What do I care

Chapter 15 -To safely guide you-

Everyone except the two of them was already assembled around Madam Hooch, when they finally arrived by the lake. Hermione wondered what idea Malfoy might be brooding about, but before he could at least try telling her, the professor took the decision out of their hands.

"Today I want you to work in pairs, she declared.

A surprised but quite joyful murmur rose amongst the students. Partner work was always a favoured task in this class.

"We'll train Tandem-Flying today," Madame Hooch announced. "It's most useful for travelling if you're able to navigate your broom with a second weight on it. I leave it to you if you place your collaborator in front of you, or if they prefer to take the back-seat. I suggest you try both options and decide whatever suits you best. But I advise you to choose your partners with care. And please mind the weather conditions! I don't want any accidents, because you underestimated the wind. Don't fly any higher than you feel prepared for. Just fly out into the open area across the lake if you're truly comfortable with it. The wind's much heavier out there. And no fighting please! Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter, you heard me!"

With that the Professor kicked her broom off the ground to zoom into the distance, marking today's racing track.

Hermione had tensed at the teacher's words. So far she'd naturally paired up with Harry for any partner tasks. It had been the logical thing to do, just as Ron and Lavender used to team up. But now, especially after the row they'd had the day before, she felt herself unable to cope with the idea.

Cautiously she glanced at Neville. Maybe she could catch his eye and put him in the back-seat. She was quite sure that she'd manage to handle this task, but she didn't even dare to think of the possibility of him navigating the tandem-broom. No one was extraordinary keen of working with Neville, except for Herbologies where he appeared to be a real genius.

Just then Ron approached her.

"Hey, Hermione," he called, "did you already pair up with anyone?"

Surprised she looked up. She hadn't expected this at all. Not after the way he and the rest of their group had left her out these past weeks. He seemed to notice her hesitation as he looked rather awkward all of a sudden.

"You can fly with me if you like," he offered.

Hermione snapped out of it. This was what she had wished for, wasn't it? She had hoped to get back close with her friends. So why wasn't she at all comfortable with the situation now?

Determined not to brood over the matter right now, she stepped forward.

"That's emm, nice of you, Ron," she said, "But why… I mean, don't you want to fly with Lavender?"

At that Ron nervously rubbed his nose, "Yeah, sure, Hermione, but… I thought, well, with all the fighting stuff and that trouble about err… Ginny, I 'posed you wouldn't want to fly with him right now," he explained nodding in Harry's direction. "And I'm sure Lavender won't mind," he added hastily.

Hermione's posture tensed immediately. "Oh, but that's really not necessary, Ron," she stated, "I really don't want to bother you."

Ron made another attempt to speak, but Hermione cut him short. "I'll get along, really."

"But Hermione why…"

"She has no intention of breaking her neck on a broom with you, Weasel-King. I think she made that quite clear," a well familiar voice cut into their discussion.

Without any of their notice Malfoy had approached them. Casually, leaning against the uneven trunk of a willow, he folded his arms, watching them, his silvery-blond hair ruffled by the slight breeze, causing Hermione's stomach to do excited but pleasant flip-flops once again.

"And if I were you, I'd better watch my girlfriend over there," he added with a meaningful glace at Harry and Lavender, who was giggling as the Gryffindor Seeker directed his broom to roll over whenever she tried to mount it.

At the sound of Malfoy's voice Harry's head jerked up in appal. Snapping out of teasing Lavender, his mood darkened.

"You!" he spat. "Like everyone else, I'm still trying to overcome my fits of nausea from watching the two of you almost getting it on in the dungeons yesterday. Yuck! Please be so good to spare us any further terrors. I don't think I can stand the sight of your tongue down her throat once again let alone anything worse this century! I'm still sick."

"I totally agree with that, Potter. You're sick!" Malfoy remarked cocky.

"Oh and you're full of benevolence, aren't you Malfoy? You wouldn't dream of acting on your 'first and foremost intentions ever, would you?"

"You're in no position to judge my intentions, Potter," the addressed growled.

"And what exactly would those be, Malfoy? If I wouldn't already know about you little arrangement I'd think you were trying to sneak into her panties."

"I'm not!" Malfoy snapped with uncharacteristic rage all of a sudden.

"Indeed?" Harry scoffed. "Well, you wouldn't have already succeeded to get there, would you, Malfoy? Since if you ask me, it looks quite a lot like it. But just in case you aren't don't be too disappointed once you do her, since there isn't much to get. But, well… you probably already know, don't you?" he called loud enough for the entire class to hear.

His vile comment was striking a bunch of murmur and some nervous laughter amongst the students. Everyone appeared to be eager not to miss a single word of their argument while Madam Hooch was still far off down the field.

"You seem a little confounded, Potter," Malfoy stated regaining his nonchalance although Hermione could tell from the glitter of his eyes he was still furious.

"I dare say your argumentation is somewhat lacking its logic. Come again, what exactly did you say you're accusing me of? Doing her once twice repeatedly? Attempting to do her? Pressuring her to do me? Hey, if you think of it long enough, maybe you can make up a possibility of her pressuring me to comply with her wishes? As it's well known what kind of loose and scarlet woman she is. It's just typical of her to force herself upon me or sleep around for little favours. Yes, really everyone knows she's lacking any backbone and intelligence and gets easily tricked and frightened. She wouldn't dream of it to stand up and punch me in the face for daring to force myself upon her! No, no she'd never ever do such a thing!"

The class was howling with laughter by now.

"I congratulate you on your talent to make up perfect crab, Potter. Maybe Rita Sceeter will offer you a carrier as her ghost writer! I just can't decide which of your pitiful little tales is the most stupefied."

"I might actually believe there wasn't a thing going on between the two of you, if you wouldn't try to deny it so badly, Malfoy," Harry sneered.

"When did I ever deny that?"

"You… what… WHAT!"

"I never said there wasn't a thing going on between the two of us, did I?"

"So you…you're telling us…"

"Wrong again, Potter…I'm telling you nothing. It's you who is jumping to conclusions and telling tales here, not me. You're the one with the smutty imagination."

"Speaking of telling tales, Malfoy, I'm not the one with the Monologue Problem here," Harry croaked hoarsely.

"And if I wouldn't already know you were shagging the faithless little Weasellette I'd be truly worried for Brown's virtuousness but considering she's dating the male Weas-"

"Bugger off, Malfoy and leave my sister and my girlfriend out of this!" Ron mixed into the argument but was entirely ignored by the opponents.

"Don't change the subject," Harry began with a nasty smile, "I don't know what all this unforeseen fussing over Hermione is to you, anyway. And don't tell me you suddenly discovered your soft spot for her, I'm not buying that. How can we be sure you're not just eager to make her pay as you threatened her at the train? Yes that's the most logical explanation for that alien behaviour of yours, I suppose."

"You know a crap of a shit, Potter!" Malfoy flew out at him in totally a un-malfoy-like way, his cheeks burning with fury all of a sudden.

"You're twisting everything to fit your motives! You don't care about anything but yourself, do you? You… Did you ever even think about what pain all of this maliciousness causes her? Just leave, Potter! Leave and stop bothering her!"

"Oh really Harry snorted sarcastically. Touching his chest in a gesture of mock empathy he added"This is touching SO touching, really!"

"Shut up, Potter! You're a nasty, heartless bastard to treat her as you do! You don't deserve her friendship let alone anything more and I say, she's lots better of without you! Sneaking off with the Weasellette was the best thing you could ever do to Hermione!"

Harry watched this uncharacteristic emotional and uncalculated move of his enemy with undeniable interest, mockery and triumph reflecting in his emerald-eyes.

"Hermione?" he mimicked, "Ohh –so it's Hermione now? How touching! You wouldn't be endangered to become desperately infatuated with your little 'arrangement', would you? As you see Daddy Dearest wouldn't be at all pleased don't you think so? But then, hey, what ever you try to make us believe, Malfoy, I still dare say your –heart isn't the 'first and foremost' part of your anatomy that's interested in her! So maybe Daddy Dearest won't be that scared…"

"Who gives you the right to judge on that, Potter? It's you who's acting like a hormone driven jackass, not me!" Malfoy flew out at him. "Maybe I simply like her. Maybe I enjoy her company. Maybe, yes just think of it Potter maybe I enjoy to actually talk and listen to her; maybe I like the sound of her voice and laughter and maybe I'm impressed by the immensity of her empathy, wit and ability. Did you ever take the time to muse over those matters? She's precious, Potter. She's unique and you failed to value the treasure you once held. Therefore I can very well imagine you must be really pissed."

"Ahem just in case you didn't notice that sounds awfully stricken, Malfoy, you know…" Harry taunted, "awfully and hopelessly aflame… If I wouldn't know so much better I'd say you might actually end up soiling your ever so valued pure-blooded family lines by conjoining a Mudblood…"

Dead silence fell at that shocking premise. Everyone stood rooted to their spots and just stared waiting for Malfoy's reaction.

"Don't say that!" was the immediate and sharp reply. Like everyone expected he was boiling with rage. But it was Malfoy's next statement that really struck"I don't want to hear any more of this! She's a witch! A brilliant and talented witch!"

"Come again?" Harry inquired, thunderstruck, "I must be hallucinating!"

"I forbid you to call her a Mudblood!" Malfoy shouted even more furious now.

"She's the most gifted and intelligent witch I've ever met and her heritage doesn't have anything to do with it…"

After the first shock a wide grin appeared at Harry's face. "Good one, Malfoy," he snorted, "really comical indeed. If it was anyone but you telling that tale we might become truly convinced. Now, DO tell me you're joking!"

But this time there was no response from the blond Slytherin who merely clenched his jaw.

At that Harry's eyes narrowed into small slits as he contemplated his opponent with the air of confusion.

"What do you hope to gain by this? It's a trick, isn't it? It has to be… Oh yes, it is. Interesting tactics, indeed! I'm so sorry to spoil your idle little plans, Malfoy… Might I dare to believe it… the snotty Malfoy hair putting up with or should I rather say drooling over my leftovers? A girl of non magical heritage, I might add! So you're actually attempting to screw her, Malfoy. I don't even dare to imagine the two of you getting it on… That's so…disgusting…it's …outraging…it's…"

"Well, whatever you suppose it to be. Fortunately it's non of your bloody business anymore, Potter! So would you be so kind to JUST SHUT UP before I'll wring your bloody neck?"

"Now, now, language, Malfoy, language," Potter taunted, lamely and obviously thunderstruck this time. "I wouldn't have thought that a well-bred pure-blood wizard like you would have such foul speaking patterns. I see it doesn't suit your plans to see your petty little motives questioned, huh? I'm SO sorry. What can I ever do to make up for it."

"Drop dead," the addressed drawled, slowly regaining his nonchalance.

After all the pressure she'd just endured, Hermione wasn't quite able to control her emotions and burst out laughing.

"He was right, you're a traitorous little turncoat!" Ron leashed out at her.

Hermione paled at the amount of open malice in her erstwhile companion's voice.

"I'm not…" she began to defend herself but was cut short by the red-heads next words.

"You are! I'm disappointed in you, Hermione. I truly am. I supposed there was more to you than this. To turn against your friends because of some foolish, honey-coated words of a git you used to hate, that's low very low. It's dishonourable."

Hermione could literally see Malfoy gritting his teeth as he dashed forward.

"You! What do you know? How DARE you to speak to her like that! Leave her alone!" he snapped, "Both of you! If you want a quarrel with me gladly, anytime but don't you DARE hurting her! She hasn't done anything to deserve such treatment from you! She's pure and kind and .… and…. And you were supposed to be her friends once You should be ashamed… Just get lost and stop bothering her. She's flying with ME and that's final!"

"Yes, I think that's probably the best idea," Hermione declared, resolutely ending the argument before it could proceed any worse. She was still shocked by Malfoy's unexpected and completely uncharacteristic open display of protectiveness and respect towards her.

Softly touching his forearm in an appeasing gesture, she smiled at the outraged blond Slytherin.

"Thank you for that offer, Malfoy, I'll gladly take it."

At this a most peculiar change run through the addressed. His eyes softening he looked at her fondly.

"You're welcome. You truly are," he murmured contemplating her hand resting on his arm with the air of confusion.

When he leaned forward, to whisper into her ear, she was so distracted at the funny feeling of a strand of his hair brushing past her cheek that she almost missed what he said next.

"I'm sorry for causing such trouble, but I'm really glad you'll fly with me instead. Weasley doesn't know that you might get dizzy. He might drop you, if you do…" he muttered, his warm breath brushing against her cheek, reminding her of… Oh no, she wouldn't think of THAT now!

So she just nodded, feeling slightly dazed at his closeness and the fact that he seemingly felt the urge to justify his actions towards her.

"And you could have hardly even considered flying with Longbottom, you'd better headed for the hospital wing straight away," he added under his breath, sounding kind of worried as well as somewhat amused all of a sudden, you should do anyway, but… I know you're not willing to discuss that matter right now. Let's talk about this in the evening, shall we?" he added almost affectionately. At her surprised expression he explained"My mother sent some new tea the day before and I thought, well, I just thought, I… . I would enjoy sharing a cup of it with you."

Hermione just looked at him speechless.

"It's proper tea," he added smiling, "without any need to fear for serious hair-loss, I promise."

The mischievous smile they shared made Hermione's heartbeat flutter.

Without further thinking Malfoy reached for a stray strand of her hair to brush it back, cupping her cheek in the process. "Will you come?" he asked almost pleadingly. "I would be glad. Please, say you will…"

"I…" Hermione began, tentatively, feeling dizzy from the wondrous closeness rather than her current condition. It was only then she realised the pad of Malfoy's thumb caressing her cheek, while his fingertips slipped into her hair behind the ear.

"What're you doing?" she gasped at the intensity of the feathery light touch.

He blinked.

For a split second Hermione gazed into eyes wide, blue and startled.

Then Malfoy's familiar smirk appeared– only that it held no malice but mirth and mischief that added sparkles to his eyes and caused Hermione's stomach some more fluttering.

"Honestly, Granger, it's about time someone introduces to use of a comb to you! You're already sprouting cobwebs in your hair," he twitted as he swept away that strand of curly hair behind her ear, picking some dusty filaments out of her curls in the process.

"What? Oh-h-ho…really?" With a mischievous grin she added"I didn't think you would notice. It appears to become fashionable, I suppose. If I could only remember where I've seen it lately…"

"You don't remember? Oh that's too bad… I would have been so glad to know whether you liked that sight," he jollied.

"You really want to know?" she asked, smiling broadly now.

"But yes!" he declared in mock seriousness. "I just terribly care for a person's opinion who confuses cobwebs with hairdo."

"So, do I?" she demanded, eyes glittering with hilarity.

"Was that a question or rather a statement, Granger? I'm not quite sure whether I did hear its mark," he teased.

"Do you?" he asked, carefully, though not quite serious still when she didn't answer straight away. "Really?"

"Well, probably," she finally declared just as carefully.

For a moment they both smiled at each other.

"Probably."

It was only then Hermione realised that all of their classmate's eyes were still resting on the two of them and excited little whispers were once again erupting everywhere around.

"Ahem- we should –probably get onto that broom now," she mouthed, rolling her eyes.

With a nod of agreement and a casual flick of his wrist, Malfoy caused his Nimbus 2007 to lift in the air.

Slightly lowering his palm he ordered the broom to sink a few inches lower so that she could mount it more easily.

"After you," he stated and Hermione couldn't quite tell whether his politeness was honest or fake.

As soon as she'd mounted the Nimbus, its shiny ebony stick started to softly switch and vibrate and Hermione felt the material literally heat up beneath her touch. A little frightened she increased the pressure of her grip. This was a hell of a racing broom. And it was obvious eager to take off.

She was actually glad to feel Malfoy slip into the seat behind her. Only a split second later they kicked off the ground.

Once the broom spiralled upwards, Hermione's grip tightened even more and just as she clutched it more tightly the broom seemed to wriggle out of her grip.

In an instant, before she could get so much as really afraid, Malfoy's arms closed tightly around her to hold her safely in place.

"Granger," he pressed out, so close that she could feel the brush of his breath on her cheek. "Let go of my broom!"

Almost seventy feet above the ground this was the last thing Hermione had in mind.

"What?" she gasped, holding only tighter to the broom handle. The polished wooden material felt slippery in her grip.

"My broom's confused!" Malfoy bit out. "You're distracting it, Granger."

"I'm What oh OH?"

Another sharp tug nearly got her out of her seat. But before she lost balance, Malfoy hugged her closer just in time

"Granger, listen, my broom… it doesn't know whose command to follow. It'll kick us off if we don't solve this soon, so let GO!"

Hermione gulped. Casting a nervous glance to the ground far beneath, she slowly removed one hand from the struggling, uncooperative broom but put it back in an instant.

"But Malfoy! I… can't… I'm gonna fall… I'm afraid!" she gasped, close to tears.

Surprisingly soft and calm under the current conditions came the response, just as Malfoy's arms and knees tightened around her shoulders and legs.

"I know you are, but you have to trust me. Lean into me, I won't let you fall, Hermio"

The rest of his words was muffled by her slamming into his chest at another violent upwards twist the broom made. She was almost positive that Malfoy had meant to call her by her first name again but it was not the most urgent thing on her mind, now that they were almost hanging upside down.

It was terrifying anddireful but as soon as Hermione let go of the broomstick, the flight smoothened.

The wildly spiralling broom eased its pace and swiftly followed Malfoy's every command. Far below Hermione could see the sunlight glittering on the vast silvery area of the lake.

Only then she released the breath she hadn't been aware she'd been holding.

Still shaking she allowed herself to collapse against Malfoy who felt consoling and solid against her back.

Since she didn't have any better spot to place her hands now that she had to avoid touching the broom handle Hermione flung both of her arms round herself.

Despite the fact that the broom was gliding smoothly along now she sensed a well familiar feeling of uneasiness in the pit of her stomach after all the raging twists and turns.

Closing her eyes against the unbidden sickness, she tried to inhale as much fresh air as possible but the feeling of nausea and dizziness seemed to only increase at each breath she took.

Cold sweat was covering her forehead and back. She felt weak and shaken and utterly helpless. This wasn't fair...

Gasping for breath Hermione tried to bit back the sour feeling of bile rising in her throat. This was no good this was no good at all… And it got worse with each second...

She was well aware of the fact that if she hadn't skipped lunch she wouldn't have lasted as long as she did. But it was to no use still… Too much trouble, too much fear, too much twists and turns in mid air…

It was just then Malfoy hugged her even more tightly than before. "It's all right," he whispered softly, "you'll manage."

"I'm sick, she whimpered helplessly, "I'm so sick! I'll, I'll... I think I'm going to vomit... oh no, no... "

Just then Hermione felt one of Malfoy's hands slip beneath her own hands that were still tightly clutched round herself.

"You won't," he whispered, "you'll be fine. Everything is going to be fine. But you need to trust me. Just concentrate to breathe calmly. Not too quick. Yes that's better… In-and-out…. in-and out… Yes, that's fine… That fine…Trust me…"

With a movement of utter tenderness he touched the very spot to cover her highly upset stomach and with that a most curious change occurred to her.

The very moment Malfoy's hand cupped her stomach a warmth began to spread from his palm while his fingertips brushed downwards to cup her belly, encouraging her to relax and to ever so slightly lean into his palm with each and every breath she took.

His touch as feathery light as it was set her skin aflame with a shower of electricity that seemed to spread all over her body but it were his words that truly reached her soul...

"Yes. I'll hold you you know that I do. You can rely on me. You sense you can. Don't fight it. Just be in my arms. Be with me. Do it Hermione just give in… Close your eyes… Stop questioning… Stop reasoning… Just feel… I'm here, I'm right here holding you and I won't let you go, don't you worry..."

Shivering she leaned further back to snuggle her cheek into the curve of his neck as his fingertips brushed across the damp hair of her temple.

"Yes, I'm here. Trust me, Hermione. Just lean into me..."

She whimpered once again… But this time she did hardly remember to have ever felt anything else but loved and sheltered…

For a moment she creased thinking at all. She just felt Malfoy's warm and solid body in her back his arms surrounding her his comforting palm cupping her belly his warm breath brushing her cheek as he finally spoke...

"Now open your eyes again," he whispered rubbing her upper arm. "It's better now, isn't it?"

Slowly regaining her self-control Hermione nodded. "Yes," she croaked, her voice still slightly hoarse, "ahem.. yes, lots of better… But… how…how does…"

Before she could question the wondrous change any further, Malfoy already continued"There are two possibilities as I see it now. You can either keep hold of my arms instead of the broomstick this will be a little difficult once I have to make finer moves, like slaloms or loops, but if we keep the pace slow it should do."

"OK, I see. And what's the other option?" Hermione asked.

"You let me seal your magic."

"W-WHAT?"

"It'll allow you to touch my broomstick and hold onto it, without affecting it by your magic. Don't be afraid, the effect is only temporary. It'll were off once we land and more importantly, it'll dissolve should something happen to me."

"What are you speaking of?"

"Well, say I get knocked off my broom by a collision with another flyer, or hurt by some curse. You'd be able to take over from then."

"That's very interesting. I haven't ever heard about such magic," she frowned, irritated. "How does that work?"

Once again the smug Malfoy-grin was back in place. "Of course you wouldn't. I'd be most surprised if you had, being a Mud-err a Muggleborn," he stated.

At her tense reaction he added uncomfortably"I didn't mean to insult you, it's just out of habit, I suppose… but… never mind… It's an ancient magic accord, built on trust and care. Whenever my parents travel by broomstick, they… Well, as I say, it's an old tradition."

"What am I supposed to do?" Hermione whispered a little cautiously now.

"Look at me," he declared, "you have to hold eye contact with the person you sign the contact with."

Hermione shifted slightly in her seat and craned her neck so that she could gaze at Malfoy.

He looked breathtaking the silvery-blond hair ruffled by the slight breeze up here, his cheeks fairly flushed, the bluish-grey eyes bright and sparkling as he smiled at her. But he also looked very serious and reassuring.

"All right. What now?" she muttered feeling all light-headed and confused by his closeness and the oddity of the situation.

"Now you are to rise your wand hand and press your palm against mine. Then you tell me that you trust me to guide you on this flight," he told her gently.

Hesitatingly Hermione raised her right hand, just as Malfoy lifted his left.

"Like this?" she asked softly just as her palm pressed against his and he nodded.

"Yes… that's… ough…

"What is it?" she asked, startled, but Malfoy shook his head instead of an explanation.

"Nothing," he muttered, tensely. "Now say it."

"I trust you to guide me," Hermione uttered, locking her eyes with his.

Once she'd spoken she felt what had made Malfoy gasp. Very fine, bluish-white sparks emitted from the contact of their palms and a warm tickling sensation was spreading from her palm upwards to build a warm soft patch of comfort in her chest.

"I promise to safely guide you," he whispered back and the feeling of warmth even increased.

Very slowly and carefully Malfoy entwined his fingers with hers to finally cover her hand with his as he placed it around the shiny ebony handle in front of them. "I think it's safe for you to touch the broomstick now," he muttered.

For a moment the both held their breaths, but nothing happened. Finally Hermione put her other hand to the broom handle as well.

"That's… fascinating… Does that mean I can't do magic not even the tiniest of spells right now?" she asked.

"Only temporary," he reassured her gently, "but yes, you just willingly put some kind of seal around your powers to avoid further confusion. Do you feel uncomfortable about it?" he asked slightly concerned.

After she contemplated that thought for a moment, Hermione shook her head.

"I probably should, but no… no surprisingly enough I'm not troubled at all."

"That's because this spell can only be conjured if both parts really truly mean what they say. Otherwise it just wouldn't work," Malfoy explained carefully.

"Oh, I'm burning to find out more about that spell," Hermione declared, fascinated. "I really never heard or read about it before. Can you tell me why is was necessary to cast it at all?"

After a moment of silence, Malfoy cleared his throat. "I suppose, well… it's because our powers are equal. Apparently your magic is just as strong as mine, exactly the same. That's rare. The broom got confused because it is used to submit to the stronger wizard."

"Oh, but… this never happened before. Whenever I flew with Harry…"

"Did you touch the broom then? If I remember it right you used to sit in the backseat holding on to him. So you can't know for sure, can you? But even if you possibly did touch the handle, well… jackass or not, Potter is a powerful wizard there's no denying that. As much as it pains me to say it, but his magic is probably stronger than yours and mine."

For a couple of seconds neither of them spoke, both contemplating that thought. Finally Hermione's curiosity got the better of her.

"You mentioned your parents before," she began carefully, "does that mean their magic is equal, too?"

"Yes, that's where I know that spell from," Malfoy explained hesitatingly, "they…"

The sharp blow of a whistle cut through any further musings about that matter.

Madame Hooch ordered the class to lower down, hovering a few feet above the ground and build a circle around her.

"That was quickly acted, Mr. Malfoy, my compliment. You managed to avoid serious injury. Fifteen points to Slytherin."

With that she turned to the class. "Listen everyone! I ordered you to come down for a short explanation. What you've just witnessed is the rare occasion of magic equally strong arranging with one another."

Suspicious gazes followed that surprising explanation, but the Professor already continued, excitedly"I've never seen it before as it's very rare and difficult to handle. First of all it's wandless magic, which you all know is difficult to perform. On top of that this spell requires complete honesty and in both participants. Both partners need to mean exactly what they tell each other. This kind of ancient magic requires lots of trust and care…"

"OK sure…" Ron uttered darkly.

"So you're telling us that Malfoy and Hermione are somewhat smitten with one another? Neville blurted out accusingly.

"I wouldn't word it in exactly the same way, Mr. Longbottom, but well… let's say that you need to trust one another to a very great amount to perform such magic. You can't lie, or sign a contact like this half-heartedly. It's simply not possible."

There was more than one piercing stare she felt after that explanation. She heard Madam Hooch explain what Malfoy had told her about the broom earlier, but her mind was way too busy to sort out her own emotions, which happened to be a burl of utter confusion right now.

When the lesson continued, Hermione once again wondered how comfortable she felt at tandem flying with Malfoy despite her temporary loss of magic. They didn't discuss the matter any further. In fact they didn't speak at all. Both of them apparently aware of the fact that the entire class was watching them.

Finally, when they worked along the day's racing track, the Slytherin seeker didn't fly at top speed as usual, nor did he lift his broom any higher than about six feet above the ground. Therefore it was no wonder they passed the finish line second last with only Neville and Hannah in their tracks.

And Hermione couldn't help but wonder whether this was due to the fact the broom might be still distracted or rather its flyer.

¥.

Draco Malfoy paced the floor of his living room with unease. Outside the high windows a velvety blue darkness settled over the grounds of Hogwarts. Despite the evening's beauty he didn't cast the view a second glance, though.

The day had been clearly difficult, though not unpleasant.

First that curious encounter in the broom shed which he didn't intend to mull over too closely right now...

Then there had been the argument with Potter where he had been irregular flurried and conspicuous in his attempts to speak up for one special bushy-haired muggelborn Gryffindor. A thought which left him wondering why on earth it was so important to him to keep her safe, happy and undisturbed...

Not to mention that flight with all its curious unexpected developments… Conjuring up that spell of Trust and Care had truly shaken his insides in a disturbing way he wasn't willing to mull over either...

Why the heck was all of this so bloody complicated? Couldn't he have continued to peacefully hate her like he did when she'd been just Granger the annoying Mudblood to him?

This was another fact troubling him. He didn't even think of her as Granger anymore. Instead of this her first name had slipped from his lips on several occasions recently. And did he really snap at Potter for calling her a Mudblood? This was no good. This was no good at all…

Unless people didn't suspect him to act like this for some very evil and dark purpose his reputation was truly shattered.

As if all of this wasn't complicated enough already he was now considering to head for her quarters to see whether she was all right and how she coped with the day's happenings.

Like he'd told her earlier he would have enjoyed to share a cup of tea with her.

But the fact that she had neither accepted nor denied his attempt left him rather uncertain and worried whether or not he would be welcome. Maybe she just wanted to relax after today's troubles. How could he be sure she wouldn't just accept out of politeness?

Nonetheless he wanted to see her before he could put all those thoughts at rest.

Maybe he could just check on her and see whether she asked him to enter or not. It would have been a little odd to walk up all the way to the owlery and send Noctua when the addressee was living just next door, wasn't it? Beside of that he wouldn't really know what to write. He didn't want any information, he wanted to see her.

Well so far for convincing himself that he just wanted to know if she was all right…

Oh hell, was it really imaginable that he was falling for her? This couldn't be true! It was just so not possible…

To escape those worrisome musings Draco decided to just walk over to see her so he could prove himself there was nothing to worry about.

¥.

Her legs drawn beneath herself Hermione sat at the couch in front of the flickering fireplace contemplating her mother's letter, thoughtfully. She still hadn't any idea how to tell her parents the most urgent news.

As little as she'd told them about Voldemort and the upcoming war to spare them serious worries they had become more and more suspicious over the years. More than once they had suggested she might give up on Hogwarts and return to the muggle world instead. As if she would have been safe there…

It was more than likely that they would try everything to convince her to leave for the muggle world once she told them about the baby now. She knew they just meant to protect her but she didn't want to give up on magic, it was part of her.

Smiling, she remembered how eager she'd been to prove the safe return of her powers to herself after she'd reached her quarters after flying class. For about two hours she'd practiced Transfigurations and Charms until she had been utterly exhausted but convinced there was no lasting effect of that spell of Trust and Care.

Surprisingly enough she hadn't worried at all as long as Malfoy had been with her. She hadn't doubted that effect was like he'd said only temporary.

So far she hadn't allowed herself to think about the day's happenings, though. She'd tried her best to worm herself around any train of thought that might lead her into the wrong direction so as… the broom shed… the argument… his fierce way to defend her against Harry's nastiness… the flight… the feelings that had captured her when he'd held her close…or smiled at her… the way her heartbeat had quickened whenever they'd looked at each other… Well those were quite a couple of reasons not to think about Malfoy at all. Nonetheless she just longed to see him again, which was not at all tend to calm her...

When there was a knock at the door she sighed, feeling quite unable to put up with any Head Girl's business after this stressful day.

But when she got up to answer the door it was no one else but Malfoy who stood in front of her a fact that caused her heartbeat to quicken once again…

He looked kind of troubled.

"Oh, it's you! What do you want?" she gasped. Even to herself her words sounded disapprovingly.

At his startled flinch she added more friendly"I mean what can I do for you? Did anything happen?"

"No, ummm, I… I just wanted to… see how you are…" he stammered uncomfortably.

"Oh, that's nice of you," she smiled, "I'm quite all right, I suppose. Thank you."

Malfoy literally bit his lip when he looked at her quite unhappy as it seemed.

"You look fagged out," he finally stated.

"Yes, yes I guess I am," Hermione sighed.

At this another expression of uncertainty slipped over his features. "Oh, yes, yes, of course you are! I should better go then. I mean I didn't intend to disturb you…"

"No! Oh no, no, come in, please," she told him, hurriedly.

"Really?" he asked almost timidly, "I don't want to bother you…"

"You don't bother me. I… It would be nice if you kept me some company.

Come in please."

With that she lead him to the second couch at the fireplace, opposite to her own. When they took their seats Malfoy's gaze fell onto the letter which had fallen to the floor as she'd stood up to answer the door before.

"Is it that letter you got on Thursday?" he frowned.

Her head snapped up in surprise. "How do you know?"

"I noticed."

"What, me getting a letter?"

He nodded. "Yes and you looked upset. Did you get any bad news?"

"No, not really. It's just my mother… She asks me to come home for the Christmas holidays and bring Harry along and…"

"So she doesn't know yet?"

"What?"

"About you being pregnant nor that you've broken up with Potter?"

"Neither."

"Can't you tell her?"

Hermione shrugged, uncomfortably, "I probably could, but… I don't think… Well, it's complicated, you see?"

"Mmmm, yes, but you need to sort things out nonetheless. It's hardly anything that could be denied, is it? So, did you already decide what to do about it, yet?" he asked nodding in the direction of her stomach.

A/N: Thank you lots for the feedback! I'm glad you like this story.

LOTRchick and Monki-Neko: Thanks for that comment.

Maybe this will help a little: I usually I give a short description at the beginning of each section which character is acting right then.

The single sections are separated by the little symbol¥.

The POV never changes within one of these sections.

So far from Hermione's POV I always referred to Draco as Malfoy and vice versa. Now that they are getting more familiar this will change to first name basis of course. Therefore the last indicator will be lost.

Lady_Lovely: Thank you very much! Yes, I try to take my time with the development of their relationship. I don't like stories where they fall for each other from one day to the other, either.

(With the exception of 'The Fires of Beltane' by sorceress, where they have a Potions task to fulfil. Do you know that fiction? It's a spectacular story. Unfortunately it seems to be no longer on the net. That's a pity, I would have liked to read it again.)

I suppose even when D/H finally realise their feelings there are so many doubts and obstacles in their way that they will be very hesitant to tell each other.

msmdhr: Thanks! I'm happy to hear that.

xxhermionesnapexx: Oh yes, I'll try my best not to forget about Hermione/Severus or Tom/Ginny either.

Serpent-Tina