Chapter 3

Disclaimer: I own nothing except the plot!

Professor McGonagall eyed the two students before her. Head Boy and Head Girl. Even she could not deny the increasing tension between them. She did not know what it was about or when it started, although she did have quite a strong suspicion on what it was. Of course, it being none of her business, she let it go.

She asked the two to follow her and so they did. She suddenly came to a stop in front of a portrait of a monkey eating a banana.

"As you both know, you were awarded the privilege to be Head boy", she nodded at Draco, "and Head Girl." and again at Hermione. "It is Hogwarts tradition that the Head Boy and Head Girl share a common room in order to collaborate and cooperate." she said.

"All you must do is poke the bellybutton of the monkey and the portrait shall open." And she walked away.

Draco was slightly too happy that they were sharing dorms. He was quite aware that they had stopped hating each other when he joined the Order and he, by this time, had stopped his denial and accepted that he liked a girl, more specifically, Hermione Jean Granger. But of course, like most men who liked a girl, he had yet to tell her.

He was thought of as an arrogant and bigheaded jerk who noticed nothing but himself. This was actually quite untrue. He was very perceptive especially when it came to Hermione. He could see that she was feeling lonely and left out when Potter and Weaselette and Weasley and Brown went out together.

To tell the truth, even he was feeling the same way. His best mate, Blaise, was with Pansy and he was left with no one.

His mother had reformed and no longer held those old prejudices (his father was still trying). So in his book, it was perfectly okay to ask Hermione to the ball.

And he knew just how to do it.

Hermione woke the next day in a new room. Though she missed her old Gryffindor dorm, she had to admit her new room was much bigger and more comfortable. Seeing that she had only 15 minutes left before breakfast, she rushed out of her room (after changing of course) to meet Harry, Ron and Ginny but suddenly bumped into something. Or, more precisely, someone.

"Oomph"

"Hermione?"

"Draco?"

Why are you on top of me?"

"I'm sorry! I was just rushing out to meet Harry, Ron and Ginny. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Granger. What do you eat anyway, feathers?"

"Hey! Its not my fault I'm light!"

"Well, go on. Get off me and go to breakfast so you can eat something other that the inside of your pillow."

She just rolled her eyes at him, got up, dusted herself off and headed out of the portrait hole.

Hermione took her regular seat beside Ginny.

"Ron, would it kill you to eat with your mouth closed?" yelled Ginny in disgust

"Yes." Came his muffled reply

Just as Ginny was about to say something, Harry butted in and said,

"Hey, guys, look the mails here!" effectively distracting the two

Suddenly, 7 different owls landed in front of Hermione.

"All those for you?" asked Ginny curiously

"I think so."

"Well go on. Open them!"

Slightly excited, Hermione opened the first owl's package.

Inside was a beautiful diamond necklace with a note attached to it. All it said was 'Will you'

Confused, Hermione opened the second owl's package

There she found a pair of matching earrings. Squealing in delight with Ginny, she read the note. 'do me'

Even more confused, she opened the third package. Inside, she found another piece of jewelry-a matching bracelet with a note that said 'the honor'

Starting to put together the puzzle, she opened the fourth package. She found a gorgeous ring with her birthstone and a note that said 'of accompanying me'. Ecstatic, she put the ring on.

She was beginning to get the general gist of the message.

Inside the fifth package was a beautiful eagle feather quill and some expensive, quality ink, along with a note that said 'to the'. Hmmmmm…

In the sixth package was a signed copy of Hogwarts, A History. 'How sweet!' she thought. She found the last note and put together the pieces.

'Will you do me the honor of accompanying you to the upcoming ball?'. Her eyes lit up. Someone was asking her to the ball!

She showed everything to Ginny and they both squealed at the sweet gifts.

She called the last owl over. The owl was stunning. Flawless snow white and holding a blood red rose in contrast to its feathers.

She petted the owl and took the rose. She read the note.

'Love, Draco Malfoy

P.S. The owl is your last present. Her name is Glacialis, which means ice in Latin. I really do hope you like her.'

A/N: Please review! Reviews are what keep writers going! I hope you like this chapter