Chapter Four

Disclaimer: Of course I own nothing here you recognize. Only JKR can claim that honor. I just like to borrow them, because, what can I say? They make for excellent fan-fiction!

A/N: As with all my other fan fictions, I must thank my wonderful beta, RobisonRocket. She's the best! Thank you, RR!

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Chapter 4 - Undeniable Desires

Snape cackled like a maniac as he sealed the envelope and addressed it to Draco. The missive he was sending was harmless. The invisible powder that was sealed inside with it, on the other hand, was a lethal dose. It would strike that foolish prat's nervous system before he knew what hit him. Although it would do no lasting harm, the effects it would have on the Slytherin Prince would not be forgotten anytime soon.

The first thing he would notice is the uncontrollable heat that would fill his loins each time he was near Miss Granger. Next, her scent would begin to drive the blond insane with lust. He would become a blubbering idiot where she was concerned. It would not take long before he would throw himself at her feet and beg for her to be merciful and relieve the ache her very nearness caused his lower extremities. Before the potion wore off, it would serve to make the know-it-all truly believe that Malfoy had lost his mind.

Severus smirked at the idea. The image of the pureblood Malfoy begging Granger to let him kiss her feet made his smile grow once again. It would serve the git right after the way he had been mocking his head of house's teaching methods. Images of Hermione hexing Malfoy seven ways to Sunday made the Potions master's lips curl into an evil smile. Oh, yes... That boy would rue the day...

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Draco sat at the Slytherin table eating breakfast when the post was delivered that morning. The envelope was simply addressed with his name, nothing more. Tilting his head, he examined the handwriting but couldn't place it. Turning, he glanced at the Gryffindor table, wondering if Granger had sent it.

She sat there between her two chummy friends, laughing and eating. She took no notice of him receiving anything, so he doubted it was from her. Thankfully, today was Saturday, so they were free from class. However, they had agreed to meet that evening to go over lesson plans once again. Perhaps this letter was her way of asking him to come earlier or even cancelling their meeting this evening. He secretly hoped not.

With a sigh, he ripped into the letter. Some kind of unseen dust flew up and tickled his nose, seizing him in a fit of sneezes. Rubbing his nose vigorously, he shook his head and took several calming breaths until the urge to sneeze yet again subsided. Shrugging, he opened the parchment, only to find a single line on the note. You won't be able to hide your feelings much longer!

Even as he questioned the words on the parchment, they faded. Within seconds the entire letter along with the envelope dissolved into nothingness. Feeling suddenly very self-conscious, he looked around for any sign of anyone that might have noticed what had just transpired. He saw no one paying him any mind. Not even his friends, as they seemed too interested in their breakfasts.

Ignoring his feelings that something must be wrong, he turned to finish his own food. He planned on practicing a little Quidditch today since he hadn't really gotten any time to himself lately. Even when he had, it seemed he'd been forced to stress over the time he would be spending with Hermione, working on the next Potions lesson.

At the thought of time spent with Hermione, he felt a twinge in his gut. Blimey, he honestly hoped that Pomfrey found a cure for Snape soon. He didn't know how much longer he could stand being in such close proximity to the Gryffindor princess without giving his true feelings away...

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Hermione sat in the library, waiting for Draco. It was after seven, and they had agreed to meet after supper to work on the lessons for Monday. With a sigh, she looked at her timepiece. Where was he? He had promised to be here so they could go over the lesson plan.

As if hearing her thoughts, Draco strode nonchalantly around the corner, books in hand. He looked much more relaxed than he had been over the last few days. She watched him as he moved to sit across from her. With a cocky smile, he greeted her. "Hi, Granger. Miss me?"

Rolling her eyes, she answered, "Hardly. Where were you? Did you get lost somewhere in the Restricted Section?"

Despite his growing nervousness, Draco cast her his most charming smile. "Touche'... I was out in the Quidditch pitch for a few hours this afternoon." He shrugged. "I thought you might appreciate it if I didn't come to you reeking of pungent, manly odors far too offensive for your gentle sensibilities." Even as he gave her his smart remark, he shifted uncomfortably in his chair. A deep stirring sensation, much like the building of an intense orgasm, was building within his jock, and he was both alarmed and shocked at it.

Hermione, thankfully, hadn't noticed his discomfort. Instead, she offered him a rare smile along with a curiously raised eyebrow. "I wouldn't know. I don't think I've ever considered the possibility that a Malfoy can actually sweat. Are you admitting that you do?"

Clenching his fists in his lap, he fought to remain outwardly calm, even though his hips were starting to move slowly in small gyrating motions to try to ease the fire that was beginning to burn in his loins. Letting himself focus on her words, he chuckled. "Of course we sweat. Malfoys may have superior genes. But even they can get hot and bothered." His eyes rounded as he realized too late exactly what he had said in response to her question. Where had that come from? He reprimanded himself. Why not just blurt out how badly you need to feel yourself nestled within her moist heat? He found himself biting his bottom lip to keep from doing just that as Hermione stared at him, confused.

Rising from her seat across from him, she moved to sit beside him, worry etched in her features. "Uhm... Draco, are you alright?" As she leaned toward him, he gasped and scooted his chair away from her, even as he slid his hands beneath his buttocks in an attempt to keep himself from reaching out to touch her.

"Of course I'm fine, Granger. I just... We need to... Why aren't you sitting over there? I mean... Merlin, you smell good." Immediately, he was on his feet and moving away from her in horror. But not before she had seen the evidence of the level of his arousal.

"Gods, this isn't happening!" he muttered under his breath. "Ah, Hermione? On second thought, I don't think I can study with you tonight. I really am not feeling very well, and I don't think it's safe for you to be––ah, I mean I don't think it's a good idea for me to be around you––" Even as he spoke, he found himself moving back towards her, closing the distance between them.

"Oh, bugger it!" he swore before pulling her into his arms and devouring her mouth with his own. Gasping, she tried to pull away, but felt his passionate insistence holding her in place. She felt herself beginning to melt against him, despite her better judgement. Her code of ethics demanded that she put space between them, but for some reason all her body seemed to want was to melt into him and the feelings he was stirring within her.

He moaned deep in his throat before he pulled away and rested his forehead against hers, whispering, "Something is happening to me. I don't know what it is, but I'm not sure it bodes well for you." Breaking away from her, he turned and began running from her, yelling over his shoulder, "Lock and ward your doors tonight, Granger. I'm not sure if I can stay away if you don't!"

Then, he was gone, leaving her standing, staring after him. If she didn't know better, she would have sworn that he'd been slipped a lust potion. A fairly strong one, by the looks of it. Although, not the kind that rendered the user incapable of coherent thought. At least, not in the beginning.

"Oh, goodness," Hermione whispered. If this was a slow starting potion, then what Draco had said could very well be right. He might not be able to control himself once the full effects began to make themselves known.

Running into the Restricted Section, she grabbed five different books on illegal love and lust potions and the possible cures for them. Signing the books out with Madam Pince, who gave her a curious look, but nodded once, Hermione hurried to her rooms and did just what Draco had suggested. Warded and locked herself in her rooms.

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A/N: I know I am so terrible. I don't know what comes over me. I get ideas on one of my fan fictions, but am so blocked on another one... then, when I all but give up, something comes back, and I get an idea and run with it yet again. I do hope you guys can forgive me for taking such long breaks between updates. I do hope that when the updates come, they are worth it. Dern my fickle Muse, anyway!