It was a cold, miserable October day when Hermione reminded Draco how soon Halloween was. He didn't care though, he just wanted to see her smile. Hermione had a way with smiles that made people feel warm. She reminded Draco of a puppy - the sole source of happiness. Draco had been in the tempestuous storm of emotions that came with liking her, yet that moment made his feelings of guilt and regret disappear. It hurt Draco more than he would ever admit it. His heart ached every night, it longed for one word - "okay". Longing for Hermione's acknowledgment of his feelings even if that meant she would hate him. He would risk his entire friendship with that one amazing girl, just because the pain was so awful. But he could never do it. She was too special.

So the boy just smiled back and remained silent. The silence provided shelter for his inner demons. "It awkward between us now. Ron and I, I mean."

"Yeah, I suppose it is. Are... are you okay?"

"Well, to be honest, I'm not sure - I don't think so. But for now... I've never been better"

And then she hugged him, and she knew that he was slightly resisting it so she only hugged him more. But deep down, he suddenly felt okay. At that moment in time, both of them were at peace. And they liked it. Many would say that this was called a moment of "beauty". Yet, the way Draco saw it, it wasn't the moment that was beautiful, it was her...

Meanwhile, in a dark classroom, the puffy eyed Harry and sulking Ron sat opposite of each other. Neither spoke for a while - the sound of heartbreak was loud enough. Then the distinct crackle in Ron's voice broke this silence, "I... I miss her" he said. Harry briefly looked up then looked back down. "I'm sure you do, Ron. I'm sure you do, but you took too long..."

"So, now what?!"

"Draco's talking to her at the moment, and-"

"What?! Bloody Hell"

"..."

Nothing could be said, for both then saw what true betrayal was. For at the centre of the Quidditch field, they saw a very heartfelt hug between the two. And it hurt Ron...

"Sorry," she said.

"It's... um... fine," was the boy's awkward reply. "It was-"

Draco was suddenly interrupted by the presence of Ron at the edge of the field - just watching them. An immediate flood of embarrassment and regret flowed in. And then he realised that he had spent too long doing the right thing. So he felt a duty to do the wrong.

"Hermione", Draco said, " I like you"...