Silencio

Chapter 8

Draco fell back on the bed and stared at the canopy. He wasn't exactly sure what he had done wrong this time, but if he knew women, she'd probably shout it at him the next time he got hold of her. It was exasperating the way she seemed to refuse to stay on good terms with him, but if she wanted him to fight her, he would.

He would do almost anything for another night like this.

Yesterday, he had finally found an excuse sound enough for his own mind to go seek her out. There were plenty of underlings about who he could bully into doing his work for free, but she was the best, and of course, he'd only settle for the best. That, at least, was what he told those who questioned his decision.

Even if she did come at a very steep price.

The coursework had never been the real reason, anyway. He had wanted to talk to her, plain and simple.

Her hostility had surprised him. He didn't remember doing anything particularly objectionable to her for a long time. He'd been a bloody saint and had barely even looked wrong at any of the rabble that she so loved to defend. He supposed there was no winning with her.

However... last night he had felt like he'd won. Not at any of their little games but just... won. For a few hours, he had been free of fear and worry and for the first time in months he had slept like a baby.

He desperately wanted that again.

When he had suggested that she missed him, he hadn't really believed his own words. It was just an excuse to be near her, to keep her attentions on him. It had been quite stupid, really. Then he had decided that he wanted another taste of her, and he had had himself convinced that it would be for the greater good, because then she'd slap him, he'd recover from this illogical obsession, and everyone would be happier.

But she hadn't slapped him, had she? She'd kissed him back, setting him on fire and feeding his never-ending longing for more.

And she'd come with him to his room.

And she'd given him more than he'd ever dared to ask for.

And, for a short time, he'd actually thought life was still worth living.

And now she'd decided to storm off in a huff because he asked her a few questions about her so-called date for tomorrow.

Women.

What was up with that? If she needed more, all she had to do was ask. It wasn't him who had decided that they shouldn't do this more often; in fact, he felt quite certain that he'd be up to doing this every single night, should she allow him to. That thought made him smile.

*****

Recognizing the pattern of their little game, Draco didn't even bother trying to try and seek Granger out again that day. He had his non-caring act down to perfection, and he didn't mind utilizing it. It was better if he ignored her most of the time anyway; Pansy was being a pain about him being around her.

'Why do you need the services of a filthy Mudblood?' she'd asked. 'There are plenty of others you could ask.'

'What?' he'd replied in his most arrogant voice. 'You'd do my homework for me virtually for free and even get me an Acceptable in Arithmancy? I didn't know you were so talented.'

'There are others. You could get Harper to do it.'

'Harper isn't even in our year! How's he supposed to do NEWT prep when he hasn't even taken his OWLs yet?'

'So you're claiming she's the only one with the skills to do it, is that it?'

'No,' he'd said patiently as if talking to a child. 'I'm saying she's the best and I know how to make her.'