.

“Is Ron invited?” Draco smirked, cause Daphne to now look very offended.  

“Of course he’s invited!” Daphne huffed, “As is his family. And yours.” 

Draco ripped away from his notes, almost glaring at Daphne.  

“Mine?” He asked incredulously, “For what hideous reason would you invite those insufferable two?” 

Daphne looked like she was losing her patience with Draco, “Do not pretend like you have no clue how these things work. You bloody well know that everyone that is anyone is invited to these blasted parties. Mum promised me she’ll keep the list small.” 

Once again, Draco was amused, “Remind me again, how small?” 

“Around two hundred,” Daphne glared and already answering to Draco’s snort. “It’s only because I’m also inviting a lot of friends!” 

There was something that touch Draco’s heart. The thought once again popped up of Daphne misfortune of keeping to herself. Often regarded as cold and mute, most would avoid Daphne with that beautiful face of hers that was empty of any kind of emotion or reaction.He would have like to think that Daphne opening up was all because of him but undoubtably Draco had to admit Ron was the cause of all of this.  

Perhaps that is the reason why Daphne boldly claimed she was going to marry him because, honestly, who could imagine another bloke turning Daphne into a pile of mush. 

Draco set the cup down and rubbed his temples trying to write a prediction that Professor Firenze won’t take as total bullshit. No matter how he twisted and turned Daphne’s cup, hearts were scattered out like a beautiful blossoming flower, all evenly spread out.  

“Blasted,” Draco muttered, “I can’t think of a single thing to predict.” 

Daphne frown, “Aren’t the shapes obvious?” 

Draco huffed, “What am I supposed to write on countless of hearts? Everlasting love?” 

Daphne blushed, that dazed look returning and it astonished Draco how easily Daphne swooned and Ron didn’t even have to be present for it. This, Draco realized, was now a grave situation. Perhaps the hearts weren’t even that but a plethora of what happens when love is that strong. Draco winced at the possibility of that many children running around with Daphne’s face and a head full of fiery red hair. 

“Is that what you really want?” Draco asked lowering his voice, penning more ideas that popped into his head, “You’re that certain of Ron?” 

Daphne’s face was still, studying Draco and gathering up the voice of what to tell him while her finger traced the rim of Draco’s tea cup.  

“Of course.” She said with finality.  

“But-” 

“I don’t expect you to understand,” She quietly proclaimed, “Nor do I need you to. I feel the certainty inside me so clearly, like a book read a thousand times.” 

His fingers fiddled with his quill, frantically wobbling it between his index and middle finger. 

"Don’t you think we’re too young to be thinking of that?” Draco whispered, “In marriage.” 

Daphne didn’t answer right away. Her eyes dragged down to Draco’s cup and frowned. Her own assignment was still spotless while Draco had already filled in quite a few ideas. He even wrote down children, with a question mark to point out the possibility of a new branch of Weasleys. 

Daphne went from his cup back to her book and then back to the cup as if she was double, triple checking.  

“No,” She scowled, “I’m not saying I’ll get married the second I leave school. I do want to take my time, you know. Unlike you.” 

“Huh?” Draco cocked his head. 

“I think you really need to evaluate your own wants,” She scowled, “You have all the indicators of a huge commitment in your near future and it looks more certain than anything I saw in my cup.” 

Daphne paused.  

“Me?” Draco blinked. Daphne tilted his cup towards him so that Draco could see the shapes she pointed out. 

“Horse shoe represents luck but if upside down then it could be a misfortune.” Daphne muttered.  

“I can never tell if something is upside down or rightside up,” Draco rolled his eyes. 

Daphne continued, “The dotted line under it perhaps indicates a limitation to that luck. And, here you have a- ermm, a moon which can mean loads of things like... changes, cycles...” 

“Fertility,” Lavender Brown shouted over to them, giggling at them.

Both her and Padma were craning their necks over to get a glimpse at Draco and Daphne. They were the star pupils of Divination and made sure that everyone knew it.

“The birth of new things- ideas possibly,” Daphne corrected, sending a pointed look at the friends. 

“Do you see anything that looks like acorns?” Padma asked, giving a knowing look at Lavendar who began to beam. 

“Acorns?” Daphne snorted, “What? No... These other blobs...” 

Lavender and Padma began to giggle once again just as Daphne trailed off, her eyes fixated on something that hadn’t caught her eye before. Draco knitted his brows together, now very intrigued.  

“Shut up,” Daphne sighed, her voice defeated, “Acorns can mean...” 

“Babies,” Lavender Brown grinned, knowing there was no way Daphne can interpret it any other way. “A strong indicator especially if paired with a moon. How many?” 

Daphne winced avoiding Draco stare.  

“Honestly,” She whispered, “Dozens of acorns seem improbable, does it not?” 

Dozens? Draco looked down at his own chart and interpretations, now wondering if he’d get marked down for predicting the same idea for Daphne when there had been no acorns in her cup, or moons. Daphne closed her eyes and groaned. 

“I’m going to ask Professor Firenze for help,” Daphne stood up, “I think I see a pair of rings and a skull. I swear it’s the most eclectic selection of shapes...” 

Daphne ended up staying after class with Professor Fienze to go through her tea leaf reading. Draco, on the other hand, rushed out of the class after he washed out his tea cup and handed his poorly done assignment.  

Even if Divination wasn’t led by Trelawney anymore, it didn't make the subject easier. It still gave Draco a sturdy headache from being in a stuffy room full of earthy aromas and the strong scent of musky flowers. 

Thankful that he finally escaped the hot box of dizzying scents, he ran into Millie who religiously waited for him at the bottom of the stairs so that they could walk to History together. Acorns and moons were far from his mind the moment they met up. He smiled appreciatively at Millie’s dedication to see him and took her hands in his. 

Ever since Valentine’s Millie had been extra clingy to Draco much to everyone’s disgust and annoyance. Draco found it surprising considering that the most love sick couple, in his opinion, hadn’t been given as much disdained looks like Draco and Millie have been receiving.  

Perhaps Ron and Daphne weren’t as nauseating as he thought or maybe everyone just was used to them now.  

Millie and Draco? 

There was a palpable sense that wasn’t so accepting of them.  

Perhaps Millie was too much or perhaps Draco wasn’t reciprocal enough, but he did try! Within his limits, of course.  

Whatever the case of their public displays that was the whispers of gossip, Draco was steadfast on his beliefs.  

He was not that person to indulge the school of his personal life. He dabbled into a few things that Draco knew would keep Millie content.

He’d make sure to place a light kiss on her cheek once in a while and offer her his arm so she could squeeze it with all her might or hold her hand walking around the corridors during patrol. As hard as Millie tried, it never got past that in the public.

Draco was set firm and he was pretty neutral to Millie’s affections that she tried to lure him with. It never really worked but she tried at least once a day, and to please herself from failing at her attempts, Millie would admire the precious bracelet she had been gifted. 

“Are you sure that spell works?” Millie pouted once during their patrol, holding her wrist up to show Draco the color had not changed, “It hasn’t changed once.” 

Draco shrugged, “I’m pretty sure it does. Hate to be humble but I’m rather good at charms.” 

“Then why doesn’t it change to blue?” Millie stuck her nose up, pouting. 

“Because...” Draco trailed off unsure of how to explain the spell. For all accounts, it should have worked. It was a silly little incantation he found in an old library book during lulls in long stretches of studying. It should have changed color when Draco was thinking of the person wearing it. 

Despite the source, Draco was confident it had worked. There’s no way it hadn’t. It was a fairly simple charm and surely, Millie had cross his mind a couple of times, hadn’t she? His girlfriend remained unconvinced and Draco’s charm a sham. 

“Well, maybe not,” Draco shrugged, not really concerned when he had a thousand things he needed to tend to, “I’ll try again later.” 

Millie pouted, studying her wrist as if she was willing the color change to occur. She glanced at Draco who was leading them both to History of Magic with a stoney face demeanor.  

She cleared her throat, “How’s a cozy cuddle sound? I’m free after patr-” 

Draco interjected, “It’s the third time this week, Millie.” 

Her face blanched, “W-well...” 

“Are you not worried about OWLs?” He earnestly asked, “I get physically sick at times thinking about how much coursework still needs to be covered and June is fast approaching.” 

Millie caved into herself, licking her lips nervously.  

“We need a bit of time to relax, don’t we?” She quietly said, her brows twitching up in hope.  

Draco shook his head, “I’m behind on my Transfiguration assignment. I really need to sit down and focus tonight. I haven’t exactly tackled vanishing spells well enough to merit a good mark. That on top of quidditch practices... I haven’t always got the energy, you know? And you really hate when I don’t have the energy and the cuddling remains just cuddling.” 

Millie reluctantly accepted his answer under her breath. 

And Draco really had intended to use the time at the end of his day to crack open his books and catalog how each of his vanishing attempts played out.  

Honestly.  

However later on that late evening, the moment their Head Boy made his round asking for a replacement last minute for tonight’s patrol, Draco couldn’t help but to volunteer the moment he realized Hermione was also scheduled, homework be damned.  

He rushed around his dorm, getting ready, showering off, looking as neat as possible in the hopes he’d get to see Hermione. There was something rather exciting to have an excuse to bump into her. There hadn’t really been enough time to talk to Hermione recently and Draco had been wondering if she finally pulled the trigger and broke it off with Krum.  

It was a probably oversight that maybe he shouldn’t be too excited to see them separate without considering her feelings towards Krum but Draco wanted to see her smile and be proud of herself for being strong.  

Just as Draco checked himself in the mirror, throwing his school robe on with his prefect badge, a small pop snapped behind him.  

Draco wheeled around to find the magical intruder and for a second his heart stilled.  

Sephina.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 

Draco hadn’t been able to attend the quick Prefect meeting due to the very last-minute need for his help.  

Regrettably, that meant that Draco missed where they would volunteer areas to patrol at and it meant that he wouldn’t know where Hermione would be as well.  

Actually, Ron wouldn’t be such a bad substitute to share the budding excitement with if he was also scheduled, but, Draco truly wished it to be Hermione.  

For the first time in a long time Draco had been jolted back to life from the mundane routine of school. As if he had been drowning in the expectations of studying only to then be reminded that there was something bigger out in the world.  

And that he had a seat at the table of the powerful people at play.  

Draco wandered around the castle aimlessly, in a bit of a rush and it was clear to anyone he came across with that Draco wasn’t exactly making sure that he was upholding the rules. In fact, he had passed a few third years who had been lurking around the library well after curfew and simply nodded at them as he rushed on by.  

No lectures.  

No points taken away.  

Just confused looks and enough sense to scurry out of there before Draco came back and actually did something about their loitering.  

Draco just couldn’t think of a particular place that Hermione would patrol. She was the kind of Prefect that loved to cover all the areas. She was not privy to any one particular place. Much more disappointing was the fact that Draco barely came across any of the prefects that night and when he did, it was some 7th year in Hufflepuff by the bell tower or a 6th year Gryffindor by the Hospital Wing.  

Draco paused. A Gryffindor. 

“McLaggen?” Draco called out to a rather robust handsome sandy haired boy who was transfixed on something beyond the arched windows of the corridors, mindlessly twirling his wand around his fingers.  

Cormac McLaggen was a familiar face from his Prefect group photo that Millie had gifted him. His photo version always seemed to be posing with a cheeky smile. Draco even caught him once lounging on the bottom bench while the rest of the Prefects were shoved on the far left of the photo, all complaining. Draco was sure he had never spoke directly to the 6th year but he did recognize his face.  

Cormac, who had been in a trance, jumped and wheeled around in surprise.  

“Malfoy?” Cormac cocked his head, a single curl of dirty blonde hair flopping over his forehead, “You’re scheduled? Didn’t see you at the meeting.” 

Draco quickly nodded, “Filling in. Gemma Warrington fell sick. Head Boy asked me when he realized there was a shortage in the meeting.” 

Cormac stared lifelessly at him, as if he received the information but it bounced of his head that was full of other things at the moment. The more Draco stared at Cormac the more he realized that he resembled a Greek statue, with thick coils of loose curly hair and chiseled out cheeks that rounded anytime his face fell into a gentle sort of look. It was no wonder why his photo self took any opportunity to model himself around the frame.

Cormac blankly nodded, “Warrington? As in your one of your chasers?” 

Draco brushed his question off quickly, “Yes, his sister. Listen do you happen to know where I’m supposed to be covering? Or at least, what areas are being covered so I don’t have to overlap?” 

Cormac opened his mouth, just about to answer, but then his head whipped around to look out the window as if something caught his eye. Draco gritted his teeth. He was starting to not like this guy and he didn’t know exactly why.  

“McLaggen?” Draco snapped lightly, trying to catch his attention. It didn’t work. Cormac’s eyes narrowed and he slowly began to shake his head.  

“I could have sworn that I saw a couple of Centaurs galloping around the edge of the Forbidden Forest, isn’t that strange?” He muttered out, “Umbridge just entered Hagrid’s, I’m sure she there to complain...” 

Draco sighed. It was enough to snap Cormac out of his train of thoughts. He gave an apologetic smile.  

“Sorry,” He shrugged, “Erm, well, I’m covering the first floor and the bell towers. Seventh floor is Tobias. Oh you can monitor the Greenhouses since- wait no, Granger said she’d like to cover that since she was picking some ingredients, and Clea-” 

Draco raced off. 

It was only a five minute jog towards the greenhouses and Draco wasn’t exactly subtle in trying to enter. The glass doors flew open and he was immediately greeted by the dark rich green and the light humidity inside. A few large plants that were not happy to be woken from their slumber when Draco slammed the door open. 

Draco didn’t care. He flew down the steps into the beautiful glass enclosure of the Greenhouse with a purpose. 

He had a heart full of secrets to share and he needed to find Hermione as soon as he could before he’s exploded with withhold such precious information. Draco must have ran around the greenhouse three times before he stopped to catch his breath.  

Where was that girl?

Draco almost folded onto himself, taking long pained inhales as he wondered if Cormac had been wrong. He waited a full five minutes, allowing his breathing to stabilize before Draco begrudgingly stood in silence, hoping he’d hearing something like footsteps to indicate he wasn’t alone.  

Nothing.  

Draco held on for a second longer before he gave up and began for the door. There was another ten places Draco had begun to identify as a possibility that Hermione would be at when he heard her sweet voice called out to the person who just reached the bottom of the stairs, which happened to be him. 

“Who’s there?”  

A blinding light from the tip of her want flashed into Draco’s vision, temporarily giving him dancing orbs in his eyes. 

Draco shielded his face from the blinding light and whined.  

“Merlins, Granger,” Draco muttered sarcastically, “Would you put that thing out? I can’t see a thing when you got it pointed straight at me.” 

“Nox.” 

Even when the darkness swallowed them, it took a moment for Draco’s eyes to readjust back and finally take in Hermione’s form at the glass entrance doors, peering down at him from the steps leading up to her.  

Hermione stood there, her chest visibly rising and falling, her features glowing under the shine of the moonlight.  

“Oh,” She gulped, “I didn’t know you were here.” 

Draco snorted, “With that map, I know you’re lying.” 

Hermione was glad it was dark enough to conceal the burn at her cheeks.  

“I do not have the map-" Hermione inhaled suddenly restraining herself from arguing further, "What are you doing out past curfew?”  

“I happen to be patrolling!” Draco snorted.  

“You weren’t at the meeting.” Hermione quickly added.  

“I’m replacing Gemma,” He lifted his hands to explain, “It was last minute.” 

“Replaced Gemma?” Hermione asked, a tinge of trouble flashed in her eyes. "Oh.: 

“Yes, actually. Perfect timing, too,” Draco admitted, “I feel like I haven’t had the time available to talk to you or anyone at all for the past few days.” 

He took a few steps up to join her up by the doors.  

“I have something,” He smiled, “And I think-” 

“Gemma takes the third floor corridor,” Hermione cleared her throat, “Usually.” 

His brows twitched a millimeter in confusion, his gait slowing down to a halt, just a few steps away from Hermione. The welcoming warmth he had been accustomed to was no longer there. Her eyes weren’t sparkling nor was there a play smile on those lips. In fact, Hermione looked worried, even frightened as they stood there in silence staring at each other. Her hands shot straight up to her cheek, before using pieces of her hair to shield what looked like a small red mark. 

“Oh,” Draco managed to breath out, feeling something rather unusual in his chest, like it was bracing itself for a hurtful lashing. Hermione shifted her weight uncomfortably between her feet, avoiding the long gaze from Draco. 

“You should head up to the third floor corridor.” Hermione insisted.

"Oh," Draco said again, the sound tumbling out of his mouth in a way that felt unnatural. Unlike him.  

He finished climbing the stairs, walking slowly past Hermione, perplexed and dazed. Utterly dumbfounded that he simply couldn’t figure what was going on. Wouldn’t they push past the explanations and taken the time to stroll around together like they’ve have before? 

There was something like tension, but not quite, in the air and Draco couldn’t pinpoint why it felt like something was off if Hermione hadn’t received him warmly. 

“Have I said something wrong?” Draco asked, pivoting on his heel to ask Hermione. Her shoulders tense as she turned to him, her chin over her shoulder. Her lips remained closed pushing the very confused boy to feel a rather embarrassing heat creep up his neck.  

There was something in her pursed lip that told him more than enough. It was only a flash of something he still couldn’t figure out, but it was enough to know that Hermione was bothered by something. 

He felt stupid for not knowing what had caused Hermione to be upset with him.  

Her eyes swirled with reasons and justifications and Draco could see them in those dark pools of brown, wishing she could voice them. A small sound deep within the Greenhouse caught Hermione’s attention and she immediately whipped around, looking more animated and worried.  

She looked panic-stricken while Draco was drowning in his own thoughts.  

The pain was there in his chest, again.  

Like the peeling of old scabs, exposing fresh new skin to a familiar pain, except it was entirely different.  

“No,” Hermione shook her head, her eyes darting to the door, “It’s just that Mildred is also on patrol.” 

Draco shook his head and shrugged, signaling he didn’t care (although he really should). It should have given him a deep warning but his want to speak to Hermione greatly outweighed the fact that Millie was out making her rounds.

"I was unaware," Draco admitted but it sounded more like he was questioning himself. Surely, it was something Draco should have known whether or not he was dating her. 

Hermione gulped, her eyes darting at every movement that echoed up to them.

“The Great Hall and Library,” Draco raised his brows, “She’s a creature of habit. I’m sure she volunteered for those, right?”  

“Oh. Yeah.” Hermione’s kneaded her hands together nervously. 

“I think we’ll be fine.” Draco assured.  

Hermione looked over her shoulder once more and even if she didn’t visibly relax, she was more open to speak to Draco. 

“I wanted to speak to you because I came across something rather important, I believe.” Draco began, watching her closely to analyze her reaction. The darkness had concealed the details of his face that he craved to see. He leaned in closer to appreciate the minuscule twitches of her reactions.

Hermione brows tilted up in earnest interest, and then she gasped when she bumped into the stone handrail behind her. Hermione jumped in surprise when she realized she had been unconsciously cowering awar from Draco who simply couldn't resist keeping a respectable distance from her. 

“If I asked, would you be able to help me?” Draco asked, leaning in hoping to see the yes in her eyes before she said it. He took the last step up to be right at the particular distances that allow just enough space between them so he could share in secret with her. He placed his hands on the stone handrail, caging Hermione in. It was a gesture that for some odd reason made Hermione's stomach twist into knots and heat pool between her thighs

It seemed like Hermione’s face blanched while Draco cocked his head to the side waiting for her to tease him or feign annoyance with his elusiveness. His vision narrowed, confused that Hermione was gaping at him, almost panicked.  

“Are you alright?” Draco asked. 

“No- no. I mean yes!” Hermione shook her head forcing out a strained smile, “I mean, it’s nothing. I don’t understand why you’re whispering.” 

He took a pause, ingesting the way she was fidgeting and avoiding looking straight at him. He straightened up, releasing Hermione from his cage reassessing exactly why he was whispering. They were alone, weren't they?

“What is it that you need help with?” Hermione asked, egging him to hurry up. 

“I recall you being able to change that map of yours. The first time you visited my room,” Draco pointed out, “When you drew in our dungeons into it, remember?” 

She responded. 

“Yes,” Her voice small. 

“Do you think you can charm another map?” Draco proposed. 

Hermione’s lips pressed into a thin line, “What do you mean? What other map? Of Hogwarts?” 

Draco nearly exploded with pride as he was just about to reveal the precious item he had been working so hard to find.  

“I think I have access to the Department of Mysteries.” He said, slightly exaggerating his truth.  

Hermione’s eyes went wild.  

“What?” 

Draco face twisted, immediately crumbling in explaining the whole truth, “Well, I don’t have the map with me per say.” 

“You don’t?” Hermione shook her head. 

Draco opened his mouth and winced again, “Well I do, sort of.” 

Hermione openly stared at him as if he had lost his mind, "You. Do?"

He had to explain himself. He scanned around for a second even if he was sure they were perfectly alone in the darkness of the Greenhouses, surveying his lush surroundings before inching closer to her for discretion.  

“I’ve had Sephina, my house elf, help me find it.” Draco admitted, “I wasn’t sure if it was something that even existed but she recently popped in and they have records of it in the Ministry’s Archives.” 

“Oh,” Hermione gulped, taking a micro step back.

“So would you be able to?” Draco asked, “Once I have a copy in my possession.” 

Hermione paused, bewildered, “Would I be able to what exactly?” 

“Charm it like your map,” Draco’s eyes begged, hoping she would be more eager to join in on his own schemes. After all, it had been his plan all along and it was within his reach. All Draco needed was Hermione to be on board with her brilliance.  

Her blank expression was something he didn’t think he’d need to navigate.  

“Charm it how?” Hermione asked, her mind as scrambled as one could get. 

Draco’s confidence began to take a beating, having to explain it in the simplest terms to Hermione. He began to doubt himself. Maybe it was a rather stupid plan and his eagerness to accomplish it completely blinded him to it.  

Draco felt his shoulders drop and his lids flutter as he collected his thoughts.  

“Charm it so that it tracks people,” He frowned, “So that we can help keep an eye on who’s guarding the Department and see if anyone who should be there is safe and those who shouldn’t...” 

Draco sensed what Hermione’s response would be.  

Maybe something as useful as a map of that caliber would be best in the hands of Dumbledore. What use would they have with a map like that? Even if they saw that Voldemort was terrorizing the department, what exactly are they supposed to do as students? 

Travel to the ministry and defend it? 

Isn’t that what the Order was for? 

Draco rubbed the back of his neck nervously. There was something rather off about Hermione today. Perhaps it was their interaction.  

Or maybe she’s stressed.  

Or, just maybe, it was a rather stupid plan.  

“Ah- Never mind,” He casted his sights down at his feet, feeling the shame now burning at his cheeks, “Seems rather stupid when I said it out loud.” 

He let out a dry laugh wanting to change the subject but unable to help himself from talking. He simply stood there reevaluating how he could have packaged his idea a bit better. 

“I- erm, just forget it. Have you ever thought you had a great idea formed in your head but when you say it out loud it just doesn’t have the same kind of impact you’d hope for?” Draco blinked, waiting for Hermione to react. Her mouth parted and closed, parted and closed once more. 

There was an odd thud in the pit of his stomach. The hit in his confidence thinking that he would be able to impress Hermione with his ill hatched plan made Draco nearly crumble in on himself. Even the way Hermione hadn’t seem so eager to speak to him, as if they’d never patrol together or spent long nights together, too.  

Draco’s blinked as he took a step away, oddly wounded. Hermione winced, reading his body language like an open book.   

“I should get going,” Draco mumbled, straining out a smile, puzzled at the pricks of pain in his chest. He jogged up a few steps before Hermione called out.  

“Wait, Draco,” She sighed, her mind still in shatters but not wanting him to leave just yet. 

He whipped around, as if Hermione had tugged on a leash around his neck. It only took a second to break away from that desperation he held in him that enslaved him to her whims. Draco tried to play it off and be cool and nonchalant.  

“Third floor, right?” He tried to smile but he was sure he looked like he was just baring his teeth. Part of Draco wished she would call out for him again, because he was strong enough for one.  

But twice? He’d be nothing but putty in her hands.  

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 

Earlier on...

Head Boy Corey Rowle just begrudgingly left their Prefect meeting after confirming that Gemma Warrington was currently in the Hospital Wing, as sick as one could get at Hogwarts with Dragon Pox.  

The group of seven Prefects, all standing around to volunteer for an area to patrol, relaxed for a moment as their Head Girl, Gabriella Tate, patted herself to read off any other unassigned areas. This pause of their meeting cause a bit of murmur between the Prefects, all in various stages of dedication.  

Most at the very bottom tier of dedication, if Hermione was honest.  

She was watching Gabriella Tate curse under her breath, unable to find the piece of parchment she needed in the pockets of her robe. Meanwhile, Mildred Clearwater began to, once again, brag about her very expensive gift she was given during Valentines. Hermione didn’t dare to look at all intrigued in what Mildred was saying as her own mind had settled on memories of her own Valentine's night and never failed to bring a soft ache in her chest.

“A family heirloom, can you believe it?” Mildred gushed loudly, “I mean I suppose Draco wanted to give a promise ring if he had it his way, but I insisted in a bracelet.” 

“Wasn’t it supposed to be blue?” Cormac McLaggan sighed, rolling his eyes as if he was tired of hearing the same story over and over. Clearly he wasn't tired enough since he was willing to antagonize her.

Mildred shot the boy a dirty look before sticking her chin up, “Well his family only had emeralds to use in the settings.” 

Cormac McLaggan looked rather unimpressed while Mildred’s only friend (loose on the term friend) on patrol, Cho Chang, smiled politely.  

“It is rather delicate looking, isn’t it?” Cho said appreciatively, always finding a positive thing to say. It was something rather admirable, Hermione thought, the way Cho could muster up something nice to say to someone rather unpleasing.  

It wasn’t that Hermione was jealous or anything. No. Not at all. She honestly didn’t care that Mildred had such a precious gift from her boyfriend when Hermione had been stood up or that Mildred spent her nights with Draco twice a week. 

It irritated Harry that Hermione had religiously now asked to see the map at night but that was only because she was curious to see who was on Patrol and she just happened to see Draco’s name in his room, pacing around usually, and then sometimes with Mildred until the morning. Hermione didn’t understand why she’d wake up with a heavy heart on those mornings but she did and it was rather bewildering to have her heart squeeze in such a way that forced her to become introverted for a moment so that she could figure out what had been bothering her.  

“Would you like to try it on?” Mildred asked Cho, nudging her as if to coax her.  

“Is that okay?” Cho asked her face breaking into a rather questioning look. As if she was torn from even asking the question as well as questioning why someone like selfish Mildred would allow something as precious to her to be shared.  

Mildred glowed, “Of course! Here.” 

Hermione studied the beautiful girl from the corner of her eye, watching as Mildred fiddled around with the clasp of her bracelet, giving Cho a warm smile as she unfastened it and wrapped it around Cho’s wrist. Cho went along with praising Mildred with such a beautiful piece.  

“A-ha!” Gabriella Tate shouted, “Found it! First, volunteers?” 

Mildred stuck her hand up in the air, “I’ll take this area! And the Great Hall.” 

Gabriella checked off her list and looked around expectantly. A seventh year Hufflepuff raised their hand to volunteer for the Astronomy tower to guide students from their late lessons. Hermione chewed on her bottom lip, stopping another soft smile from sprouting, before raising her hand.  

“Greenhouses,” She confirmed and Cormac McLaggen gave her a look. The Greenhouses were usually the last pick of any Prefect due to the peculiarities of Professor Sprout who had a rather staunch protectiveness over her domain. Any school plant that looked sad or out of place, she immediately blamed the Prefects for meddling or not being vigilant enough. Except for Hermione, she liked Hermione.

Hermione sheepishly shrugged, “I need a few ingredients for potions to pick.” 

“It so pretty isn’t it?” Mildred continued on her own personal conversation, “It suits me perfectly.” 

Cormac, who seemed rather combative, crossed his arms and turned to the pair of girls behind him, “It’s a damn chain of jewels, it would suit any girl. I’m sure it would suit Hagrid if it fit his wrist.” 

Mildred glared back at him, “Shut up McLaggan.” 

Cho exchanged looks between them, unsure of how to chime in without causing more of a disturbance.  

“Look put it on me,” He teased, "And you'll see it's not really that special."

Mildred sneered now taking her bracelet back from Cho who was now looking rather uncomfortable.  

“You’re so annoying, McLaggan. A girl can’t even appreciate her own boyfriend’s gift without you shitting on it.” Mildred complained, almost pouting, "Why not get your own girlfriend something of worth before complaining about mine."

“I thought that's what you wanted. The attention, to show off more,” He snorted, “Why not pass your bracelet around the entire school so that everyone sees how much your boyfriend spent on you.” 

Hermione finally turned to McLaggan.  

“She’s just happy, leave her alone,” Hermione said, an unsettling sadness solidifying at her core. With that comment alone, it seemed to rejuvenate Mildred more, to have another girl on her side. It was only three girls on today’s Patrol and Hermione really felt the isolation while Cho Chang had been trying to placate her house friend. Mildred stuck her tongue out at Cormac and suddenly, with a strong tug that nearly knocked Hermione off her feet, Mildred pulled the unsuspecting girl to her side.  

“See McLaggan, even Granger thinks you’re annoying,” Mildred huffed. Hermione stiffened when Mildred linked arms with her confident in Hermione's 'loyalty'. Cormac rolled his eyes and listened to their Head Girl assigning the last areas that no one claimed to the remaining Prefects. They were still a Prefect short and Hermione made a mental note to take a quick look around the third floor, the last unattended area, if they were unable to find a last minute replacement.  

“Do you want to try it on?” Mildred asked. It took a moment for Hermione to realize that Mildred was talking to her.  

She tensed up even more.  

“Wha- oh no!” Hermione sputtered into a forceful smile, “No, it’s okay. I wouldn’t want to break it or... not that I would but, Cho is right about it.” 

Hermione cleared her throat seeing a bit of disgust in Mildred’s eyes, reacting to Hermione’s adverse reaction to such a simple gesture. Hermione gazed upon the delicate chain of small squared diamonds that sparkled like morning dew. The round emeralds that were every other gem and larger than the rest, gleamed when it caught the light of the indoor fire lights.   

“It is beautiful,” Hermione admitted.  

“Then try it!” Mildred insisted and without hesitation took Hermione’s hand. It wasn't the kind gesture one would think it was. Hermione had watched Mildred for quite some time now and saw the rather unflattering things that perhaps Draco hadn’t.  

Or maybe he did and thought it wasn’t as bad.  

Hermione felt Mildred’s gesture was more of a ‘look at the things that I get compare to you’. It was always a lingering question that some girls had asked Hermione when it came to Krum.  

Does he write often? Will he come around again? Had he bought her anything with his handsome quidditch salary? 

Hermione felt a frown began to etch at the corners of her mouth that she fought against thinking of the letter that she had just sent that morning to Viktor.  

It had been a long time coming, their break up, Hermione thought. His obvious silence and the let down on Valentine’s Day was the final straw. Alas, it still took Hermione an entire week to finalize her decision and another week more to write out her letter to him.  

Thoughts of Viktor was pushed out once the clasp of the bracelet clicked in. Mildred proudly waited to hear Hermione fawn over her gift. Hermione stared at the delicate string of what felt like wealth on her wrist.  

The simplicity of it stunned Hermione and in no less than a second figured that it was worth more than anything she owned, combined. 

It was no wonder why Mildred took any chance to show it off. The craftsmanship in the chain setting and the weight of the real diamonds and emeralds, as she was told, it was truly something magnificent.  

“Well?” Mildred urged like a child waiting to be given attention. 

Hermione opened her mouth but ended up gawking for a second. She hesitated and then a rather interesting thing happened just as Mildred ask her, yet again, what she thought. While Hermione gazed upon the piece, the bright jellied emeralds began to darken.  

Hermione blinked, wondering if her eyes were deceiving her. It seemed like a rather interesting part of Mildred’s bracelet, the fact that it turned the emeralds into a deep rich blue color, clearer than the emeralds that were set in it.  

It was such a simple wondrous kind of magic.  

Hermione smiled, feeling a rather melancholy longing for wishing that it was something thoughtful she can one day have. Something physical she can treasure like the memory of having Draco's cheek pressed against her forehead as his light sleeping breaths washed over her skin, his arm tightly around her waist. Legs tangled. Hermione wide awake stunned at the realization that she desperately wanted to see what his lips felt like. Hermione gulped, ashamed she had a rather embarrassing private moment of Mildred's own boyfriend, something that would bother Hermione in her own dormitory late at night, hot in her own sheets. She yearned to know what could have happened when she let her imagination run with a guilty pleasure.

Hermione felt her neck flush.

“It’s a lovely blue, isn’t it?” Hermione praised, genuinely.  

Mildred’s smile grew dim.