21. Chapter 21: Hermione

I'm sorry to those who find underlining to emphasize words annoying (one person said it looked like links). Just remember, you can't have links in a story chapter. Maybe that'll help. But for this story, I don't plan to move to using italics for emphasized words. You can be sure, however, that I will do that for my next story (which I am writing as well).

& wheeeee...

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10 Ways to Kill Draco Malfoy

Chapter 21

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HERMIONE

Oh my. Harry was really pissed off at Blaise, if his behavior at Hogsmeade was any indication of his mood. He smashed a chair, for God's sake. And he didn't even seemed to realize he'd done it. Now that's scary.

But after he came back to Hogwarts, he found Ginny and they disappeared somewhere. Ron, being the protective brother and worrisome best friend, suggested that we look for him. Which we did. I knew where to look - after all, we've been friends for over five years, and I know all of Harry's favorite 'hiding' places. Under a large oak tree, on the bank overlooking the centre of the lake. It's a beautiful spot, one that I'd shown to him back when I had a little crush on him.

Don't tell anyone about that. Even if that was back in the first and second year, with the crush dissolving in the middle of the third year, it's still kinda embarassing...

"So, Ron, happy now?" I hiss to the rather thick redhead as Harry and Ginny, both beet-red when we'd found them in the action of breaking apart right before a snog, trail behind us slowly like Patroni. "You totally ruined their chance to make up after that Blaise incident."

Ron shrugs helplessly. "Sorry! I didn't know. I'm not exactly experienced about things like that." Strangely, he glances at me and turns pink. Hmm. How odd. "I guess this means they're officially a couple?" he asks, motioning behind him.

I nod. "Obviously. They should have gotten together ages ago. You can tell Harry had been itching to ask Ginny out, and she never really took any of her other boyfriends seriously." I sigh. "Poor Dean. He really did like her a lot."

"Let's hope Harry's not itching to get to second base," Ron mutters as we push open the main doors of the castle and head inside. I roll my eyes at his back and follow him, glancing back at the two to check they are still there and haven't lagged behind too much.

The next night, after the event where I asked Dobby to record a howler for me (the poor little thing didn't know what on Earth he was doing, so did it for me quite willingly) and then sending it to Malfoy at dinner, we sprawl on our favorite armchairs and just relax. It's a Saturday evening, after all; I'd done my homework in the library when I'd escaped from my friends in a moment of guiltiness. I hope Harry and Ron have written their homework down in the homework planner I bought for them. That's what it's for, after all.

"How do you plan to take revenge, Harry?" I ask him nonchalantly. I am hoping that he'll let me do the revenge, since I'm going around injuring Draco anyway. So what if I call him by his first name? It doesn't mean anything.

I think.

Harry narrows his eyes at me playfully. "You want to go and hex Malfoy and co. again, don't you?" he says, replying to my question with a question of his own. I hate it when people do that - it's like they're trying to avoid answering my question.

"Yes... and no," I say mysteriously. Ron shakes his head and Harry laughs.

Ginny, who is sitting in the armchair beside me, pinches me. I yelp and withdraw my arm quickly. "Hey, 'Mione, what's all this I hear about you and Malfoy? First you're trying to kill him, then you guys have some kind of private meeting. Days later, you appear in the Three Broomsticks with him and Blaise." She shudders at the name, but continues. "What's all this about?"

I try to give a light smile and shrug the matter off. "OK. The killing thing. I am not trying to kill him, only trying to injure him as often as possible so that he doesn't annoy the rest of the school. Second, the private meeting - he arranged it, and we didn't talk about anything other than Dragon Blood and -" I pause quickly. It would not be a good idea to tell them about that french kiss. I mean, he thought I was Pansy, and that is already insulting enough to make me keep quiet about it. No need to make anyone else pry. "Yeah, that's about it. And third, he offered to take me to Hogsmeade when I told him I was looking for you guys. Nothing special there."

Harry, Ron and Ginny all exchange surprised looks. "Malfoy offered to take you to Hogsmeade to find us?" Ron asks curiously.

"Yes," I say, rather irritably. Is he deaf or what?

Harry looks amazed. "But Malfoy never offers to do anything for anyone. Except maybe stuff their heads down the toilet. But you get my drift," he says. "He never offers to do anything positive for anyone."

"So it's quite strange that he helped you," Ginny says, a wicked gleam in her eye. I sigh. I know what she is thinking - suspecting - and it's not pleasant. "I bet he fancies you."

Ron's eyes bulge. "No way! Malfoy would never like Hermione. He goes for the all-looks and no-brains type, like Pansy."

I glare at him. "Is that meant to be an insult?"

"N-no! Of course not," he amends quickly, looking at me nervously. "I mean that Malfoy tends to like dumb girls with big chests. Not that he's the only one, of course..."

"Oh my God, Ron," I say. "I never knew you went for bimbos."

"I don't!" he argues. "I was just saying that girls like that are generally more sought after at first sight."

Ginny laughs. "Suuuuure, Ron! We believe you!"

Ron turns to glare at his little sister. "Shut up!"

"OK, break it up," Harry yells over our bickering. "Stop screaming at each other." He clears his throat and grins at me. "Hermione, I hereby grant you permission to get revenge on Blaise for me. Do whatever you want to him - and make it creative! Include Malfoy if you need to."

I give a cheer. "Yay! Thanks, Harry. You know I'll make good use of your permission." I smile. "Now go and make up with Ginny. I'll take Ron somewhere far away. After all, we have duties tomorrow night, so that gives you more time if you need." I almost giggle at Harry and Ginny's expressions. Harry's is a look of embarassment mixed with glee, and Ginny just plain glee. I have to say, that girl is pretty outgoing with her emotions. Not afraid to make the first move, that one. "Ron. Let's go and take revenge. It's nearly dinnertime."

Ron sighs but obeys, with one last glance at the couple as they sit shyly in their seats, reluctant to move until we are out of sight. Quickly I drag him through the portrait-hole and the Fat Lady's picture swings closed behind us. "So, where to?" he asks as we walk along slowly.

I shrug. "Dunno. Got a plan?" Of course, in my head I already have a plan for Malfoy, but I think Ron can have the joy of beating up Blaise if he wants.

--- Plan 6: Get Harry's Invisibility Cloak and beat Malfoy over the head with a broom, hopefully making him get a concussion which will keep him in the Hospital Wing for days

When: Anytime - probably tonight

Why: Because he dared Blaise to kiss Ginny (thus killing the mood of the date).

How: Find him, put on coat, sneak after him with a broom in hand and beat him when he is out of earshot of the Great Hall. This is so that no one can hear his shrieks of pain and coming running, i.e Pansy or a teacher.

"How about we go beat up Blaise?" Ron suggests brightly. "It'll sooth me, that's for sure. Malfoy is up to you."

I beam at him. "Just what I had in mind, Ron." I make a mental note to go back to the common room later and grab the cloak. Oh wait. If I go back later, Harry and Ginny could be in the middle of a marathon snogging session. I wouldn't exactly want to barge in on them, so now would probably be good, when the two are most likely still in the talking stage of making up. "Wait a sec. I need to go back and get something."

I clamber back into the common room after reciting the password ("Incendio Trio") and thankfully run into Harry and Ginny while they are still sitting in their seats, although Ginny seems to have moved into the armchair next to him. They look up quickly as I approach and seem relieved to see that it is just me, not someone like Dean (who was heartbroken for weeks over Ginny's breakup with him). "'Mione? What's up?"

"Harry, I need your Invisibility Cloak," I request, and Harry nods. I think he understands why I need it, otherwise he would have asked me why. But since Harry is so nice and shares like a good boy should, he generally just gives people what they need, no questions asked. He appears back on the stairs a few moments after he heads into his dormitory, and runs down to hand me the cloak. It feels like liquid in my hands. I fold it carefully and tuck it into my robes. "Thanks, Harry. I assure you it will not be misused." I give him an impish grin, which he returns. I go back outside and spot Ron wandering around nearby.

"What took you so long?" he grumbles when he sees me, but looks happy anyway.

"Had to grab something for my plan about Malfoy," I say, a little breathless from climbing through the portrait-hole so much. I take out the Invisibility Cloak to show to Ron. "This."

Ron's eyes widen. "Harry actually lent it to you? Wow," he breathes excitedly. "This makes our revenge much easier."

"Mine, at least," I remind him. "Yours is just straight-on fighting. Or unless you would like to use an underhanded method and ambush Blaise?" I grin evilly. Ron hates it when people mock him about his pride.

"O-of course not!" he huffs, eyes blazing. "I'm going to go right up to that freak and give him what he deserves - a good spanking. Not that I'd really spank him, but you know what I mean." He straightens his robes and brushes a hand through his orange hair. "Better look good for the job. You coming with me, or are you going after Malfoy on your own?"

I shake my head. "There's not much time left until dinner," I reply. "Better hurry up and not take my chances. After the meal, we probably won't be able to find them." I pull up the sleeve of my thin, woollen blue jumper (which is not that good at keeping out the cold, but does the job acceptably and looks good too) and glance at my watch. "It's 7:10pm. We have half an hour." I look up and pat Ron on the shoulder. "See you back at the common room at 7:45pm, OK?"

He nods. "Deal." With that, Ron waves goodbye and goes off to find his target.

My victim is most likely on his way to the Great Hall. I glance around carefully and put on the cloak. It is a wonderful feeling, walking around the school knowing that no-one else can see you. I refrain from skipping around and dancing, because the cloak doesn't muffle noises.

About 10 minutes later, I manage to spot Draco, thanks to his distinguishable drawl and Crabbe and Goyle's loud voices. I quickly hide around a corner, but then remember that I am invisible to them. Heart pounding, I casually walk towards them, carefully avoiding contact. To perform my plan, I'll need a broom cupboard. Scouting ahead, I spot one a few dozen metres away. Slowly I follow the trio like a ghost, making sure to keep as quiet as I can.

When we reach the cupboard, I dart off to the side and whisper, "Alohamora!" to unlock the cupboard.

Draco stops and frowns in my direction. "Wait, boys. I think I heard something." He slowly walks in my direction. "Knowing how some people own invisibility cloaks these days, it's best to check you're not going to be jumped." The blonde Slytherin waves his hands in front of him like a zombie, and I quickly open the door to hit him in the face. "Dammit! Goddamn, that hurt!" He rubs his nose, glaring at the door.

I suppress laughter and reach in a few metres (why on earth do they build these cupboards so big?) to find a broom. "Perfect," I murmur to myself and withdraw it carefully from the cupboard. When Draco sees a sweeping broomstick floating in the air in front of him, he looks downright scared. I wave it about menacingly and manage to knock him on the shoulder - I'd aimed for his head, but he moved aside nimbly and I only managed to get him after moving the broom to his side.

"Ouch!" he complains, rubbing his shoulder. I grin and use this chance to hit him over the head. "Oh, fuck! Who is that!" he yells, ducking as I aim another swing at him. "Stop it! It's not funny, Potter! This joke is getting old. In case you forgot, you did this in 3rd year. And 5th year. And now. Can't you think of anything better?"

I find myself having fun as I sweep the broomstick at Draco, Crabbe and Goyle, whom out of the three, only the first one dodges any of my blows. The other two are too slow and stupid to avoid anything and take the force of my hits, even though they aren't my target. "Oops," I say apologetically as I whack Goyle on the shins very hard yet again. He squeaks and falls back. At the same time, he reaches out to grab something to hold onto, and, of all things, the Invisibility Cloak is the thing he finds first. As he tugs the cloak down, I am revealed. "Oh no," I mutter as realization dawns in Draco's cold grey eyes.

Which are very pretty, did I mention that?

MUST NOT THINK ABOUT DRACO'S PRETTY EYES. MUST NOT!

"So it was you, Her- Granger," he snarls angrily. "You know, humiliating me seems to have become a hobby of yours recently."

"Not my fault I enjoy such entertainment, Draco, especially when it's so easy," I reply airily, carefully stepping back so to make a fast escape. Then I remember the cloak. Goyle is still clutching it in his fist. I can't exactly leave without it.

He raises an eyebrow. "'Draco'?"

"That's not your name?"

"Yes, but not to you," he says. "For you it's 'The Superior Master Malfoy'. For Potter and Weasley, I'll make up something even longer."

I roll my eyes. "My God, I feel so special that I get to call you something unique from what everyone else does." I give the cloak a hard tug and Goyle finally has the sense to let go. "Good. Got the cloak back." I smile sweetly at him. "See you! Enjoy nursing your bruises." Actually, I don't think I did much more than give them a few bruises in some spots that will be very sore tomorrow morning. Hah! They should think themselves lucky.

"Who's there?" A croaky voice calls out. "Students should be at dinner, in the Great Hall! When I catch you, you'll get detention for wandering around when you're not supposed to." The voice is accompanied by a faint meow that can be none other than Mrs. Norris.

"Damn, it's Filch," Draco mutters. "Quick, Crabbe, Goyle, run. You two won't be able to hide yourselves if your lives depended on it." To me, he jabs a thumb towards the cupboard. "In there. Now."

"Don't think you can boss me about, you-" I stop in mid-sentence when I see Filch's shadow looming right around the corner. I gulp and dive inside. "Maybe just this once!"

A moment later Draco joins me and shuts the door quickly. I thought the broom cupboard was big, but apparently not, because right now his knee is jammed into my back rather painfully. "Move your leg," I hiss as quietly as I can, and shove him backwards, but to no avail because there is no space to shove him to. "Man, this place is so small."

"What did you expect? It's a broom cupboard, not a handy place for people to hide in. Filch probably won't look here. This is one of the smaller ones. He'll think we all ran away." Draco does his best to shift himself, but we are both sitting in odd postures, making it hard to move without banging the door open. And by the very faint clicking sound outside (Mrs. Norris' claws on the floor) and the loud sound of Filch's footsteps, he's still pretty close by.

"Good point," I whisper before becoming silent. Slowly, the footsteps die away, though not before a great deal of muttering and curses.

Draco lets out a breath. "Phew." Returning back to his cocky self, he smirks. "Let me remind you, cupboards like this are also used for..." He attempts to stand and then forces me to the corner, kneeling over me with his hands beside my shoulders. "... shagging sessions." Draco lowers his face until his nose brushes mine, and nuzzles my cheek.

I push him away. "No way, Malfoy. You're not going to do that to me here. I'd like to lose my virginity to someone I actually like..." I trail off as something inside me twinges. I ignore it and turn away from him.

"Aw. You stopped calling me Draco," he says, feigning hurt. "That was sweet while it lasted, I suppose." He grins. Even though it is dark, I can practically feel his self-confidence about girls radiating off him. I guess he does have a reason to be so confident. His looks guarantee that he'll get any girl he sets his eyes on.

"Now let's go... WHAT!" I start to push open the door, but it doesn't budge a bit. "Alohamora!" The spell bounces off the wood and when I try again, the door stays firmly shut.

Draco pushes me aside. "Oh, let me do it, you weakling," he says, slamming into the door with his shoulders. The cupboard stays shut. "Dynamora!" he shouts and points his wand at the door. A feeble little explosion happens at the tip of the wand, but doesn't blast the door open as it is meant to. "What the fuck is happening?" he asks, sitting back in frustration.

I refuse to believe that I am stuck in a broom cupboard, of all things, with Draco Malfoy. "Pyrifico! Dynamora! Um, Explosarsium!" When none of the explosive spells work, I bang my head in panic. "No! It can't be true! We're not stuck here, we can't be!"

"Didn't Dumbledore mention something about new spells on the storage cupboards around here, to stop students skipping class to make out in broom closets?" His eyes widen - I can see that much from the sliver of light that comes through the crack between the doors. "Uh oh. That means we're stuck until someone comes to help us out."

"Filch? Should we yell for him?" I groan. "I mean, the worst thing he can do to us is to give us detention for weeks... oh gods." I put my head in my hands and shake it. "This isn't good."

Draco bangs the wall. "I'm not calling for Filch! He'd expel me! He's hated me ever since I slipped a neslug into his slipper at the end of last year." He sighs. "I don't want to be expelled now. I only have another year to go."

I giggle. Neslugs are nasty little creatures that look like slugs, but explode when squashed to spray out acid that burns most things except human skin, strange as it is. Instead, it stains the skin a sickly shade of green, and makes it itch for weeks afterwards. "That was pretty brave. How did you pull it off?"

"Well..."

After I get him started, Draco briefly explains his prank, and we start talking about all the pranks we've ever done or witnessed. Since Ron is Fred and George's brother, most of the time he hears all about their latest joke first before anyone else, and Harry, Ginny and I laugh about it before people have even had time to see the results of the joke. So being stuck in the cupboard turns out to be not all that boring, but unfortunately there is the problem of my friends that I have to tend to. "What can I do? It's already 9pm," I complain after a moment of silence. "Ron and Harry will be worried. They probably think you've murdered me and dumped my body in the lake or something."

"That's ridiculous," Draco says indignantly. "For one, you're far to interesting to murder, and for another, I don't dump bodies into the lake. That's so uncreative."

I raise an eyebrow, even though he can't see it. "Does that mean you've murdered before?"

"I did not mean that."

"You sure?"

"I'm sure."

"Who knows." I smile to myself. So far I haven't been hexed or anything. In fact, it's been almost enjoyable. Apart from one thing - sitting so close to Draco and not being able to make any moves, because he's supposed to be my worst enemy. Of all the attractive males I could have gotten stuck with, it just has to be him. The most attractive one. The one who is also an enemy.

At about 10pm, we start to feel bored. "My homework's due on Monday, and I haven't finished it yet," I mumble. "I'm going to be in trouble if we don't get out soon."

"It's due on Monday. That still leaves you tomorrow night," he points out. There is a period of uncomfortable silence, and suddenly he grabs me and pulls me towards him. "OK. Looks like I can't seem to resist temptation any longer," he whispers into my neck. "I mean, woo, stuck with a girl who's not Pansy in a closet. Mmm."

I'm sure he can feel my heart pounding like a drum next to his steady one. "Wh-what? What are you doing?" Feebly, I try to push him off, but secretly I am enjoying the feeling of having strong arms around me. It always makes any girl feel safe and secure. In Draco's case, the anticipation of what might come is also a strong feeling.

I wonder. What will happen next?

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Wow! Long-ish chapter. Longer than usual, anyway. Hope you liked this, 'kinky' stuff next chapter. Not really kinky, more like just a interesting night of lust for these two young people. -Winks- I'll try to make it PG-13 enough... though I'm not that good at that kind of stuff, so bear with me... suggestions will help.

Basically, what is kinky but not too adult-rated? PG-13 kinky, basically. Any ideas?