Chapter 4
I jolted awake suddenly, covered in sweat, tears streaming down my cheeks and struggling to breathe. I sat up and clutched at my left forearm, gripping so tight it hurt. I looked around frantically, getting to grips with my surroundings, and finally remembered where I was. My breathing started to slow and I relaxed slightly, though still unnerved. I wasn't surprised that this night terror decided to pay me a visit tonight. They feel so real. I could feel the word being sliced into my arm all over again. Feel the warmth of the blood trickling down my arm to the cold unforgiving floor beneath me. Hear my screams echoing around the large drawing room. See my pain being reflected in Draco's then hollow eyes. The difference with the night terror though, compared to the actual event, I couldn't even scream. I could hear myself screaming, and hear Bellatrix's cackle, but whenever my mouth opened for me to say or do anything, it just came out empty. I had no voice. I'm not sure if that was better or worse.I curled up into a ball hugging my knees in tight to my chest. I hate dealing with this alone. Hate consoling myself.
After a while has passed, though not sure how long, I sat up and ran my hand through my hair, which was now soaking with sweat.. I and looked at my watch, 5:36am on a Saturday. That's a lie in for me these days. No point in going back to sleep now, not that I could even if I wanted to. Bath. I want a bath.
I peeled back the now damp covers and climbed out of bed my muscles ached. Walking to the bathroom, I turned the hot tap on and added my favourite bubble bath, letting the relaxing lavender scent fill my nose, giving me great comfort as it did. Taking off my pajamas and chucking them to the floor, I went to the sink while waiting for the bath to fill. I stared back at myself in the mirror for a few moments noticing the dark circles around my eyes. I splashed some cold water on my face and turned the tap to the bath off. The sun wasn't quite up yet so I opened the blind and left the bathroom light off so the sun could filter in when it came up. I noticed then I could see the quidditch pitch from my window.
Putting my right foot in the bath, I winced as the hot water burned my skin, before I got used to it and relaxed into the warmth. I slowly lowered myself down, letting each part of my body adjust to the temperature before settling in completely. The only way I will ever have my baths is scolding hot. I want to feel light headed when I get out. I lay my head back against the rim of the bath whilst I let my eyes drift close, taking deep breaths in through my nose out through my mouth. The scent of the bubble bath was so relaxing and damn if this isn't my favourite smell in the world right now. I brought my hand up playing with the mounds of bubbles, squishing them between my hands. I heard a sound outside my window then. Sitting up in the bath more I kept my eyes on the window, listening out for it. Nothing. Until a few seconds later, I heard it again, a swishing sound and a figure flying past my window came into view, gone as quickly as they came. What sane person rides their broom at this hour on a Saturday morning? The same sane person that has a bath this hour on a Saturday morning I guess. I laughed at my own joke in my head and relaxed back down into the water.
I was all pruney and wrinkly, and feeling light headed whilst wrapping myself in a fluffy towel. Another successful bath. I had washed my hair so I had to put some product in to tame it otherwise it would be wild all day. Or more wild than if I just left it. I rubbed through some hair mousse combing it through with my fingers and dried it with my wand before shoving it up in a messy bun and bringing down a couple of pieces to frame my face. That'll do. It's lucky it got a wash in the first place, only because I was covered in sweat did I wash it properly. I changed into some comfy joggers and a baggy t-shirt. I'll go down and get a cup of tea before I end up meeting anyone else down there. It was 6:47am and I doubt anyone else would be down there at this hour.
I went downstairs as quietly as possible not wanting to wake anyone. I was right, a nice empty common room. I magically heated the water as Theo did last night as that was the quietest way to do so, and made myself a green tea. I took it and sat back in the same armchair I was in last night. I'd sit here a few minutes and head back up to my room. I was sipping on my tea when the door swung open, making me jump and spill my tea on my leg.
"Ow, shit!" I hissed. Stepping through the entryway then, was a very sweaty, very confused looking Draco Malfoy.
"Alright there Granger? Sorry, Hermione" He corrected, walking toward the staircase, carrying his broom. That was the first time he said my first name. It sounded good coming from him too.
"Fine, just spilled my tea on me is all." I replied. I looked at him properly then, his cheeks were slightly flushed from either the cold, the exertion, or both. His hair was wet and ruffled but he still looked good. How was that possible? He had his Slytherin quidditch uniform on. I always found that so hot, it complimented his butt and thighs quite nicely. He just nodded and headed up the stairs. He must have been the one flying outside my window this morning. Did he see me in the bath? No he couldn't have, he was going way too fast, I hope. I got up off the armchair and went to the kitchen to refill my mug after spilling majority of it down myself.
"Morning Hermione, what has you up so early on this fine Saturday morning?" I jumped slightly again and turned around to see Theo stood at the bottom of the stairs leaning against the wall, arms crossed. He had hair that said he just woke up and was wearing blue pajama bottoms and no shirt. His chest was tanned, his shoulders broad, his arms muscly and, if I am being honest with myself, he looked completely gorgeous. Draco was a lucky guy.
“Good Godric Theo warn a girl would you?" I said irritated I had been startled for a second time this morning. "I was just awake.” I lied and turned back to my mug refilling it with hot water.
“You want one?” I offered grabbing another mug off the shelf.
“Sorry sweetheart, I shall clear my throat next time. And yes, I’ll take two coffees if you don’t mind. Better take one up for his majesty, he’ll be gasping after his workout.” Was that supposed to be suggestive? I got another mug and got to making the drinks.
“Yeah why is he up so early doing that? Is he trying out for the team this year or something?” I turn and give him the two mugs of hot coffee, the smell filling the air between us. I try hard not to linger too long on his chest but found it incredibly difficult to look away.
“Oh, he was just awake.” Theo said exactly the same way I just did. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone so in tune with the people around them. He seems to know when I’m lying and that makes me nervous if I'm being honest. I lied a lot these days. I nod and move to walk past him up the stairs. Theo touched my arm lightly, I jumped a bit but didn’t pull away, he did though after I jumped. I didn’t mind the touch, maybe he thought I did, but I quite liked it.
“Hey what are you doing today? Me and Dray are thinking of going to The Leaky Cauldron for some lunch. Come with us.” It was definitely more of a demand than a request. I stared down at my tea. What was I planning on doing today? Not a lot I suppose. Stay in my room and read most likely.
“Oh, I’d hate to intrude on your day Theo..” before I could continue he was shaking his head and interrupted me.
“You’re not intruding Hermione, it’s not like we’re on a date and you’re the third wheel. I’d like you to come, we’re friends now and I invite friends out with me and my boyfriend. So, I ask again, would you care to join us for a perfectly innocent lunch? I promise Draco will keep his hands to himself, but I won’t make any such promises” he winked. Such a flirt. I wonder if Draco minds him flirting.
I let out a nervous laugh. “Okay sure.”
“Great! I’ll pick you up at 12 sharp.” He said quickly turning to follow me up the stairs.
“Theo I live next door to you?” I stated whilst walking up in front of him.
“Yes I know but I’m a gentleman, and we pick our friends up from the door. I’m not an unsophisticated being. One of the very few pureblood customs I refuse to leave behind I’m afraid. Deal with it.” He said with another wink. We were stopped outside his room now. I wondered what other pureblood customs he wouldn’t leave behind. Did I really want to know?
“Okay. See you later then.” I went to walk to my room but Theo stopped me before I could.
“Wait, would you mind getting the door for me? My hands are a little full.” He raised the two mugs and I smiled. Grabbing the doorknob I twisted and opened the door. I peeked into his room to see if it was the same layout as mine, and was greeted with Draco stood in nothing but a towel ruffling a hand through his wet hair. His chest was toned and his skin alabaster, and his scars going every which way covered his entire torso. There were so many of them, I wonder how he got them all? I recognise the biggest being from Harry back in 6th year after casting the sectumsempra curse.
He looked toward the door, seeing me standing, eyes wide, staring at his half naked body, mouth agape looking like a right bloody idiot. Great.
“Um… I’m.. Theo needed.. and..coffee…it’s..sorry.” Could this be any more embarrassing? I wanted the floor to swallow me whole and I never wanted to come back out.
“It’s okay Granger, could have been worse right?” He said smoothly, smirking slightly. I blushed even more and nodded in agreement, all the while Theo stood trying his hardest not to laugh at my flustered state. Such a little shit.
“Right well we’ll see you later then? Remember, 12 sharp” Draco seemed confused but I wasn’t about to stick around longer to explain. I’ll leave Theo to catch him up. I just nodded again and turned to the safety of my room.
Setting my tea down on my bedside table I flopped down onto my bed face down into my pillow and screamed quietly. Why me? Hopefully it won’t be an awkward lunch.