Disclaimer: I don't own it, duh.

Ch.2

The next day brought Hermione back to the gym. She normally took her spin class on Tuesdays only, and to be honest, she hadn't quite recovered from the rigorous session the other day. However, she had memorized Draco's schedule from his file and he was due at the gym at any moment for his daily class.

She stood in the same spot where he had run into her the other day. There was only one other room down that hallway, so she knew her target would have to walk by. She idly ran her fingers through her ponytail, twirling it into one large curl as she waited. Hair smoothing charms worked wonders on her frizz and she couldn't stop admiring how the strands felt between her fingers. Smiling ruefully, Hermione thought of how she used to sneer at the airheads who took the time to fix their hair and makeup before going to the gym. Now she was one of them. Well, at least she wasn't actually planning on working out, just reconnaissance.

Her musings brought a smile to her face. She gave one last spin to the curl in her hair and smiled wider, sure that Ma- Draco would be by at any moment. Hermione was also convinced that after her change of heart, the least she could do was call him by his name.

Her smile stay fixed on her face for several minutes as she scanned every face walking in. A flash of blonde in the corner of her eye caught her attention; she turned, tossing her hair and flashing a mega watt smile. Seeing the smile, the blonde, a stunning girl with a toned body in a bright pink spandex top, winked and waked over.

"Hi, I'm Kelly. Are you new here?" She smiled flirtatiously. "Whatcha do to get stuck in here? You are headed to class right?" The bubbly girl grabbed her hand and lead Hermione down the hall.

Hermione gulped. "Stuck here?" She knew from the report that Malfoy was in some sort of court-mandated class, but she didn't understand why anyone else would feel trapped. Before entering, Kelly stopped them, and grinning at Hermione, she squeezed her hand. "You ready for this?"

An arm snaked around Kelly's waist, fitting the girl into a tight hug. "Kelly, stop teasing the new girl. Give her a break."

Grateful of her savior, Hermione looked up only to lock gazes with a pair of eyes no longer icy, but a sparkling blue. If she hadn't been starring so intently at him, she might have missed his indecipherable look before his eyes slid back the girl in his arms. "Besides this one's only here to see me. You're wasting your considerable charm on her."

The smug look on Draco's face didn't quite reach his eyes, but Kelly simpered at him anyway. "You always have the best girls on your team." She tossed a wink at Hermione, "Now I see why you were tossing your hair."

Hermione had the grace to blush as she untangled her hand from the other woman's. This was definitely not how she wanted Draco to see her.

Draco raised an eyebrow at them. "Did I miss something?"

Kelly patted his cheek. "Don't worry about it," she said as she slipped out from his arms. "I'm sure she'll fill you right in. And Drake, don't let this one slip through your fingers." With one last smile and kiss smack on Draco's mouth, she flounced off to slide her arms around another woman across the room.

Hermione eyed Draco tentatively. Before she could lose her nerve and run off screaming down the hallway she asked, "Who says I'm here to see you?"

Draco looked in Kelly's direction for a moment, then back at Hermione. "I could call Kelly back over here if that's a problem," he said with a faint smirk twitching at the corner of his mouth.

Hermione squeaked. "No, I would much rather, I mean that's not-" She cleared her throat before continuing with more conviction, "I was only inquiring as to what made you believe I was here to see you."

"You don't know what kind of class this is, do you?" Draco asked carefully, but a hint of the smirk still lingered.

"Of course I know this is mixed martial arts class," she answered stiffly. She had anticipated someone questioning her presence and had carefully constructed a plausible story. "I've been considering taking it up and thought I'd observe a class for further research." With as much poise as she could muster she continued, "I've been intending on taking a class to learn self-defence for some time." Hermione sniffed, waiting for his reaction. She hadn't intended on having this conversation with anyone who actually knew that she was a witch and was fumbling, badly.

Draco studied her face for a moment silently.

Hermione looked pointedly at the teacher who was calling the class to order. "Shouldn't you be over there?" she asked archly.

Draco chuckled silently and without another word, loped of to join the class in stretching. As he reached his spot, he threw a wink over his shoulder at her. Hermione smiled shakily in return as she moved to a bench to conduct her "research" on the class.

^^w^^w^^w^^w^^w^^w^^

Hermione had intended on examining Draco for possible allusions to his allegiance as she sat there, but he was mesmerizing as ran through his exercises and she could concentrate on little else. The smooth movements drew her attention to his physique which had previously been hidden beneath the roomy uniform. He was still unnaturally thin and wiry, but she now saw the strength in his body. It also explained why she had wound up on her ass after running into him. He had a new inner balance.

She just wished she knew if that balance extended to his thoughts. He had been unnaturally kind to her the other day and today he hadn't called her out on her blatant lie, but she just wished that she knew for certain. Hermione Granger did not like dealing with uncertainty.

She had almost made up her mind to leave and do some more proper research on Draco's possible allegiances when she felt someone sit next to her. She shifted slightly to the side to allow her bench partner some space. Instead, he intruded closer, leaning into her ear to whisper, "Like what you see there toots?"

"Excuse me?" She shifted to the side trying to put enough space between them so she could turn and identify him.

He only moved with her. "Yea, I noticed ya couldn't yer eyes off me. Wanna take this party somewhere more private?" his voice caressed her ear.

Hermione had run out of space to scoot over and was caught between his body and the wall. Her heart pounding, she tried to stand, but his hand caught hers.

"I wasn't- Let me go!" Hermione whispered fiercely. She didn't want to call the entire class' attention to her predicament. He was leaning in again his other arm creeping around her back so Hermione did the only thing she could think of. She pulled her wand from her bag, conveniently on the seat behind her, and quietly stunned him.

His dead weight fell against her and she struggled for a moment trying to wiggle out, a task made much easier when the body was practically flung to the side. Hermione looked up to see Draco's eyes fixed on her. "You need to leave," he stated in barely contained fury.

She glared at him in return and opened her mouth to argue.

"Now, Hermione. You don't belong here. Just get out."

Her cheeks flaming in embarrassment, she intensified her glare and huffed at him. "Fine, I have all the information I need and was planning on leaving anyway."

Hermione thought she saw some strange emotion flicker in Draco's eyes for a moment before his mask slipped back into place. She turned away before she could give her own feelings away and grabbed her bag. Slipping the strap over her shoulder, she rushed from the room.

A/N: So I know this is a really short chapter. It's actually been written for awhile too. I had been waiting for more inspiration, but I just wanted to post now b/c a good friend of mine has grounded me and I thought this might help. I want my FREEEEEDOM. Love you Sue! ;)

Also, this hasn't been beta'd let me know if you see something!