Just Kitten! | A Dramione Fanfic

~ Chapter 3 ~

Hermione gazed out of the small cage windows as she felt the familiar sensation of getting dragged into a tight tunnel. It made her hair— or dare I say, fur  stand on end as the invisible force vacuumed her into a different location. Apparition wasn't her favorite way of travel, but if you wanted to get to a place quickly, that was your best option.

Hermione eyed through the bars that encased her as the familiar street unfolded beneath her eyes; graffiti stained walls, shabby-looking shops, and the red telephone box which looked beaten up until pulp. The dingy street was lifeless, besides her and Malfoy who had just arrived in front of the telephone box. 

Hermione drew in a deep breath, inhaling the damp smell of the dewy fog and rain. Malfoy approached the telephone box, dialing the numbers '6-2-4-4-2.'  Telephone music rang through the cramped stall balmily, but Hermione couldn't stay tranquil. She shifted around the cage nervously, her eyes averting from one corner to the other. Now that she was so  close to the Ministry, she felt more than nervous. She was aggravated.

What if someone recognizes me?  Hermione shivered at the thought. Whatever reaction Hermione was hoping  to receive, she was not prepared for this. Especially the rat part.

As she peered through the cage bars that ran along the periphery, the cold metal that pressed against her skin had suddenly became uncomfortable. When had it never bothered her that she was caged up inside of this measly thing?

The cat hormones must me getting into me, Hermione muttered with vexation. First, I woke up as a cat, and even worse-- Malfoy's kitten! Second, I got bribed here with treats! Treats!!  Hermione shook her head at her indignity, feeling embarrassment creeping up to her cheeks. Merlin's beard, this cat's body has gotten me flummoxed!

As they got transported into the Atrium, she watched as the security guard registered Malfoy's wand and permitted him to proceed, both men greeting each other with a subtle silent nod. She gulped, her lips becoming parched as bile rose up her throat.

Try to look less...suspicious, Hermione decided timorously as she shrank back into the darkness of the cage. She was apprehensive about her plan; how are they going to not recognize me when I'm the Minister of Magic?

The elevator chimed brightly and they proceeded inside. Hermione felt beads of sweat starting to accumulate all over her head.

Malfoy heeded her worried expression, his facial features softened. He crouched down to cage level, and met Hermione's eyes. Hermione felt her breath hitched as she gaped into his eyes. 

They were so...mystifying.

"I know it's a bit hard for you," He started in a low voice, biting his lips skittishly, "But I'm here for you whenever you need me."

Hermione felt her lips give a dainty smile, the corners of her mouth twitching upwards. Malfoy returned the favor with a dazzling smile, relief glittering in his eyes dimly. Besides that, Malfoy's eyes were a major deterrent to her.

The spiraling abstractness of the dark silver hues were mesmerizing and flawless. No camera could capture the raw beauty of his eyes. 

It was simply... indispensable. She couldn't pull away from those honey brimming irides; it felt like an essential part of her life. 

Why haven't I never noticed this before?

Hermione allowed a frustrated sigh escape from her lips.  

Maybe if Malfoy was different, Hermione started but she quickly pushed it away. No, Malfoy could never be different; he'll always be that cold, arrogant Deatheater he is. 

As they arrived to the Minister's office, she noticed a silhouette of a man standing there, and as they drew closer, all thoughts of hatred seemed to be diminished. The flaming red hair, the sapphire eyes, scattered freckles all over his pale skin...

Ron.

What's Ron doing here, Hermione though frantically, her heart beat pulsating higher. What if- what if he finds out I'm Hermione?!

She clawed at the cage desperately, but Malfoy seemed to haven't noticed. Instead, he was surveying Ron repulsively, as if he was some maggot infested garbage can.

 "Weasley," He drawled coldly, his face conveying nothing but pure hatred. Their eyes were locked together tightly, an immense display of a taut staring contest.

"Malfoy," Ron vented as he reinstated the favor with a sharp glare. The tenseness between the two had increased, dousing her into cold water. The frostiness of Malfoy's voice gave her chills that ran from the nape of her neck down to the end of her spine. Hermione shivered— she wasn't so used to this kind of attitude from him anymore.  

"What are you doing here?" Malfoy asked, undeniable vexation rising up his throat. Hermione could feel the cage trembling underneath his tight grip. Ron fixated a wrathful scowl at him, grinding his teeth together.

"Helping my fiancée with Ministry work," Ron growled as he flipped through the precariously held folder that stacked in his arms. Malfoy flinched at the word fiancée, a tiny bit of rue lingering in his eyes. 

Ron's gaze wandered to the cage, his face scrutinizing at the small metal deterrent, "I should be asking you the question; why are you here?"

Malfoy stood taller, holding the cage that held Hermione proudly, "Getting rid of the rats; they've infested Granger's office."

"That's Minister Weasley to you!" Ron spat, distaste stinging in his watery eyes. A part of Ron looked smug as Malfoy tensed up, a twinge of sorrow flashing across Malfoy's face.

"When—? " He stuttered, averting his eyes to the floor. Malfoy muttered something unintelligible,  his voice crestfallen and blue. Ron ignored his question, his eyes still locked onto the cage Malfoy tightly grasped. Hermione shut her eyes tightly, praying for no suspicions to be held against her.

"What's that you're holding?" Ron demanded as he crouched down to peer into the looming darkness of the cage. Malfoy retreated the hand instinctively, snatching the cage away from Ron.

"Stay away Weasley." Malfoy stated firmly, harshness stabbing into his voice.

"A precious little kitten there, innit?" Ron sneered as he got up, his tall figure looming over him. Malfoy's fist tightened, resisting the urge to thrash out, "You're scared if I'd harm that little kitty, am I right?" Malice glinted in his eyes, his face pulled into a leer, "Maybe I should since you've served you-know-who—"

"I SAID GO AWAY!" Malfoy roared, pulling out his wand out ominously. Ron backed away, the smirk still remaining on his face. 

As Ron disappeared into the corner of the hallways, Malfoy swung the door open with haste, unlatching the cage to release Hermione.

"Freaking bastard," Malfoy muttered bitterly as he dropped the metal cage onto Hermione's disorganized workspace. 

Hermione was shaken by the vigorous argument as she took small, tottering steps out of her confinement. She knew that Ron had always held a grudge against Malfoy, but that didn't make him the right to try to wound a kitten. Hermione was furious. She was furious how Ron had tried to take advantage of Malfoy, furious for how he emphasized her as his fiancée. She could've just broke up with him for all she cares. 

He didn't need to accelerate it this far, Hermione thought rashly as she surveyed her office, her eyebrows knitted hopefully for any clues.

The office was just how she left it; the rubbish bin overflowed with crumpled notes and the messy desk piled with perilous stacked documents. Hermione sighed in relief yet the sight still intrigued her.

How did I become a cat? 

That still remained a mystery to her. As Malfoy bid her a good bye, a warm beam plastered on his face, she couldn't help but ponder; Why is he so protective of his cat? 

Hermione's stomach fluttered nervously as she slumped behind the desk. What is this feeling? It's so...intriguing.

Hermione swallowed. The real problem was; where was the rats?

A/N Late update ;-;