I again sit in solitude at breakfast, though this time, I don't have to glare nearly as much. I'm there before most people, as usual, and the majority of those present were sent off the day before. Content with eating my toast alone, I pull a book from my bag and begin to read. Engrossed in the text, I don't notice him until he pushes the book away from my face. When I look up, I discover he has sat himself next to me at the table. Like it's normal.

"Morning deary," he says, grabbing a bagel from one of the many magical dishes on table.

"Malfoy, you do realize that you're a Slytherin, correct? You haven't lost the small amount of brain cells you had, have you?" I ask, stunned by his appearance next to me in a public setting.

"I do realize that I am in Slytherin House, yes. And regarding these brain cells you speak of, I don't know what they are exactly but I'm going to consider it an insult and treat it appropriately." With that, he snatches my book from me completely. "You won't get this back until you explain these 'cells' to me and apologize," he states, smirking at my angry pout.

"I can't just explain cells to you. That takes a whole week of biology in muggle schools, and I need that book by tomorrow," I whine, reaching for the book though he holds it just out of my reach.

He stands, holding the book over his head. "You'll just have to stay up tonight making sure I thoroughly grasp it then, won't you Princess?" He wiggles his eyebrows at me. Irritated, I stand as well, reaching on tiptoe to reach the damn book. When I can't quite reach it, I push on his shoulder for added leverage. Malfoy starts chuckling, so I glare at him as fiercely as I can while balancing on my toes.

"What?" I growl. "What is so funny, Malfoy?"

"Well, Princess," he smirks, "you seem to be hanging all over me, in the Great Hall, and you have quite the audience observing." I blush. "And that blush that you're now trying to hide, combined with the rumors already circling, has just made you and I an 'us' in the eyes of the students of Hogwarts. Smile, deary. We're the newest happy couple."

I looked at the students filling the Great Hall. Most look at us and whisper to the people next to them. The princess and the playboy: how long will it last? Think someone dared him? Poor girl. Doesn't she know he's- I can hear it already. All the questions and assumptions. All these people are going to think that I shagging him. That I broke Ron's heart, like he's been telling everyone. All these people- I start to hyper ventilate. Unconsciously, I rest my head on Malfoy's shoulder, close my eyes, and shake.

I don't feel him wrap his arms around me. I don't feel him smoothing my hair. I don't hear him telling me it's okay. I don't even notice when he swoops me up in his arms, though he must have, because when I open my eyes, I'm higher up then I should be and I can see my bench. Malfoy gently sets me down on it when we arrive and quickly sits next to me. I can see his mouth moving, and I know he must be speaking to me, but my ears just won't work. I slump into his side, drifting into nothing.

(Dun dun dun)

I wake up slowly, almost in parts.

My ears are the first to revive. I hear the leaves fluttering on a lazy breeze. I hear little creatures bustling about in tree limbs. I hear distant voices, laughing, talking. But these were all background noises. I focus on a sound much closer. His voice. He's panicked, I can tell from his tone. I can't make out his words, though.

The next function I regain is the ability to feel. I don't feel the cool cement bench under me, as I expected. Instead, I feel something warm and living all around me. I feel warm air on my shoulder, and a pressure on my arm.

When I finally have my sight, I look up to his eyes staring down at mine. I can see relief wash through him, starting in the draw of his mouth, to the intensity of his eyes, to the slope of his shoulders. He smiles, genuinely, saying, "Bloody princess, going off and fainting everywhere."

I look around, realizing I'm laying in his lap and he's been holding me like I child. I ask him why, to which he replies, "So you wouldn't fall... Can't have people seeing you with bruises. They've already assumed we're together, wouldn't want to hear what else they'll come up with."

"You would think they would have better things to do then gossip and lie," I think aloud, pondering. "With Voldemort gaining follow..." I trail off, noticing slight anger in Malfoy's face. "I'm sorry, Malfoy. I wasn't thinking," I apologize, turning away from his intense gaze and trying to stand.

"It's fine," he says, rising to assist me. As I attempt to gain my footing, I stumble into him, instinctively reaching and grabbing the front of his robes. Malfoy, having just stood himself, looses his balance. We tumble to the dirt. I land on his chest, and sit there for a moment trying to orient myself.

Malfoy chuckles lowly, and I feel the vibration radiate through me. I shiver. "Temporary motor malfunction, Granger?" he smiles.

"Haven't got all my senses back yet." I try to get up again, but I fall and land next to him. We start to laugh, but are interrupted by someone growling.

"I'm not shagging the bloody ferret!" he mocked. "Even though he would probably be a better choice than me, right Hermione? Isn't that what you said? Looks like you two are pretty cozy to me."

Before I can protest, Malfoy wraps his arm around my shoulder, kisses my cheek, and glares up at Ron. "Sound pretty jealous, Weasel. Upset that 'Mione's found herself a better bloke so soon?

Ron spits on the ground and stalks toward us. " 'm not jealous. Angry that she's cavorting with the enemy, Ferret." He turns his glare at me. "After everything we've been through, 'Mione? You'd still talk to him? Voldemort gains power everyday! How are you going to fight when this wanker betrays you to him?"

Malfoy stands quickly. "Watch yourself, Weasel. I wouldn't harm Hermione. Ever. And as for Voldemort, I'm sure she is more than capable of taking care of her self should the need arise. Now, if you would excuse yourself, we were having a rather nice time before you interrupted."

Ron takes another step toward me, and I see pain flash behind his eyes. Briefly, but then he turns away. "Fine then. I see you don't mind to have a Death Eater speak for you. Don't come begging to me and Harry when you come to your senses or he hurts you."

Don't come... Begging? Begging! Oh... I stand, not feeling nearly as intimidating as I need to while sitting on the ground. "Begging?! To you two? For some inexplicable reason, Ronald, I find it easier to imagine you and Harry hurting me at the moment than Draco! And I finally came to my senses yesterday, when I left you! Now leave me alone, you self-righteous prat, or so help me I will curse you!"

Ron stops walking, and turns to look at me. His face has blanched and his shoulders slump. "Fine. If that's how you feel, 'Mione." With that, he turns again, walking away from me.

"Quit calling me 'Mione and quit pretending to sulk!" I yell after him. "You've lost the privilege!"

As Ron's retreating figure becomes smaller, I feel Malfoy step behind me. "You know," he says, "when that anger isn't directed at me, it's almost cute."

Okay, children! Chapter three has been published. It was supposed to be three and four, but they were too short, so I stuck them together. Four would have started after the (dun dun dun) for those who are curious.

Review, my lovelies. Not only does feed back make me feel like a princess, it helps me know when I need to clear things up. I try to get back to everyone who reviews, even if it's just to say thank you.

Also of importance, I recently acquired a 'Twitter'. Why is this important? Because, I'm going to start asking questions about story direction and possible events in the story on this 'Twitter'. Those of you that follow me may have input on this and future stories. So follow me! TheTurtlePirate

Much love,

Delight