Flames

Chapter 19 - Hermione's POV

The Slytherin common room was nothing compared to what expected. I thought it would be cold and dark and uninviting but it wasn't. It wasn't like that at all.

When I walked in, the first thing I noticed was the giant glass wall that let you see into the lake. I could see the giant squid swimming around calmly. The second thing I noticed was how warm and cozy it was. I looked around and saw multiple fireplaces roaring with fires. Even their carpet was amazing and plush. I noticed they had tons of sofas and places to sit. It was like they expected to have company. The room was filled with greens, silvers and blacks. It was a beautiful common room. It was probably nicer than the Gryffindor common room.

He watched me as I looked around at everything with awe. His face did nothing to betray his emotions. I continued to look around, noticing tiny details in the room. A chess table in the corner, a study table by the one of the fire places and lots of floating candles to light the room up. The whole area was brighter than the Gryffindor common room.

"Do you like it?" I heard Draco ask me.

I turned to him, "I absolutely love it! It's so beautiful in here" I told him.

He gave me a small smile and pulled me close, "I'm glad you like it. This has been my home for so many years. I can't believe I won't get to see it again after this year is over" he told me, his voice taking on a sad tone.

Before I could say anything to comfort him I heard Zabini's voice, "Hey, who let the lioness in here?"

I saw Draco roll his eyes and giggled. He looked down at me and made a face, making me laugh even more.

Zabini walked up to us and raised an eyebrow, "Look at that Draco, your girlfriend seems to think you're as much of a clown as I know you are."

Draco huffed in his direction as I laughed at his expression.

Out of nowhere, Nott appeared, "What's going on here? What did you do to Granger? She's red in the face" he questioned.

"She's laughing at Malfoy's face" Zabini explained, with laughter in his voice.

Nott cracked a smile, "Ah, I see. Yes, Malfoy's face is pretty funny. It's been the butt of many of our jokes and pranks. He just gets so angry. Have you seen him scowling? It's awful"

I struggled to catch my breath, "It's like he tries to be scary but can't" I choked out in between laughs.

The boys looked at each other and laughed loudly at my comment.

By then Draco's face had become serious, "You three are horrible. Clearly you can't behave in each other's presence."

I wrapped my arms around his waist, "Oh come on love. We're just teasing you" I told him gently.

His face softened at my touch, "Yeah. Yeah. I know you're just teasing. You're lucky you're so beautiful. Now behave."

I chuckled lightly and nodded.

Zabini and Nott watched our interaction quietly and intently.

"Wait, did Granger just calm you down with a hug? Who the fuck are you? You must be a fake Malfoy, because a few weeks ago you would've melted our faces off for laughing at you" Zabini asked suspiciously.

Draco rolled his eyes at him, "She calms me Zabini. All you and Nott do is irritate me. Plus, I like her face so I don't want to melt it off. But if you want, I can take yours off" he told him with a wicked smile.

I had rarely seen this playful side to him and I absolutely loved it. I wanted to see more.

Before anyone of us could say anything we heard screaming, "Drake! You're finally here! I can't- what the fuck?" Pansy stopped in her tracks, staring at Draco with me in his arms.

Draco pushed me behind him protectively, "Pans, we have to talk."

"Yeah no shit Draco! What the fuck are you doing with her here? You know mudbloods are not allowed in here" Pansy hollered.

I felt Draco tense up, "Don't. Fucking. Call. Her. That" he told her menacingly.

I placed my hand in the middle of his back so he could calm down a bit. It seemed to work at least a little because I felt his muscles relax a small fraction.

"Drake, why the fuck is she here?" Pansy questioned, venom lacing her voice.

"She's my girlfriend Pans. I really care about her and I think you'd like her. Please give her a chance" Draco explained.

I heard Pansy take a deep breath, "Fine. Let me at least look at her."

"Fine" I heard Draco tell her.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

This. Man. Will. Fight. For. Her.

More on that later

Leave a review in the comments