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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Eruption, Corruption

Part 1: Retribution

Chapter 16

Draco awoke with a splitting headache; face down in the sand; lying on the beach like a bum with nothing left to lose. His dignity was lost when he didn't go straight after Hermione when she ran from him.

Wasn't he a man? Didn't he learn from birth to go after what he wanted and not stop until he got whatever it was? He did, but in his current state he didn't care about anything. Draco especially didn't want to take his father's advice. He wished to just hide away from the world, right here in his private little haven.

No more world, no more people, no more pain—

Pipedream. Who was he kidding? He wasn't even kidding himself.

He was creating an oasis of pain all by his lonesome. It's easy to point the finger and place the blame on someone else, but at a certain point you have to change direction and hold it where it belongs.

He weakly stood up; obvious to the fact he went overboard on the liquor. Being able to conjure up all you wanted was fairly easy to do when you were depressed and had the ability.

The light hurt his eyes and he put a hand to his head trying to suppress the force. He headed into the villa and was relieved when he finally made it to his bed. Draco crashed down on it with a hard thump. He could charm the hangover away—but he didn't want to be productive even though he felt like hell. Rock bottom—for some reason, he thought it had a better view.

XO

"It's funny." Pansy said walking up to Ron in the hall. "I always expected Granger to end up with you or Potter. I guess things don't always work out the way we expect."

"Parkinson, don't pretend like you know anything about her or us." Ron defended closing the wizard magazine he was glimpsing at. His blood started to boil again. "If what you were saying is true, maybe you should be a little more alarmed at the fact that your boyfriend has taken a liking to another girl. I'd be a little less worried about Hermione and a little more worried about yourself. He's obviously displeased with what you have to offer."

Pansy's smug expression lessened as slight worry arose her face.

"For your information, it's fiancé, not boyfriend!" she argued.

"Even better." Ron smiled proudly before walking past her.

The dark haired, proud Slytherin turned to look at Ron walk away as she pondered what she had been spouting all over Hogwarts. It hadn't dawned on her that while she was making Hermione look bad, she was also making herself look ghastly.

Things would change the next time she saw Draco. Where was he? She was not willing to share anymore. Pansy wanted Draco all to herself; just to show everyone she was in control of him. Oh, the delight.

A smile appeared on her face and a glorified look in her eye set stone. She would have him in the bag and she would step on anyone just to get what she wanted. Although Pansy was feeling productive on the other side of the castle, a numb Hermione hid from everyone in a desolate state. She heard the rumors; they echoed through the walls. How scarce and foolish she had been.

She hid in her room with the door charm locked. It was impenetrable and a comforting reassurance from what lie outside.

Hermione hid under her covers. The large pillow clad bed had never been more snug and inviting. This is exactly where she wanted to be in the world. Yes…right here…right in the room adjoined with the bedroom of the guy she was hiding from…

Yessery, right where she wanted to be…

Hermione had cried her eyes out all day and didn't want to do it anymore. She felt weak and brittle; hating every minute of it. She always found a way to pull herself out of a stupor and why should this time be any different?

Because…you fell in love with him. She answered her own question. Sitting up in bed, she wiped underneath her swollen eyes. She took a deep breath and adapted to her new posture. Sighing she looked outside the window and was shocked to see little white flakes hitting her window.

Snow? Already? She rushed out of bed and over to the window, surprisingly pleased to see the light lay of fair snow blanketing the fine grounds of Hogwarts. She would get to travel back home soon and see her family for the holidays.

A relieved smile plagued Hermione's face and the awareness of it lifted her spirits. She would be okay. She knew it. Time would heal her wounds. She wouldn't let Draco determine it for any longer. It would be a struggle passing time, but Hermione was Head Girl and was responsible for being an independent leader with strength, intelligence and determination. Before you could persuade others, you had to persuade yourself first.

She quickly grabbed her robe and proceeded into the bathroom for a nice, long bath. No more hiding.

XO

It's a weird feeling when all eyes are on you. It's like having a personal spotlight everywhere you go.

Hermione got met with mixed looks as she entered the Great Hall. The girls glared jealously at Hermione as the boys raised their eyebrows at the confident lassie strolling in unwaveringly. Although she looked cool and confident on the outside, her insides were screaming.

Ginny stood up and smiled when she saw Hermione coming towards Harry, Ron and her at Gryffindor table. The brunette returned the expression and cautiously came to a halt in front of her friends.

"Hi, Hermione." Ginny said.

"Hi, guys." she responded. "Is this seat taken?"

"Of course not." Ginny replied.

Even sitting down, most of her fellow classmates continued to stare rudely.

"I know what everyone's saying…" Hermione looked at Harry and Ron. "But, it's not true."

"That's what I told everyone." Ron replied with a sigh.

"You and Malfoy aren't…together…in anyway?" Harry asked awkwardly.

"Not in anyway." she replied. "Come on Harry. You know me. Malfoy's…below me."

Those words stung inside, but she choked back the nip because she knew they needed to be said. There was nothing left between them and she be a damn fool to pretend like there would ever be again. This ring-a-round was over. She relinquished her seat.

XO

"This is how you spend your time? Lying about like a slothful bum?" the harsh toned voice of Draco's real life nightmare awoke him from his sleep.

"Father?" he asked confusedly. "What are you doing here?" Draco found enough strength to prop himself up in bed.

"I was recently notified about your lack of heed as Head Boy. Snape informed me that if you do not pick up your responsibilities, the honor of Head Boy will be revoked."

Draco wasn't sure if that possibility bothered him or not. He felt indolent and at this point wouldn't mind having someone else take his spot, but the idea of Hermione spending all her time with someone who wasn't him; even when it came to school studies, made him livid.

"Get out of bed, boy." Lucius demanded pulling Draco up fiercely by his collar. "You will knock it off with these shenanigans and get back to school! You better pick up your act or you will be severely punished. I don't believe I need to say more than that."

"Yes, Father." Draco replied shamefully. He didn't want to get on his father's bad side. That was the one place Draco knew to never gamble with.

"I assume you got the letter from your mother and I."

"Yes."

"Congratulations are in order."

"Congratulations?" Draco asked sullenly.

"You now have a woman to be at your beck and call. Consider yourself a King at this point; sitting high on a throne. "

Draco felt sorry for his father. He felt ashamed of him and worried for him. Draco knew that his father was going straight to Hell. He also knew that there was nothing he could do to stop it.

"Father, why Pansy? Why can't I choose?" Draco asked knowing it was a mistake the moment the first word escaped his lips.

"Who you choose?" Lucius asked mortified. "Marriage isn't about love, Draco. It's about power." The words were so cold, flakes of ice chipped from their exterior. "Your mother and I chose the one who would help you get to where you're supposed to end up. The Parkinson family is reasonable and knows not to gamble with the situation at hand. Voldemort will be on his feet before you know it and that's when we're going to need concrete fences. You will marry her and you will respect our decision."

Draco said nothing and felt the infinite resolution of a long standing battle. War was everywhere. Inside himself, outside himself—he didn't want to fight anymore. He had nothing to lose and nothing to win. Not one thing would be gained from the wars he was in.

"Now Draco, I expect you to return to school and clean up your act. Do not disappoint me."

And like that, he was gone. Draco was left standing; feeling belittled like most times when his father spoke to him. Return to school and act like everything was fine. It was harder than it sounded, but Draco knew he could do it. What choice did he have? He would return the things to the way they used to be. He would not play this charade any longer and would do as he was told. In the end, the results would be better—wouldn't they?

XOXO

A Few Hours Later

"I've been wondering when I'd be seeing you."

The repugnant shrill of Pansy's voice behind Draco's hardened exterior was enough to send glass cracking all over the world.

He had just apparated back to the castle and it had taken her less than a minute to track him down. He was just a hallway away from reaching his portrait hole and he thought it was a clear shot since most of the student body was still sleeping; being that it was very late in the evening.

"Where have you been?" she asked after him as he continued to walk his direction.

"Out." Simple, nonchalant remark.

"Well, now that you're back…" Pansy hurried beside him and grabbed his hand. "We can start planning our special day. Can you believe how quickly it's coming? In just a few months, you and I will officially be married."

Draco shook his hand free of hers. That made her angry and she stopped in front of him.

"Look!" she demanded. "Whether you're thrilled or not of this betrothal, you and I are going to be man and wife and it's about time you start accepting that feat. Do you not know what I am capable of?"

Draco tried to bite back his tongue, but it was too difficult. Giving her an incredulous look, he opened his mouth to say what he really wanted to say.

"You know what?" Draco stopped as quickly as he heard her voice. He threw a hand over Pansy's mouth to keep her from talking.

"Thanks for coming with me tonight." Her voice echoed down the hall. "It was very nice of you offering to patrol."

Who the bloody hell was she talking to?

"It was my pleasure. I couldn't have you fending off the nightly monsters alone." Malfoy rolled his eyes at the comment; unable to make out the distinction in the arcane bloke's voice. Pansy tried to pry his hand off her mouth, but did not prevail.

"I'll see you tomorrow?" Hermione asked hopeful.

"Can't wait."

Draco wanted to throw up. He could hear the smile in the statement. How repulsive.

"Goodnight." Hermione said with a small smile as the guy started down the hall.

Pansy shoved elbowed Draco in the ribs and finally got her mouth uncovered.

"What are you doing?" she demanded.

"Malfoy?" Draco and Pansy both turned their attention to the mystery guy.

"Emerson?" Malfoy really wanted to throw up now. Freddie Emerson; Ravenclaw 7th year, was making a play at his girl. It was obvious to Draco at that moment that Hermione had a thing for quidditch players; Emerson being Seeker of his team. Wonders never seize.

"What the hell are you doing up here?" Draco asked.

"Oh you know-just doing your job." he replied with sarcasm. "There might be a minuscule rumor going around school that you might lose your Head Boy spot. It's about time. Hermione Granger deserves a better counter-part. Someone who actually takes the job seriously."

"Sweet talking Granger won't get you the job." Draco replied heatedly.

The 6 ft 2 inch toned Ravenclaw laughed in mockery at the proclamation.

"I feel sorry for you." Freddie responded shaking his head.

"You feel sorry for me?" Malfoy was in a state of disbelief. "How's that?"

"The Emerson line doesn't depend on good looks and ulterior motives to get what we want. We know how to be dignified and noble and work for what we want. It just turns out that Hermione is another thing worth working for."

That ruffled Draco's feathers severely.

"Taking the chivalrous route then are we?" Draco asked gritting his teeth and taking a step closer. "It doesn't work with Granger. She's already had the golden Nancy boy and you can clearly see that he's nowhere around. That should be hint number one."

"We shall see, then." Freddie challenged.

"Yes we will." Draco's words were confident and steely. Not even butter could get through their clenched gate.

The two boys glared at each other; obvious hatred glowing in their eyes.

"Have a good night." Draco responded with condescension as Freddie respectively accepted the sarcasm before proceeding back to his own dormitory.

"That was very sexy, Draco." Pansy replied pushing her chest against Draco's back and entwining her arms around his torso. "It's intriguing to watch you handle business."

"Bloody hell!" Draco yelled. "Why does everyone want to piss me off today?"

"Calm down, Draky." Pansy touched his shoulder and he roughly shrugged it off and turned to face her.

"Don't tell me to calm down. You have no idea what I have to deal with day after day." Malfoy took a steep step towards her and she backed up frightened and aroused. "Everyone thinks they can just push me aside and take what they want, but I won't let them." Draco told her like he was talking to himself. "They think they know what I'm capable of—they have no idea. I'm going to surprise everyone." He told her. "They won't know what to expect."

His deep blue eyes were maddened and intimidating as desire ran through his bones. Draco was prepared to show everyone that he was going to call the shots from now on.

Pansy licked her lips as she watched Draco burst out. She found it so attractive when a man went rogue. Bad boys were her calling.

"Emerson is a twat, my father is an arsehole, Granger's a bitch and you are nothing but a nuisance." He directed at her naughtily. "But you're going to help me get what I want." He told her with a light grin. "You're going to get me where I need to go."

Pansy bit down on her lip as she watched the playful grin on his face grow into his sneaky plan. Draco moved in and crashed her hard into the wall with a firm grip. The power running through his body was hot and made him feel good and that surprised him. Maybe being bad wasn't so bad. Hermione had manipulated him into thinking there was something wrong with who he was before. She was wrong. He was sure of it.

Draco forcefully crashed his lips fully onto Pansy's as Hermione's innocent face flashed in his memory. When it finally faded—it was when he and Pansy were getting dressed.

To be continued…

A/N-It's been forever since I last posted and to that I apologize. Have a good New Year you guys! Love you. This year has been incredible and I want to thank you for such wonderful reviews. Thanks for reading my stories for the past 6 years that I've been on fanfiction. Gratzie.