Flames

Chapter 20 - Draco's POV

My blood boiled at Pansy calling Hermione a mudblood, "Don't. Fucking. Call. Her. That" I told her angrily.

I felt Hermione place her hand in the middle of my back and relaxed slightly.

"Drake, why the fuck is she here?" Pansy asked, her tone laced with venom and anger.

I sighed quietly, "She's my girlfriend Pans. I really care about her and I think you'd like her. Please give her a chance" I pleaded with her.

I watched as she took a deep breath, "Fine. Let me at least look at her."

I nodded once, "Fine."

I pulled Hermione from behind me slowly but kept an arm wrapped around her protectively.

I watched Pansy carefully, "Watch it Pans. If I have to hex you I won't hesitate. I WILL protect her and you will not hurt her in any way, shape, or form."

Pansy rolled her eyes at me, "Can you fucking relax? I'm not going to hurt her Draco. I wouldn't stoop that low. Plus you know I barely have access to magic because I'm on probation. But I do want to talk to her, in private."

"Absolutely not Pansy. She stays with me. Your temper is way too volatile to be left alone with her" I told her quickly.

"It's okay love. I'll go with her. Just take her wand" Hermione told me low enough for only my ears. I thought about it before agreeing.

Pansy watched us, "What is she saying?" she questioned.

I looked at Hermione and she nodded her encouragement, "She said she'll go with you. But the only way I'll let her go, is if you give me your wand."

Pansy debated for a second before pulling her wand out of her pocket and giving it placing it on the floor between us.

"There, are you happy now?" She asked sarcastically.

I reluctantly let my arm fall and let Hermione walk towards Pansy. I watched as they walked to the girls dormitory area and disappeared behind the door.

"She'll be fine Draco. Pansy wouldn't risk your wrath. She knows that if she even touches a single hair on Granger's head, you'll explode and have her head" Theo reasoned.

I nodded hesitantly while picking up Pansy's wand, "Yeah well, if she even THINKS about doing anything to Hermione, I'll loose my shit."

"Mate we know you care about her, but calm down" Zabini told me.

I took a few calming breaths while waiting for them to come back and join us. After about 30 minutes, they finally walked out of the room, laughing.

Hermione sauntered over to me and I pulled her to me quickly, "Are you okay? What did you talk about?" I questioned.

"Oi! Leave her alone Drake! Let her breathe, gods. Now let's go eat. My date should already be waiting for us" Pansy said, as she herded us like sheep.

We walked into the small room that we usually reserved for private meetings and were met with a ton of food and drinks. We all watched as Pansy walked over to a girl and kissed her cheek.

"Guys, this is my girlfriend Isabella Reynolds. Bella, this is Blaise, Theo, Draco and Hermione" Pansy introduced us one by one.

Isabella's eye went wide at the sight of Hermione and I holding hands.

"Wait, you two are… together? So the rumors are true? You guys really were seen in Hogsmead holding hands?" she asked excitedly.

Hermione blushed a deep red and cleared her throat, "Um… yes" she answered shyly.

"Bella leave them alone! They just started going out. Sorry, it's the Hufflepuff in her" Pansy exclaimed.

I chuckled and shrugged.

We sat down to eat and drink. As we lost track of time, I watched as Hermione became more and comfortable with her surroundings, eventually addressing Theo and Blaise by their actual names. By the time we realized what time it was, it was late and we all needed to get to bed. We all said our good nights and went our separate ways. That night was the first night we didn't even try to go to our own rooms and went straight to mine to sleep in the same bed.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

A lot of people say Draco would NEVER change his way of thinking. But they're wrong. When people leave toxic families behind they flourish. Trust me, he flourished when Lucius was out of the picture.

We also love a man who's willing to stand up to his friends to protect his girl.