Hermione wanted to talk to Malfoy the whole day. She didn't care if she was surrounded by Slytherins but Malfoy was obviously avoiding her. He didn't even bother to taunt or do anything bad to her or her friends and this made Hermione feel worse. Hermione was walking with Ron and Harry when he spotted Malfoy. She ran towards him but he just half-ran, half-walked away and Crabbe and Goyle blocked her view.

"You won't get to jump on his lap again," Crabbe grunted. Hermione glared at them and tried to look past them but Malfoy was long gone.

"Did he spread another web of lies?" Ron asked.

"No," Hermione whispered, walking past them. She didn't feel like talking to Harry and Ron. The only solution they would have is revenge or beat Malfoy up which wasn't what kind of solution Hermione was looking for.

She needed Ginny.

Hermione wasn't able to find Ginny until after breakfast.

"Ginny, I need help," Hermione said. They both went to the Gryffindor house, in Ginny's room. A wave of nostalgia came through Hermione. She missed the Gryffindor house but she also had her own now, with problems.

"What is it?" Ginny asked, concerned.

"I sort of did something to Malfoy and I regret it," Hermione whispered.

"Please don't tell me you actually sat on his lap," Ginny said her eyes bigger.

"No! I sort found his secret,"

"Which?" Ginny asked, leaning forward. Hermione hesitated.

"I'd rather not tell anyone else to avoid it making worse,"

"Fine but why are you guilty again? It's Draco Malfoy, the guy who made Harry's, Ron's, and yours life bad, the guy who called you mudblood, the guy who is rumored to be serving you-know-who, a

Slytherin." Ginny contemplated.

"Ginny, I know all that but what I did was really horrible and I don't how to apologize" Hermione said, exasperated.

Ginny stared at Hermione for a while. She wondered if Malfoy put a curse on her to actually show sympathy for him but all Ginny could see was sadness in her eyes.

"Forget it," Hermione said and stalked away. That was a complete waste of time.

For the rest of the classes, Hermione felt conscious since Malfoy sat behind her in every class. She had the urge to turn around and say what she had to say but Crabbe and Goyle kept blocking him.

Finally, when they were dismissed during Potions, Malfoy was alone because Crabbe and Goyle made a mess of the potion and was being scolded by Snape.

"Malfoy," Hermione said, grabbing his arm. Hermione felt a warm radiation when she grabbed him.

Malfoy didn't look at her but looked anywhere else.

"I'm sorry," Hermione said. Malfoy flinched when she said this.

"Draco," Hermione whispered. Malfoy flinched again. "I said 'I'm sorry'. I also wont' ever tell anyone. I promise,"

"Sure, whatever," He said.

Hermione and Draco weren't aware that they were standing outside the Poitions classroom and everyone could see what was happening. Harry, Ron, Neville, Luna, Ginny and a couple other Gryffindors were on one side and Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy and other Slytherin were on the other, watching Hermione and Malfoy.

"What is this?" Pancy shrieked.

Hermione and Malfoy jumped and turned to see the 2 divided groups. Pancy's eyes wandered to Hermione's hand which was still holding Malfoy's arm. Malfoy shook it off and Hermione threw her hands into her pockets.

"Mudblood tried to hit on me again," Malfoy said, sneering at Hermione.

"You leave him alone!" Pancy shrieked, lunging at Hermione. Hermione was caught off guard and Pancy was pulling her hair. Hermione laughed at the childlessness of Pancy but she pushed her away. She wasn't mad or angry anymore. She was actually laughing when she stood up unaware her hair was messy. They all looked at her like she was some crazy squib but Hermione ignored them all.

If Malfoy was going to make her life miserable again, that meant Malfoy forgave her and she was perfectly fine with it.

"Don't try anything," Ron threatened Malfoy as Hermione and her friends left.

"What was that about?" Neville asked.

"Nothing really, quarreled a bit," Hermione said with a smile.

"You seem happy about it," Ron said suspiciously.

"Oh it's nothing, really" She sang and skipped away.

Hermione was ecstatic throughout the day. Malfoy continues his taunts and Hermione was happy. It was unusual but Hermione knew she knew something about Malfoy that even Crabbe and Goyle didn't know about. Her friends thought she was crazy though but Ginny, understood and smiled at Hermione. They were eating dinner and chatting merrily, forgetting about the Malfoy-Hermione scene.

"Our quidditch match is next week and I can't wait to kick the Slytherin's asses!" Ron said with a grin.

"Of course we will, how could we not? Our captain been has been at our throats for the practices," Ginny said, looking at Harry.

"I just want us to win. We need to practice more just to be sure," Harry said with an equally huge grin.

"Aye' captain," Ginny and Ron said.

"You are going to be watching right, Hermione?"Ron asked, looking into her eyes.

"Of course, I wouldn't miss it." Hermione said with a smile. Ron's grin widened and for now, everything was perfect for Hermione.

After dinner, Hermione went to her dorm and saw that Malfoy was already there, sitting by the fireplace doing an assignment. Hermione wasn't sure how to act. Would they act as friends? Would they act as enemies? Malfoy ignored Hermione and so she just went to her room. She changed into her Gryffindor sweater and shorts and went to the fireplace to do some studying. While studying, Hermione couldn't help but take some glances at Malfoy. Malfoy was wearing a white v-neck shirt and black jeans. She hated to admit it but he looked great. Hermione couldn't bring herself to think that he was the h-word.

She was sure Malfoy also glanced at her at some points but she was also sure Malfoy didn't see anything great about her appearance.

Not that I care what he thinks about me, Hermione thought, suddenly flustered.

After an hour or so, she was able to study all her subjects and do all her assignment. She packed her things away and was about to hit the sack when she saw Malfoy was still doing his assignment, his lips frowning.

"Do you need help?" Hermione offered.

"Not from a mudblood," Malfoy said with a sneer. "Then again, that's what mudbloods are for, just for help" Malfoy handed her his assignment.

"Almost everything is wrong, you go to sleep, I'll go do it," Hermione said. She began writing everything in a piece of parchment.

"Don't go ordering me around, mudblood," Malfoy said with a smirk.

He disappeared into his room and came back with the guitar. Hermione was surprised at Malfoy's openness. Malfoy looked at her expectantly, waiting for her reaction. Hermione didn't say anything continued to write. Hermione heard Malfoy playing the guitar and damn, he was good. Hermione hurriedly finished her writing and put it down. She watched Malfoy play the guitar.

Malfoy threw a glance at her and continued playing.

Hermione could help it anymore. Malfoy in his v-neck and jeans, while playing the guitar was truly hot and it was sort of sentimental in a way.

Malfoy kept writing and scratching in a parchment and continued to play again.

"Are you writing a song?" Hermione asked.

"What's it to you, mudblood?" Malfoy glared. Hermione didn't answer and proceeded to watch. A lot of thoughts were crossing in her mind. She was once again, seeing Malfoy's new side in action.

She heard Malfoy humming while playing the guitar.

"Why don't you just sing to make it easier for you?" Hermione asked.

"And what embarrass me in front of you? In your dreams Granger," Malfoy said with a smirk.

"You don't want to make a fool of yourself while I'm here?" Hermione smirked back.

"Oh shut up," Malfoy said, throwing a pillow at her. She laughed and stood up.

"Well, you're homework's done and I'm going to hit to sleep now," Hermione announced.

"Are you sure you wouldn't like to sleep with me, Granger?" Malfoy asked with a smirk.

Hermione stopped in her tracks and grabbed the nearest thing to her, a broom, and tried to hit Malfoy. Malfoy caught the broom in his hands and pulled her close.

Their faces were so near, only the thin broom in between them. Hermione gazed into Malfoy's gray eyes and Malfoy stared into Hermione's bright brown eyes. They could hear each other breathing. Their bodies were lightly touching. Hermione could see Malfoy's smooth skin, his mysteriousness and his beauty. Hermione wasn't sure what Malfoy saw in her. Neither of them talked. They never stood this near which each other, probably only a centimeter away from each other. Their lips were so close, she was close to him.

"Go to sleep, Granger," Malfoy whispered, stepping back. He sat down on the couch and began writing again as if nothing happened. Hermione appalled and embarrassed again, sat there numbly. It took her a little while to regain control and went to her room.

She didn't know what just happened as she lay in her bed. She knew it was foolish and a shame. Even if Malfoy had forgiven her, they weren't friends. It just meant they were enemies again and considering that, allowing herself to be manipulated by him, was out of the line. She felt angry again. She forgot about his music and what wrong she did to him. She was just mad again. She, Hermione Granger, wasn't weak and she knew it and she wouldn't allow someone like Malfoy to do that to her again. Hermione hated Draco Malfoy and they would continue to act that way, inside or outside of the dorm. Hermione, with nothing but pure hatred again in her heart, began to sleep but not until she heard Malfoy play the guitar with a whole song.

• • • • • •

Hermione woke up before Malfoy and went out of the dorm before he had to deal with him again. When she woke up, she knew that she hated Malfoy, and she really did hate him again so easily.

Ron met her outside the dorm and he seemed embarrassed.

"Good morning. Where's Harry?" Hermione greeted with a smile.

"Slept in late," Ron answered.

"Hermione, would you like maybe go to Hogsmeade with me today?" Ron asked with a sheepish grin.

"But it's a school day," Hermione said.

"Actually, it's not. It's a holiday. They told us this yesterday. Weren't you listening?" Ron asked. Of course Hermione wasn't listening; she was too busy worrying about Malfoy and at the end, being too happy.

"I must have forgot and yes! Let me just change out of these robes" Hermione said. Hermione ran bacl into the dorm and found something nice and suitable to wear. She liked as more than a best friend Ron but she wasn't head-over-heels for him yet but she still wanted to look her best. She chose the blue shirt Ron gave her last Christmas; it had a not-that-deep v neck and it had sleeves up to her elbows and jeans. She had to admit her taste wasn't outstanding but she didn't care, she just wanted to spend the day with Ron. She brushed her hair and smiled at the mirror. She looked good enough in a simple manner.

She went out of her room to see Malfoy in his jeans and shirtless.

"What the bloody hell are you doing without your shirt on?" Hermione demanded. Malfoy's body toned and muscled but Hermione didn't see it as attractive. It was disgusting how Malfoy forgot they were living together. It was disgusting how he had the nerve to do that.

"What the hell are you still doing here? I thought I was alone," Malfoy said,

"Go put a damn shirt on, you git," Hermione spat.

"Why are you dressed like that?" Malfoy asked, eyeing Hermione.

"I'm going out with Ron" she said looking in the mirror, distracted.

"Awww, a date! How enthralling! Our mudblood on a date with a Weasly," Malfoy snickered.

"Well, it's better than hanging out with Pancy, that's for sure," She said slyly as she walked out the dorm before Malfoy could come back with anything.

"You look amazing, Hermione," Ron said across the table. They were drinking butterbeer in Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop. Hermione blushed.

"Thank you," Hermione said. Ron looked hot on their date. He was wearing a black shirt and jeans. It was like Ron didn't even try to look hot but he did and this made Hermione feel embarrassed about herself. After all, he is still her best friend.

The music began to play in the room and people went to the dance floor and slow-danced. Ron caught Hermione's eye. He stood up and held out his hand, "Dance with me?"

"Always," She whispered.

She was surprised to see Ron was actually very light on his feet and moved with ease. She thought that he might be clumsy but he was great dancer.

She looked deep into his blue eyes and he looked into her brown eyes. For a second, Malfoy came into her mind but she shook it off and thought;

To be damned with Malfoy,

She was with Ron and nothing could have made her happier. She wrapped her arms around Ron's neck as he wrapped his arms around her waist. She was melting into his arms.

"I like you, Hermione," Ron whispered into her ear. Hermione felt a wave of happiness go through her. She couldn't help it. It felt great.

• • • • • •

"Stop making that face, you look stupid." Malfoy said when Hermione came back. Malfoy was playing his guitar again when Hermione entered looking flustered and pleased and to Malfoy's opinion, stupid.

"I had the best day of my life and I'm not going to let you ruin it," Hermione said, touching her lips.

"That Weasel kissed you, didn't he?" Malfoy asked, his face with disgust.

"No, he didn't" Hermione snapped. "What's it to you anyway?"

She and Ron almost kissed but Ron wimped out and went to the comfort room and the date was awkward after that but it was still, without a doubt, fun.

"I could show you the best kiss any day," Malfoy said with a smirk.

"Sure, you can, you're Malfoy, the guy who made out with possibly every girl in the school," Hermione said with disgust. There were a lot of rumors that Malfoy had snogged with almost everyone in the school, even Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs but little of Gryffindor and Hermione didn't have any plan to join his list of achievement of snogging.

"Thos girls were rubbish. They didn't know how to kiss, amateurs," Malfoy said laughing.

"Oh and you can?" Hermione challenged. She didn't know what possessed her but she wanted to prove Malfoy wrong.

"Is that a challenge, I hear?" Malfoy, said standing up. Hermione was prepared. She would kiss Malfoy senseless and leave him speechless in defeat. She was shocked to see her reckless and thing daring side of her.

"If you want to wimp out, then I'm fine with it," Hermione said, not blinking. Malfoy approached her and grabbed her shirt and pushed her back onto the wall.

He put his hands on her each side of the wall and leaned in.

"Prepare for the best thing that will ever happen to you," Malfoy whispered.

With one hand, he gently lifted her chin and leaned down. Hermione couldn't resist or rather, didn't want to. Malfoy gently kissed Hermione and Hermione responded. Their lips moving in rhythm and Hermione had to admit, it was fantastic. The kiss continued gently. Malfoy led Hermione into the couch and continued to kiss. The longer the kiss lasted, the higher their lust went up. Malfoy began to reach underneath Hermione's shirt. Hermione jumped away and punched him hard.

"You asshole!" Hermione screamed. She was once again, embarrassed to be led on by Malfoy especially after her date with Ron. What was wrong with her?

"Aren't girls just supposed to slap?" Malfoy cursed under his breath

"I'm Hermione Granger, I'm not like any other girl," Hermione said feeling stronger and violated. It was her fault that this kiss happened but she didn't want Malfoy to do anything other than a kiss.

"You got that right, and I'm a great kisser aren't I?" Malfoy smirked.

"And a great asshole too," Hermione spat as she stalked to her room.

"You truly are different Granger, you're the first one to resist my kiss,"