Just Kitten! | A Dramione Fanfic

~ Chapter 2 ~

As Hermione munched on the brittle dry food, faking enjoyment of her small meal, she noticed that Malfoy was starting to strip his shirt off.

"What's wrong Hermione?" Malfoy asked as he peeled off his pajama shirt. Hermione felt her face burn red as she tucked herself underneath his bed. 

God please forgive me for watching a man undress himself for 15 seconds, Hermione thought with haste as her face burned tomato red.

The underside of his bed smelled musky and dirty, with scattered dust bunnies clouding in clumps everywhere, mostly in the corners. Hermione held her breath, pinching her nose from the scent of dust as she waited for Malfoy to finish dressing in work attire. The red that seeped into her face had faded, but the embarrassment had yet not disappeared. 

"Hermione," Draco cooed as he crouched down onto his knees, his grey eyes illuminating the darkness. His hands were waving back and forth, beckoning her invitingly, "Come out, don't be shy." His voice was surprisingly soft, and as she cautiously approached Malfoy, she took notice of his strained face.

He was wearing a clean pressed dress shirt, a classy black jacket draped over it. He was tugging at his green tie, fixing it hastily. Hermione nodded, giving him an approving look for his work attire. He looks professional, Hermione mused, but his strained face had gotten her worried. 

Perplexed, Hermione cocked her head to the side, and meowed loudly.

"I'm sorry 'mione, but..." He sighed reluctantly, fidgeting with his leather watch, "There's rats in the Minister's office." 

Hermione went stiff. Rat's  in the office? Specifically, her office??!!  The last time she went in a run in with a rat, it didn't turn out so prominent

Malfoy had seemed to notice the sudden horror that had dawned over the small ginger kitten and let out an exasperated sigh. He gazed at her warmly and pulled her into a tight hug. Hermione, taken aback by the sudden hug, slowly melted into his warmth, enjoying the scent of citrus from his freshly washed hair and the slight subtle cologne that lingered the air.

"I know you don't like this, but, you've handled plenty of mice before, right? " He gave her an encouraging nod as he brought over the metal cage, placing it right in front of her. She retreated slowly, a low deep sound rising up and out of her throat instinctively.

It sounded scratchy, like a low growl yet high pitched at the very same time. Hermione didn't notice she was hissing until Malfoy's lips pursed with a sigh.

"Please 'mione, it's just a quick apparition, we'd be back in no time," Malfoy paused, wetting his lips. He then added, "I'll bring some treats."

Hermione furrowed her eyebrows. Treats? I'm not an animal, I'm human, Hermione retorted, exchanging her words with an annoyed meow instead. Taking the meow wrongly, Malfoy chuckled and started to dig around the cupboards, in search for some cat treats. He came back with a translucent green bag, filled halfway with a treat flavor called catnip crunch. Retrieving three miniature squares of catnip crunch, he fisted it in front of Hermione, hopeful that she would take the bribe. 

No thanks, Hermione wanted to say, but the aroma that came from the catnip crunch  was alluring. She felt a small drool of saliva dribbling out of her mouth, but forced the temptation down into her stomach. I'm a human, not some pampered domesticated kitten, Hermione thought stubbornly and turned away from the treats.

"You don't want any?" Malfoy asked, dejection dripping in his words. He let his hands fall down loosely, pondering for anymore items to entice the stubborn kitten. Hermione felt a pang of guilt shot through her heart like an arrow as she watched the three measly treats that were still held in Malfoy's hands. It won't hurt to try just a little bite, Hermione thought, pawing at the cat treats that stared dully back at her. It probably taste like rubbish, just like how it looks.

She swallowed her dignity and gnawed the catnip crunch  reluctantly, but the flavors that bursted out of that dry treat was heavenly.

It was crunchy, with hints of chicken and catnip flavors in it. The catnip was intoxicating, making her crave for more. The chicken tasted fresh out of the oven, but Hermione couldn't put a paw around how this minuscule treat could burst with so many flavors. Hermione purred in delight. 

 Malfoy smiled brightly, and placed a treat into the cage. As Hermione gave into the bribery, he clamped the door of the cage shut, and said, "You like it don't you?"

Hermione gave him a bubbly nod as she chewed the catnip crunch  happily. If she could have this for her meal, she would have it everyday. 

Malfoy crouched down, watching the orange striped kitten devouring the treats ecstatically. A soft smile appeared on his lips. "You're cute Hermione." He whispered, his husky voice highlighting the word cute.

I'm...cute?

Hermione have never been called that, let alone 'pretty' and 'smart'. 

The feeling of being called cute; it made her feel odd. It heated her cheeks pink, and her stomach seemed to be infested with butterflies. It made her brain feel slow and mushy, dizzy and drunken though she hadn't taken any alcohol. It was like a smoothie of emotions, and taking each sip seemed to make her consciousness  befuddled. Hermione did not like this feeling one bit.

Malfoy's fair skin had became a bit flush, the rosiness apparent on his transparent skin. He turned away, furrowing his eyebrows in embarrassment. "What did I just say.." He muttered, his voice barely audible, "If I could say this to her..." 

A twinge of dejection flashed in front of his red face as he picked up the cat cage, checking if Hermione safely tucked into the metal bars.

"Let's go 'mione," He chirped as he took out his wand and closed his eyes, "I'll be late for work if we wait any more longer."

Hermione closed her eyes, trying to flush down all of those swarming feelings that penetrated her mind and body. This morning has been a major twist of vehemence. Though it was a muddle of chaos, a part of Hermione had secretly enjoyed the awkward interactions she shared with Malfoy. 

It's really bad to be Malfoy's cat, Hermione scolded to herself, reassuring herself. Really, I don't feel a slight bit remorse for the monster.

She paused at her thoughts, gazing out of her cage bars. 

"I hate this terrible curse."