What Room Do You Require?
She was a bundle of nerves throughout the day’s classes. She couldn’t focus, opting to sit in the back of classrooms and watch the clock. Their eyes met periodically. Stolen glances while dipping their quills in ink and walking through the halls.
If Draco was nervous, she couldn’t tell. Rather, he seemed impatient, drumming his fingers against his desk. As their agreed meeting time ticked near, Hermione grew more anxious. Dread built up inside her as she contemplated why he asked to meet again.
His earlier tenderness dominated her thoughts, the way his fingers felt against her jaw. If she was a fool, she’d convince herself he held the same secret infatuation. But she was no fool. He must be lonely, perhaps simply appreciative of her presence in the infirmary.
Plus, there was the nonsensical suggestion of leaving Hogwarts. He may be in trouble, in need of her help. Worse, this could all be part of a cruel, sick joke. An intricate plan to humiliate her. Her gut told that that wasn’t the case. She knew he was genuine.
It was finally time for dinner. She searched for him immediately upon entering the Great Hall, but he was absent. No matter, it was time to escape her mates. A feigned stomach ache, an announcement of going to the Hospital Wing, and assurances that she can go alone followed.
Harry was lost in thought. Ron was being fussed over by Lavender. It was easy enough. Hermione hurried to the Room of Requirement. Gilded doors appeared. She took a breath & closed her eyes, ready.
A tentative step inside revealed a makeshift common room. There was a roaring fire before plush couches. Bookshelves and a desk lined one of the walls.
A small dining table with two chairs sat under arched windows. It looked as if someone had been living here. Books, used parchment, & clothes were scattered about. To the left, she saw a grand four poster bed and a dresser. In the bed was the sleeping form of Draco Malfoy.
Hermione approached slowly, not making a sound. He must’ve dozed off while reading; his head rested on his fist, an open book on his lap. He looked ethereal with his tie shed and upper two buttons of his top undone, pale skin & bandages peeking out.
His breathing was even; stronger now. He seemed more peaceful than before. Her eyes darted across the room, unsure what to do. An idea emerged, one that required bravery. She moved to the other side of the bed, kicked off her shoes and slowly climbed atop the covers.
Sitting with one leg tucked underneath her, she laid a hand on his shoulder & shook him slightly. Steel grey eyes snapped open.
Draco straightened, a blush creeping up his neck. “Granger,” he breathed.
“I’m sorry to wake you,” Hermione said apologetically.
“I lost track of time, my mistake,” he assured her.
The pair fell silent, unsure.
Draco seemed grim, like he was dreading the forthcoming conversation.
“Why am I here, Draco?”
He exhaled sharply. “I am in your debt. You saved my life,” he began, eyes trained on where her skirt had risen. “To repay it, I’d like to convince you to leave Hogwarts.”
Her brows furrowed. “For the same reason you’re leaving?” She pried.
He scoffed, resting his head against the bed frame. “You could say that. The Dark Lord is planning something, Granger. We both know it. It will only become more dangerous for—you.”
His eyes expressed the dread she felt.
“No. I won’t run. I’ll fight if I must.” She asserted, resigned to the likelihood of war.
His eyes widened, jaw clenched. He grabbed her shoulders, desperate.“Granger, please. I’m begging you to leave.”
“You know more. What aren’t you telling me?” She pressed.
“It doesn’t matter, Granger! What matters is that if you don’t leave you will die!” He said angrily, shaking her shoulders.
“And why do you care?” She retorted, frustrated. “Because—because I can’t bear the thought of you dead! I’d take your place if I could!” Draco yelled.
He exhaled shakily. “Just please. Take your parents & run. Hide. I’ll pay for it all. Just go.” He said quietly, leaning back. Hermione was at a loss. She only knew one thing: Draco cared about her. She placed her hands around his face softly, to which he closed his eyes.
“Draco,” she whispered. “You know I can’t run. It means so much to me that you tried. But you don’t owe me anything, this isn’t your burden to bear.” His eyes shone with grief. In a moment of weakness, he wrapped his arms around her waist & pulled her close.
Draco buried his face into her neck, his hold tight. Hermione gasped. She wrapped her arms around his neck, their hug position not the best. She threw caution to the wind & moved to his lap, straddling him.
Their hug was tight, desperate.
Her hand moved to his hair, feeling the silky softness she always imagined. His hand roamed her back, while the other gripped her neck tightly.
“I’m sorry, Granger. I never wanted this.” He said softly into her neck. His breath tickled.
“You’re not at fault,” she murmured, relishing his proximity. He abruptly leaned back to look at her, his hold still tight.
“You don’t know that.” He whispered, staring at her lips.
“I don’t care,” she rushed out. He leaned closer until his lips were nearly brushing hers.
“You unravel me bare,” he breathed.
Their lips met, both unsure who started it. The kiss was soft, slow, deliberate. His grip on her neck tightened as it progressed. Hermione hummed, relishing the taste of him. Draco groaned, thrilled by the sound.
The kiss deepened, Draco’s tongue brushed her teeth, asking for entrance. She obliged, her tongue meeting his. A hardness grew underneath her most sensitive spot, sparking something deep within her. His hands grew curious, untucking her shirt & feeling the skin of her back.
She lightly bit his bottom lip, growing desperate for his taste, for more of him. She felt a twitch underneath her. She bit again. He groaned into her mouth, wrapped his arms tightly around her, & flipped her onto the bed.
“Tell me to stop, Granger.” He murmured, eyes heavy.