Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Jo Rowling, the most amazing author in the history of the English language.

Draco Malfoy glared at the two boys retreating backs. Sighing, he turned his gaze to the girl that they had left behind. He gulped, unsure of what to do.

Here in front of him sat one of the most beautiful girls at the Yule Ball, tears streaming down her face as her two best friends fled to the safety of the Gryffindor Common Room.

Contrary to popular belief, Draco had actually been raised a gentleman, but he had also been taught to never show those manners to ... certain people. Like Mudbloods and blood traitors.

And so the dilemma: comfort the girl as a gentleman, or sneer and walk away as a pure blood? Damn. It wasn't really much of a choice was it? Sure, she was a bossy-know-it-all, but she was in pain right now.

He glanced around the Entrance Hall and, having confirmed that no one was watching, walked over and sat beside her.

God, she was beautiful, even when she had been crying.

"Are you okay, Hermione?" he asked tentatively.

"I'm fine." she replied, "Ron's just being an idiot again." She wiped her cheeks, but didn't look at him. "God I'm such a cry baby!"

"Not really. Everyone has a right to be emotional sometimes."

"Thanks." she said. She still hadn't looked at him. Did she even realize that it was him? Draco pulled out the handkerchief that his mother had made him get into the habit of carrying around for just these situations. Holding it out to her he said, "Here."

Hermione finally looked up, and froze.

"What do you want Malfoy?"

Draco scowled. He had expected her to react that way, but he still felt oddly disappointed when she immediately assumed that he had some ulterior motive. It was getting old.

"Believe it or not Granger, I was actually just trying to be nice, but if you're going to jump to conclusions then forget it." he stood up, handkerchief still in hand. He hesitated before stuffing the kerchief into her hand. He then turned and stalked off towards the Slytherin Common Room. He was completely alone and half way to the Common Room when the patter of bare feet and a cry of "Malfoy, wait!" stopped him.

Draco turned to see Hermione sprinting down the hall towards him, shoes in one hand, and the handkerchief in the other.

"I'm sorry." she panted as she finally reached him. "I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions."

"Thanks Granger ... Do you want to walk around the castle a bit? You look a bit like there are a few things that you want to rant about."

And they walked. And she ranted. And he listened and then comforted. During all the years following, it became habit for Hermione to talk to Draco about her problems, and then to simply talk.

Draco, for his part, loved hearing her talk, loved knowing that he and Hermione had something special that Potty and Weasel could never have with her. But most of all, he simply loved her.

Draco Malfoy had fallen in love with Hermione Granger.

A/N: Yay. I really like this one-shot. It's simple and uncomplicated and cute (Well, I think so anyways.)

The inspiration for this came from two places: Starkid's song Granger Danger and from the book Pride and Predjudice.

I kind of got the whole handkerchief/gentleman idea from Pride, and the timing of the story as well as the last line from Starkid.

So, if you feel like leaving a review, I would love that!

Until next time,

Kat