Hermione didn't know why she felt a strange twinge toward Malfoy, but she wrote it off as nothing more than gratefulness for him saving her when no one else knew the truth. She would however keep this secret, and her distance, from everyone for a while. Hermione walked to her classes and though her friends did try to stick loyally by her side she pushed them away. She needed time to think about her for a while and what she wanted to do with her life after Hogwarts.
She made sure that she was never around Ron, unless she had to be for things such as classes, which were very few because most of hers were advanced; he was, however, getting help for his "problem". It was being written off as some sort of post traumatic stress from the war, but he could get better at any time. She had even changed her meal times so she ate mostly alone. She still loved Ron and wanted the best for him; knowing it wasn't his fault was not the problem; forgetting what he had done and what the others had not however was.
"Earth to Hermione I said are you going to Hogsmead this weekend?" Ginny was gazing at her friend. She had been put off by her for weeks now and thought that perhaps something more had happened that Hermione refused to tell them. "'Mione I'm sorry I have to ask, but did Ron… I mean, did he ever…"
"God Ginny no I told you what he did and as for Hogsmead I can go when I like so there is no need to go with a bunch of children running around."Hermione didn't realize that she had struck a chord with Ginny until she felt her suddenly get off the bed.
"Well then I guess this child should go run around a look for Harry that than." With that she huffed out of the room with a slam of Hermione's door.
"Great" she thought just what she needed another Weasley mad at her. Though it was on the brink of curfew, well not for her anyway, she was hoping that the corridors were empty enough for a walk to help clear her mind. She must have walked for over an hour, yet she still had not covered the entire castle. She needed another distraction; she had kept up with all of her homework and then some, so that was out but she was sure that she could find something. Not paying attention to anything around her she found herself in the library, her true sanctuary as thus through school, and curled up in a chair with a nice thick book.
"So Granger, are you always so exciting or do you test your limits with bigger books in your spare time?" Malfoy was standing over her with his famous smirk. "I thought I would be here alone since you took to doing whatever it is you do in your room." Draco didn't know why he was saying this, for he had every intention to stay away from her after last time, but he couldn't pass up the chance when he seen her sitting there so absorbed in reading. The way her hair fall over her shoulder and the slight cress in her brow as she read, and though you would have to look hard to find it, the pucker of her lips.
Blast those eyes of his! She got lost in them every time she looked at them. "Look Malfoy I'm not up for games tonight I just want to be left alone." She turned back to her book and tried to read though she was hyperaware of his presents.
"Granger you never did answer me… beside I do have a serious question for you now. How is the weasel been treating you, I mean you never come out except for classes and you eat alone, has he done something more then what he did?"
His eyes were boring into hers. "You know you're not the first person to ask me that question. And to that I must answer, again, no I just want to be alone from now on. Look I know that you helped me (and I still don't know why she thought) but I will not bore you with the aspects of my reason on why am craving solitude right now." She thought he might actually know what she is talking about, unlike having to 'dumb down' things for Ron.
Draco looked at her through thoughtful eyes. Should he give her his secret on why he was helping? No, that wouldn't be very Slytherinly to do. He was no Gryffindor who sought loyalty and friendship, he looked out for himself and that was it. "I just thought I would ask no need to go in depth a simple bugger off would have sufficed and on the contrary I doubt that you could ever bore me Granger, on any note."
Hermione studied him for a moment. "Okay then how do you feel about Muggle well anything?" Waiting for an answer she grinned and turned back to her book. She knew he didn't give a rat's fart about muggles and never would. Finishing the end of her chapter she closed her book and got up to stretch.
Draco watched as her slender body bent back and the smallest moan came out of her closed mouth. He wanted to just taste her sweet kiss once and he could move on with his life. What was he thinking she would never want to get close to someone like him someone whom she hated so much, yet had saved his life… no, that had been Saint Potter hadn't it. "You know Granger it's not good manners to ask a question and give the person in which you asked no time to answer before returning you attention elsewhere. Though I haven't spent much time studying all that of muggles I do think that they are intriguing, going about one's life with no help from magic is beyond me and I have to condone them for pulling off something not even I could do."
Hermione's jaw dropped did the Draco muggle hater himself Malfoy just admit that there is something that he could not take, yet a muggle could do every day. "Wow you have changed a bit haven't you." As if seeing him with new eye, she gazed down at the still sitting man. Yes she thought that is the right word, for he is a man now and finally understands the world that so many tried to teach him before. "Good night Malfoy."
No he couldn't let her leave just yet he wanted to keep talking to her. She had kept to herself so much that she didn't realize that he was doing the same. He craved someone who he could have a meaningful conversation with oppose to the airhead bints hanging around him for nothing more than to be a pure-blood breeder, someone out for the Malfoy Fortune not for love. "Granger have you uh have you finished the essay for transfiguration yet?" He had finished the same night that it was set but here he was asking for what a tutor? If he kept up how well he was doing he may even pass Hermione up on grades.
"I…. yeah I have. Haven't you I mean I seen you working on it the same night." She blushed for she had just confessed that she noticed what he did. And this was not missed but him either.
Smirking he said, "so you have noticed then; I plan on passing you by Ms. Granger I think I would be good on top of you, figuratively speaking that is." He saw the blush that deepened and couldn't resist the urge to touch her. Standing he brush the back of his fingers across her cheek. "That's right Granger I forgot you do notice everything don't you?" Her skin felt so smooth and warm under his touch. Only audible to him and her, came a whisper that he wasn't even sure he said "beautiful". He cleared his throat "well um I will see you around then Granger."
"Wait why did you just… I mean did…." She was at a loss of words at that moment for the first time in her life! Her blood pulsing through her veins at this moment. She wanted him to touch her again, but that was absurd this was Malfoy for crying out loud. She shook her head back and forth before muttering a good night.
It was nearly 2:30 in the morning and they still had a day of lessons ahead of them before the big Hogsmead weekend. They walked, though not side by side, to the common room with the thoughts of what they both felt. Something was drawing them into each other, yet the both fought so hard against it. Really what would be the harm in such a combination? They were both smart and Hermione was so beautiful even if she didn't want to admit it after that Weasel had abused her so. They had been together for just over a year when she decided to get rid of his ass, but what if they?... Merlin he didn't even want to think about it: He felt sick. How extensive was there relationship? This was Hermione that he was thinking about, and she was no bint. She had morals right, but what if she was caught up in her first love?
When they walked into the common room Draco was fuming and needed to release his tension on someone. He looked around for Ron and spotted him in the corner alone looking at Hermione with mixed feelings: hate, love, and lust. Hermione didn't give a second look to anyone going straight to her room. Ron looked at Draco and knew he had been caught and stared at him and looking crazed. Yes this is who he would mess with; the low life deserved it! "Lovely, you're a stalker now too? I bet you still wank off to her don't you. When she goes into her room at night you wait to make sure she doesn't take anyone in there with her. Then you go to your little room and think about her." With a smirk on his face and an evil glint in his eye he knew that he was right on base with him.
Ron was boiling. He knew he was no match for someone how spent so much time in the presents of the Dark Lord and learning from his dear dead aunt. But he would not stand to have this bastard talk to him like that; he was a Weasley and he wasn't going to let anyone talk to him like that! "Oh and you think I don't see you pining after my leftovers Ferret? I know you watch her too; I've seen it she is under your skin just as much as much as she is under mine. You think that she would ever have anyone like you? You are not even good enough to wipe the soot of her shoes. I may have lost her but at least she was still MINE to have. She feels so soft to, something that you will never feel." He said all of this in a low but threatening voice that spoke volumes.
Though Draco showed no sign that he even cared what he said his right hand twitch a sure tell sign that he was about to go for his wand; however, he knew there was no point he could wipe the floor with him while one hand was tied behind his back. "Jealous much Weasel King? Is that why we just left the library together and before you ask yes we were alone." With that he strode to his room and closed the door. Weasley was right Hermione was under his skin and not only did he know but it seemed so did others. He would have to be more careful. No what was he thinking nothing was going to transpire between them. Much to his horror however he wanted to do the very thing that he accused the Weasel wanting feeling his trousers growing tight. Before he could give it more thought however he quickly changed and went to sleep dreaming of the beautiful woman that he had just left yet again.
Hermione was done with her lessons for the day and wanted to get away. She had enough people mad at her and couldn't take it anymore. She had talked to the headmistress already and got her extended weekend Okayed to stay in Hogsmead. There was a soft knock on her door. "Come in." She kept working but knew that whoever had come in got the wrong impression when she heard the loud intake of breath.
Harry looked horrified. "'Mione what are you doing you can't leave? I know that things have been rough and I haven't been the best friend that you needed. Ginny, I know, is sorry that she left in such a tiff the other day but that is still no reason to leave!" Thanks to Harry the whole common heard what was going on due to the fact that he left to door wide open. Though people did not dare go into her room a small group started to find their way to listen in
"Harry you have it wrong. I am not leaving because of the way things panned out now if you just let me explain…"
Harry however hadn't heard a word of what she had just said. "'Mione look just stay we need you here!
"HARRY now listen to me I'm simply staying the weekend in Hogsmead we are adults and I am quite able to have a weekend to myself it is not what you or Ginny did or haven't done, I just need time to think about things. Thank you I know you care about me, but I can handle my own affairs." She gave him a genuine smile and gathered the last of her things before heading out. There were a few sigh of reliefs as she passed by the nosy lot, and some not so happy glares from her *hmm* other house mates.
She made it to the front gates before a strong arm came around her waist. "I told you your mine and you can't leave me again. Where do you think you're tramping off to now? Going to see your Ferret of a boyfriend? " Ron's eyes seem to be flat black oppose to his baby blue eyes that he normally had.
"Ron let me go. I'm just going to Hogsmead I need time…" her voice cut off as his hand made it to her throat.
"I said you are MINE you will not ever leave me again to you hear me? Now you are going to be a good girl and go back to your room and stay there like you have been got it?"
Tears willed up in her eyes. He released her throat and roughly turned her around to face him. "I LOVED YOU! Why would you keep doing this to me? You were my best friend and now I can't stand the site of you." Though she had started off scream the rest came out in a chocked out voice.
Ron looked terrified and his eyes seem to shift slightly back to a dark blue. He stepped away. "Hermione I'm so sorry go get away from me before I hurt you again." with that he half fell half ran back to the castle as fast as he could to lock himself away before he did yet another thing to regret.
The clouds above threatened to rain down on her if she didn't start moving towards her destination soon. As soon as she was off the limits of Hogwarts she apparated to the Three Brooms Sticks for a room for the weekend. Though she didn't pride herself in splurging she did want something a bit bigger then a room with a bed in the middle of it. She got the premium room with some of the money awarded to her as part of bringing down Voldemort. She took a long steaming bath and sat there until her hands and feet looked like big prunes. She wrapped a towel around her and strode out to the living area of her little room. She gasped as a paled haired man sat in front of her. "Malfoy what on earth are you doing here?"
"I wanted to make sure you were alright I seen that git with his hand around your throat so don't even try to deny it. By the time I got to where you were you were gone and so was the loathsome Weasel. How often do you cover for him? I thought he hadn't done anything more to you." Draco was seething.
Embarrassed Hermione cleared her throat. "I think you should leave I'm fine."
She turned but his lighting fast reflexes were not lost just because he no longer played as seeker. "Granger you can't let him keep doing this! Are you that sick or do you still love him?"
"What do you care?" she hurled back at him, "you have hurt me every year that we've known each other. Since you met me, you thought I was nothing more than a simple-minded mudblood…"
"NEVER call yourself that again! I have told you I am past that blood-purity bullocks and I have never found you simple minded Granger." He started down into her eyes: Merlin she was beautiful.
"Yet it was okay for you to hurt me was it? You have no right to come in here and ask those questions Malfoy why do you even care? You should be happy the Golden Trio is broken. However, so there is not confusion no I am not still in love with him, and I don't let him secretly hurt me. You blew the lid on that our first week back didn't you? And he hasn't so much as touched a hair on my head until today." She was visibly shaking but had no intentions of sitting down; moreover, she had completely forgotten she was still dripping wet in a small white towel that was not sticking to her slender frame.
"I'm sorry Granger I didn't know that you felt that I was intruding I thought that we might have moved beyond the blunders in the past I am truly sorry for the pain in which you have mentioned to transpire. I know that I was a foul person in the past. Perhaps one day you will forgive me for being an immature git." He wore an unreadable mask and was so formal that it shocked Hermione to her core.
"Look Malfoy I forgive you for your past mistakes. I was surprised to see you here, but I didn't like the manner in which you have treated me. Like I have told Harry I am capable to take care of my own affairs. Thank you for wanting to help." She sighed how could she make this right; she would be damned if another person was put out by her. "Would you like dinner I was going to order in?"
Draco almost lost his perfect composure when she asked. Of course he wanted to stay with her all the better if she stayed in that little towel of hers… NO what was he thinking he should go now; he shouldn't have come in the first place. His mouth had other plans and before he could stop himself the words slipped out of his mouth. "I would love that, but only if you let me pay I think I owe you that much or no deal." He smirked he knew that she would never let him pay and would fight tooth and nail, but he was raised to be a gentlemen and would never let her waste good money on him.
"Please Malfoy I would never let you pay. Let me change into something more appropriate and we can order." she sniffed.
When she returned Draco stood and walked over and invaded her personal space. "I'll make you a bet then whoever wins gets to pay what do you say?"
Hermione looked at every inch of his face avoiding his eyes. "As long as it doesn't involve flying I'm in. I know that I can beat you at everything else."
Draco loved how cocky she really was, but knew there was no way that she could ever beat him at this game. "Okay let's play a little trivial pursuit."
"You're on I know you're in advanced Ancient Ruins, how about that?" Hermione had so much time on her hands as of late that she had not only finished her books for her first half of term but started on the second half.
"No I was thinking something a little harder and personal. We will have to answer questions about each other. Whoever knows more will win." He smirked when he seen the shock on her face but she had that damn Gryffindor courage so he knew she was never back down.
"How will I know that you aren't lying?"
"Well Granger I'm sure you will think of some way to drag it out of me." Smiling he watched as she blushed. "Alright ladies first what would you like me to answer?" He waved his wand and a score board of sorts came up. "Oh and this is how I will know that you Ms. Granger are not the cheater."
"Well let me see… what is my cats name?" she knew he would never know that so HA!
Without a second thought he said "Crookshanks". He loved that her mouth fell wide open. "Now, now Granger it is unbecoming of a lady to stand with her mouth hanging open like that why don't you have a seat." He smiled like a Cheshire cat. He pulled her with him to the love seat "What was my grandmother's name?"
Godric how on earth was she to know that? "I thought this was about strictly us not our families? Had I known that I would have asked a more in depth question?"
"Just because you don't know the answer" laughed Draco "doesn't mean that it is not about me, but I will ask another question and since you were under the impression that it was just about us. When was my first broom ride?"
"First year Madam Hooch taught us all together." her side of the board however did not light up.
"Wrong I was 6 and my father took me out to teach me in the middle of a storm. He said "Malfoy's are never to be second best.' I had to practice but eventually I could on and I have loved it ever since." He smiled a little smugly.
"Fine so I didn't know that one let's see than… Who was my first crush?" She had never told anyone that so she knew that he would never know.
"Viktor Krum I'm sure the tosh pot." Draco mumbled out. How in the world could she ask him something like that? Well if she wanted to get into the opposite sex thing then he would too! He waited for his point to go up and when nothing happened he looked back at the smiling Hermione Granger. "Well I'll be a hippogriff who was he then, please don't tell me Weasley." He spit that last part out.
"Well no he was a boy that I knew from school before I came to Hogwarts. His name was Michael Prod, he was someone every 6 year old girl would want being 7 and having his own swing set." She laughed.
"Hmm Granger I didn't know that you went after people with wealth, but how could I when you went for Hand-Me-Down Weasley." He chuckled at the look she gave him and right before she said something he interrupted her. "Whelp it is my turn is it not; who did I lose my virginity to?" He knew that the false trail was laid long ago and there would be no reason for her to know the truth.
"Tracey Davis though everyone probably still thinks it was that crazy bint Pansy Parkinson AND it was not in 4th year after the Yule Ball but in 3rd years the night we all had to stay in the Great Hall because Hogwarts was infiltrated by Sirius Black; you two snuck away when you thought everyone was asleep."
"How did you… I mean nobody knew that." He was shocked to say the least.
"Well Malfoy apparently SOMEONE knew. Now my turn what is my worst subject in school?" everyone knew that but she really was at a loss of what to ask.
"Divinations, now that's something EVERYONE knows, if I didn't know any better I would say that you are trying to lose because you secretly want me to pay. My turn, oh and if you don't mind let's only go to 5 so we can eat sometime tonight I'm starved, who was my first love?"
Hermione look perplexed Draco Malfoy didn't love anyone but himself. "I… don't know." She stated honestly.
Draco inch closer "Well I guess you don't know everything about me then do you."
He had something in his eyes that made her blush, "okay well um my turn." She turned her head away too look at the other wall and clear her mind. "What is my favorite dessert?" Okay she knew this wasn't the best question but she needed to fill the silence and that just popped into her head.
"Chocolate Truffles as our mine. You are the only other person who orders them from Honey Suckles, other than me that is. What is my favorite color?"
"That's easy it's Green and why would you ask such an easy question trying to throw me off?"
"Is that your question Granger?"
"NO! It was I mean eh okay my real question is what is my favorite muggle food?"
He had heard the word before but never knew what it was. "Peat-Sa funny sounding stuff but you love it just the same."
Gritting her teeth she said nothing but gave a quick nod. "Well well Granger I'm on top of this game." He popped the P and had a glint of joy in his eyes. "Now what is my favorite Muggle food?"
She opened her mouth but no noise came out. "Um wouldn't be Pizza too would it?"
"Nope and this is for the winning point. So what is your question so we can get on with dinner?"
"Fine what is my favorite season?" Why in Merlin's would he know that anyways!
"Winter because you love to cuddle by the fire with a nice book. I win" he said before the point even went up on the board "now what would you like for dinner?"
"Sheppard's Pie with a strong spiced tea. How do you know all that anyways?" Though she was a little irritated she was marginally curious.
"I'll be back in a trice with our food Madam." And he left her just like that.
She grumbled at his quick departure as she cleaned up her mess from earlier and added some wood to the fire. She changed her clothes from her old comfy muggle sweats and t-shirt to something a little more suitable for company. Taming her hair with her wand she started to feel a bit flustered about having a dinner alone with Draco Malfoy. Why would was he here with her anyways? She was lost in thought when the door opened.
"'They are sorry for the wait but will bring it up momentarily' Not blood likely their wizards so you would think they could just whip up the blasted food. Why did you choose to stay here anyways Granger you should stay somewhere with class?" He could still smell the fresh scent that filled the room from her bath and it was intoxicating.
"Well not all of us have the Galleons to throw about for lavish villas' in every corner of the world. Besides this IS my 'staying somewhere with class' as you say. Not all of us pride ourselves in how much we spend, Malfoy." She walked into the room and caught his eye. "So did you bring us a snack then since you are so hungry?"
He couldn't take his eyes off of her. "Maybe I did, but since I'm the only hungry one here I think I'll eat it on my own, tough luck Granger."
He smirked at her and she knew that was kidding. "Well if that's the case perhaps I should go find someone who can make sure I get some food." She made to walk out the door with no true hope of getting there.
He grabbed her wrist, "Granger, I told you that I would be buying you dinner and I intend to. What should we do until it comes however?" Draco had pulled her closer so she stood just in front of him. Her chocolate brown eyes were rich and had a shine to them in the glow of the fire light.
Hermione could feel the warmth of his breath on her cheek. "Um" was all she could say. Why was this awkward? Because this was an awkward moment! she yelled back at herself.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Coming." Hermione yelled putting space between her and Draco. "Ah, thank you." she said to the young handsome wizard at her door. She reached in her pocket to give him, who was now eyeing her up and down while she was none the wiser, a couple of sickles for bringing up their dinner.
"That will be all next time make sure that the food is ready when I'm come down the first time." Draco suddenly spoke curtly.
"Malfoy I hardly think you need to take it out on…" but Draco was already closing the door on the wizard who was giving him one heated look.
"Granger he was looking you up and down as if you were a piece of meat that he wanted to chew on."
Making sure that none of her emotion were worn on her face, she walked over to the table, that she had previously set, and dish out the food. Why did he care who looked at her anyhow? "You were complaining so much about the food, yet here you stand just staring at me? You know it wasn't that guys fault that the food was late you had not right to be rude to him." She huffed and sat down.
"Yes where are my manners at?" he said sarcastically. He dug into the meal without further ado and much to his surprise enjoyed the meal, though silent as it was. "Look I'm sorry if I offended you. How is your food?"
"It's good and I don't think you should say sorry to just me but thank you Malfoy; how is your food? What did you get anyways?"
"As surprised as I am it was delicious. It was CÔTES DE VEAU FROMAGÈRES. And now that I had a surprise it's your turn. Close your eyes." He reached inside his cloak and pulled out a golden box with a purple tie around it. Opening it he pulled out a gold ball size Truffle. He squatted down next to her. "Open your mouth." He whispered.
She did as he asked and felt something smooth touch her lips.
"Take a bite Hermione I promise you'll enjoy it."
When she had the Truffle in her mouth a soft moan came out. She hadn't had one of these in so long. It was tantalizing her scenes. It melted in her mouth as she finished her first bite. Going in for the next bite her lips glided over Draco's fingers where he held her chocolate. It was one of the most sensual things Draco had even been a part of. "I thought you might have missed this. I'm guessing that you didn't get a chance to have too many on the road to defeat the Dark Lord. Am I right?"
She finished savoring what was left in her mouth before she opened her eyes and answered. "You guess right. When did you have time to get these? They're wonderful have you had any?" She looked in to those eyes again and had the sudden eager to kiss him again.
"No I bought this box for you." He leaned and placed his lips on hers and it was like an electric spark went off between them. Draco brought his hand up and rubbed up her jaw and began to mousse her hair. He sucked on her bottom lip and then opened his mouth a little, hoping that she would mirror his actions.
Hermione hadn't kissed anyone like this, well ever. With Viktor it was nothing more than a few small pecks and with Ron well they had kissed yes, but it was nothing like this; she felt alive. She moved her right hand behind his neck pulling him in closer. She noticed that he opened his mouth a little. Her body reacted without a thought in her head and did the same. The moment that she did, Draco thrusted his tongue in her mouth, and a low groan came with it.
After several minutes Draco pulled back with careful eyes judging her. His mind was going a mile a minute. Did she like it? She kissed me back but does she regret it? Merlin I want to kiss her again.
"Oh Godric. I'm so sorry Mal… Drac… (Great what did she call him now?) I didn't mean to…" She shifted her eyes. What could she really say to him? *Sorry I kissed you? Nobody has ever kissed me like that!* She was acting like a bloody hormonal teenager when she was now looked at as an adult!
Draco felt like he was on cloud nine. Why the bloody hell was she apologizing? "That was amazing why are you saying sorry? I've wanted…" but he stopped because he could not yet divulge what his feelings. He wanted to kiss her again. Before he could he stood up and righted his clothes.
"You're not leaving are you?" Not being able to contain her nerves.
He pulled her to him once more. "Granger don't you get it yet? I don't want to leave you." He assaulted her lips this time needing to taste her again. Moving one hand to the curve of her back and the other to her face he pulled her close to him.
They kissed until they were both breathless. God what was happening to the world? Draco Malfoy and she just snogged in her room after having dinner together. "Well you can't go back to school this late you can have the bed I will take the couch." She gave him a weak smile and started to walk away.
"Not so fast, I will take the couch you can have the bed that you paid to have or I could share with you. I have to warn you though I am a light sleeper; I hope you don't snore."
She sniffed. Well that was one was to lighten the mood. She knew that he was only kidding about the sharing the bed or at least she hoped, but she still felt herself blush. "Alright and I don't snore. I better change. Did you bring anything with you?"
"No I never intended on staying to tell you the truth I didn't even know where you went. When I found out you were here I came up to your room to make sure you were okay. And before you ask I didn't know that you would come walking out of your bath with nothing but a towel." He smiled "But it was a plus."
"Okay Malfoy time for you to go to bed." She gathered her things and went to change. When she came back in her red and gold silken pajamas, she wasn't expecting company so she didn't know to bring anything less reviling, she saw Draco watching her.
"Well don't you look like a good little Gryffindor? Let me take you to bed." He grabbed her hand and led the way. "Good night. Sleep well." He breathed in her ear
Hermione let out a sigh and climbed into bed. Tomorrow was a new day and she didn't know what to expect. "Good Night and sweet dreams." She turned over and she thought she heard him mutter that he was now living his dream but she wasn't sure, for she was already asleep.
A/N: FYI: CÔTES DE VEAU FROMAGÈRES is French for Veal Chops Stuffed with Cheese
Awe another chapter come and gone! Slightly longer than the first but that seems to be how I write! I hope you enjoyed it. Please review!
