THE RAVENCLAW AFFAIR

Chapter 7: Sectumsempra

The Ravenclaw Affair

Chapter Seven

"You and me, right now, outside," Harry Potter said and he was furious.

"I've been waiting for this for years, Potter," Draco spat and both men left through the doors of the Great Hall. Hermione turned to follow, but Ron gripped her by the shoulder and spun her around.

"You let that slimy Ferret kiss you? Have you gone daft since you were sorted into Ravenclaw?"

"Ron it's truly none of your business."

"Not my bloody business? Not my bloody business?" he repeated indignantly. "I was going to wait until next week when we were at the Burrow to ask you this, but I think I should do it now." At that, Ron knelt on the floor of the Great Hall and took Hermione by the hand. She was covered in food and muck and all she wanted to do was run after Draco and Harry. Harry had a positively morose expression on his face and she worried for Draco's safety.

"Ron, this really isn't a good time. You need to let me go."

"Hermione, I've always cared for you and after this school year I'd like you to be my wife. Will you marry me?"

Hermione's mouth fell open when Ron pulled out a ruby and gold ring and slid it onto her finger.

"Well aren't you going to say anything?" Ron asked with a hopeful expression.

"Uh," Hermione searched for her words. "Thanks?"

"Is that a yes?" the whole Hall was silent as they all waited with bated breath for her to respond.

"Do you care for me Hermione?"

"Of course I care for you Ronald that goes without question."

"Then it's a yes," Ron said with a smile and then he threw joyous arms around her, but Hermione froze on the spot.

"Ron-"

"She said yes, everyone!" he said and he threw his arms in the air and the whole Hall began to cheer for the happy couple. All but Hermione that is, who turned and bolted from the Hall. She did a frantic search of the castle and she even ran outside, but she couldn't find either Harry or Draco, which gave her great cause for worry. Reluctantly, after an exhausted search where she came up short at every turn, she returned to the Ravenclaw common room in hopes that Draco would be there. When he wasn't, she made her way to the showers. Once refreshed and clean, she twisted her hair into a bun and piled it atop her head, leaving only a few tendrils of chestnut brown hanging loose as it framed her face. Draco had commented that he liked her hair that way, the way her fantasy self in Paris had worn it, so with time to kill as she waited for the blond, she caught up on her studies.

Hermione yawned and closed her Potions book, beat tired and ready for bed, but she was startled when finally Draco appeared through the portal.

"Oh Merlin, thank the Gods you're alright. I was worried sick about you. Harry looked so angry and then when I couldn't find you-" Draco ignored her though as he sauntered up the spiral staircase and then entered the showers. "Draco?" she knocked on the door and when there was no answer she tried the knob. It was locked.

"Alohomora," she chanted and the door creaked open. The room was filled with steam as she made her way down to where a lone shower sprayed hot steam into the air. "You want some company? You wash my back and I'll wash yours," she flirted.

"I'm really tired Granger. I have to catch the early train in the morning for the Manor. I'll just see you after the holidays. Happy Christmas."

"Happy Christmas? But what about Spanky? You invited me to sleep with you in your bed tonight. Remember?" She pulled the shower curtain back and was met with a vision of masculine beauty. Draco's eyes were closed and he had an almost angelic look about him as he ran his hands through his hair, washing out all remnants of the rice pudding that she'd doused him with at dinner just prior to them sharing a smoldering first kiss. Water beaded on the blond's chest and abs and she watched as the droplets cascaded down his fit, lean frame. She felt butterflies in her stomach when she gazed at him.