"Hermione, where are you going?" She jumped as a voice came from the corner.

"I have to tutor Luna tonight. I completely forgot, I'll probably just stay in the Ravenclaw dorms tonight." The words came out of her mouth like smoke, and floated up into the air. She could hear Ron breathing out very slowly.

"Oh, okay…well see you later." He didn't move from the chair in the corner. She turned and stared at him. She could barely see him in the darkness but she knew his head was down.

"Bye Ron." She walked through the portrait, and than began to briskly walk down the stairs. Her legs began to move more and more quickly as she thought of where she was going. She hid her bag behind a statue on the third floor, and than proceeded on. She stopped before the Great Hall, and stared at the row of paintings. Her mind raced as she stepped towards the painting of the piano in an empty field. It was raining. Her fingers slipped to the right side of the portrait, slowly looking around she slipped into the small passage.

She ran down it and than came to the fork in the passage, she took the left, and ran faster. Tears welled up in her eyes and she began to cry out loud. She stopped running, and fell against the wall.

"I can't…I can't do this anymore…" Burying her head in the arms, she let out a few more sobs, and than got up. She walked to the end of the portrait and pushed it open.

"There you are! Thought you had taken the wrong passage again-what's wrong?"

"Draco, I can't do this anymore." She cried, and threw her arms around his neck.

---

It all started on the train. Hermione walked to the Head's compartment, and sat down. She looked at her reflection in the window. Her hair had become much more blonde over the summer. It ran down to the middle of her back in little honey spirals. She took out a book and began reading. About ten minutes later the door opened, and a sigh of annoyance came from it.

"What in Merlin's name, are you doing here?" A cold voice filled the compartment. Hermione looked up at Draco Malfoy who leaned against the doorway looking very bored and slightly irritated. He wore black slacks, and a white button up shirt, however it was unbuttoned to reveal a light grey wife beater.

"I'm Head Girl, Malfoy. Why are you lost?" She began to read her book again.

"No I'm Head Boy." He smirked at her, and sat down opposite her. Her head shot up from her book and her eye brows narrowed. He just stared at her blankly and then put his feet next to where she was sitting. She shoved his feet off and went back to reading, "Not very friendly now, are we?" She could tell he was smirking by the tone of his voice.

"Look Malfoy, let's just get through this year. I'm not putting up with any of your bullshit, so don't even—"

"Granger, shut up. I haven't even started pulling shit on you, so don't cross me and maybe I'll be lenient." He hissed. The door opened again, and Pansy waltzed in. She plopped herself down on Draco's lap, and glared at Hermione.

"What is the mudblood doing her—"

"Shut up pug face, I'm here because I'm Head Girl. Watch your tongue." Hermione snapped, and slammed her book shut. Pansy's eyes narrowed, and then softened when she looked back at Draco.

"Drakey, do you want me to get you anything?" She nuzzled herself under his chin, and he sighed in annoyance.

"No Pansy, I'm fine." His monotone voice and face of disgust made Hermione laugh, but she did it silently.

"Pansy? I thought you were going to call me—"

"No Pansy."

"But Draco, please?"

"It's the most ridiculous thing that you've yet to ask me to call you. The answer is no." He pushed her onto the seat and stared out the window.

"I thought we had a deal!" She whined.

"Pansy, I'm not calling you that!" He hissed. She crossed her arms, and turned away from him.

"Fine. I hope you like being lonely at night Draco Malfoy." She scooted down the seat, and made sure she was as far away from him as possible. Hermione took out a book, and covered her face, just so that she could let out some of the laughter she had been holding in. After Pansy had made that last statement, Draco looked very unhappy. His facial expression reminded Hermione of a little boy that wasn't going to get the toy that they had demanded.

"Pansy…." Draco's face than changed to soft and innocent, but then he coughed and rolled his eyes as he said, "My 'Scrumdidiliumptious' Princess Angel." Pansy giggled, and kissed him on the head.

"I'll see you later Drakey." She then waltzed out, slamming the door on her way.

"Surprised you haven't thrown up after saying that." Hermione crossed her arms, and stared out the window.

"You get used to it." She could tell he was staring at her.

"Why do you go out with her, if you find her annoying?" Her face turned serious, and she locked eyes with his.

"She's not the only one I go with, she's just very vocal about us being together. There are plenty of other girls who want me with them."

"I can't imagine why." She sneered at him. His eyes narrowed, and a smirk played on his lips.

"Oh I'm sorry Granger; I forgot you're a virgin. Sorry, I'll try to keep it at a children's level when I'm around you." Hermione smashed her hand down on the seat.

"What do you think I'm some kind of a prude?" Her voice rose a bit.

"Well—"

"Alright Malfoy, I'll make you a bet. I bet you I can convince people I'm a little sex kitten longer than you can go with out sex." Hermione had no idea where that came from, but she was going with it.

"Ha, deal!" He grabbed her hand and shook it. The rest of the ride was spent in silent glares and smirks.