That Ship Has Sailed

Draco & Hermione II

Hermione was sitting in the common room, reading and doing homework when Harry and Ron returned. She looked up eagerly as they scanned the room for her. When they spotted her, they made their way over and stood before her.

"Well?" she asked nervously.

"He checks out," Ron said after a long pause, "His intentions are--dare I say it--pure."

"Don't choke on the words, mate," Harry chuckled at Ron, then returned his gaze to Hermione, "He's a straight up guy. Has no beef with you and we approve."

Ron nods, then kneels down to speak softer, "But Hermione..."

"What?"

"If he ever does anything to hurt you. If he ever lays a finger on you without your permission. Harry and I are going to find him. We're going to drag him into an alley. And we're going to beat the living tar out of him. Do you understand me?"

Hermione looked up at Harry who seemed to be keeping watch to make sure no one overheard their conversation. She then looked at Ron and nodded, "I understand."

"You must swear to me to tell us if that ever happens," Ron continued.

Hermione nodded again, "I swear I will."

He nods and takes her head in his hand, pulling her close to kiss the top of her head, something he and Harry had gotten used to doing since they grew taller than her in third year. She smiled and returned to her book as Harry and Ron left.

A while later, as people in the common room began filtering out and going to bed or leaving for their own common rooms, Harry and Ron sat, playing wizards chess while Hermione remained seated studying dutifully.

Suddenly, there was a ruckus outside their door, gaining the attention of all three.

Harry looked around, seeing they were alone, then stood and went to ask the portrait what was wrong. When he opened the door, however, he saw the fat lady arguing with a tall, skinny Slytherin.

"Hey," Harry said, "He's fine. Let him through."

The lady scowled at Draco as he walked past her to enter the common room.

"Didn't the password work?" Harry asked.

"She told me it was wrong."

"She can be a bitch sometimes," Harry replied, "Min's over there. Ron and I will be sitting right here, though. Keeping an eye on you two."

Draco nodded, starting toward Hermione. When she saw him, she smiled, then glanced at Harry and Ron who sat in front of the fireplace, returning to their game, though glancing over every few seconds.

"Hi," Draco said sheepishly, "I feel like a child right now with those two eyeing me like that."

"Ignore them," Hermione said with a smile, "Sit down. How were your tests? I didn't expect to see you for a few more days..."

"I know. They told me to come by."

"Really?"

Draco nodded, "I think they wanted to monitor our first few interactions before we could sneak off again."

"They're just protective."

"It's a bit intimidating. Going with a girl who has her own body guards."

Hermione giggled and Draco chuckled until he began coughing. Hermione stopped and put her hand on his, "Are you okay?"

Draco paused, sneezed, then nodded, "Yeah. I caught a bit of a cold last night, I guess. I should've kept my scarf. Then you'd be the sick one. At least then I could bring you soup and fawn over you."