A/N: Okay, so-I'm kind of excited with this chapter. It was really fun to write and not at all forced like can sometimes happen. I'll be eager to see what you all think of it. At any rate, quick update right? And after working a grueling 55 hrs this past week. Hopefully I can keep the ball rolling!

Muse for this chapter-the song Carmen by Lana Del Rey. Especially the lyric

Lying to herself
'cause her liquor's top shelf

^^^Definitely Hermione in this chapter!

Thanks to all those who followed and favorited as well as the reviewers-helpfulfred, riddlesgurl86 (nice sis), NevillesGirl102, Miya (Can't you log in so I could reply to your reviews ^_^), DeyniraMalfoy, DracoHermionelover98, Siderius (Thanks for the idea about the Lana song), Aftermath11, MutatedLemons, LeanaM (I DON'T MIND YELLING, haha), iwasbotwp, SlytherinPrincessNurse1994, and the guest reviewers!

Happy reading!

000

Marlogue Wood

"What's the damage?" asked Draco as he laid Blaise down next to Theo. They couldn't make it to Forest Grotto with the two of them in such rough a condition.

Hermione kneeled down next to Blaise. "He's been hit with an unknown dark curse," she said after waving her wand over him in a diagnostic spell. "I'm not sure what the counter-spell is."

"That's not unknown," Daphne said worriedly. "It's Professor Snape's spell. Draco, didn't he teach you the counter-curse?"

Draco was already waving his wand over Blaise. "Vulnera Sanetur," he muttered. Instantly, the blood began seeping back into Blaise. Draco continued wielding the counterspell only half noticing as Hermione and Daphne made their way over to Theo.

"It looks like it's just a cutting hex," Daphne informed them as Hermione began reaching into her pocket.

She put little leaves into his mouth as she instructed him, "Chew them, Nott."

"Not unless you call me Theo," he mumbled in response. Hermione met Daphne's gaze and both girls smirked.

"Alright, Theo," she said. "Now chew the leaves."

"What is it?" asked Malfoy as he continued tending to Blaise.

"Dittany. Chewing the leaves helps clot the blood, giving us time to seal the wound. I guess Healing at Home with Herbs is not such a waste of a read after all," she said harshly. Daphne looked at her bewildered at the abrupt change in her demeanor. Draco however, froze in his actions, his eyes turning molten silver as he fixed her with a questioning stare. Hermione looked fearful for a second and found it hard-pressed to meet either of their eyes. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "I didn't mean to snap. I just…it was a book I read before, that's all," she explained.

Draco nodded, but his heart race had sped up tremendously. He had erased that memory, he knew he had. It had been too dangerous…too intense a moment to let her keep. Hermione didn't seem to know why she said what she said, but just for a second…the righteous indignation was alive in her fiery gaze.

Daphne and Hermione worked all the while and soon, staved off Theo's wounds. Blaise was already coming to as well.

"Let's get back to the Grotto," Draco suggested. "They should be able to stand on their own now."

"I'm fine," Theo swore. "I have the best medi-witches looking after me."

The group Apparated just outside of Forest Grotto and soon, made it to the living room where they all slumped down on various chairs and couches.

"Well, that was a close one," Blaise said, panting on the settee.

"But a success nonetheless," Hermione pointed out.

"Bloody brilliant to transfigure those masks for us, Granger," Theo praised. "No one knew what hit them."

"I'm just happy we freed those prisoners," Hermione said, resting her head against the top of the chair. "And took out a few Death Eaters while we were at it. Did you guys recognize any of them?"

"None," said Draco. "Apparently, there's been a lot of recruiting."

"International recruiting," Theo added.

"Do you think the prisoners found their way to safety?" Daphne asked worriedly. "We threw them the wands of the fallen Death Eaters and saw them Apparate away but still…I wish we'd taken them here, first."

"They could have compromised the base," Hermione said softly. "Besides, they were caught before; perhaps they've learned how to avoid capture now."

"They're lucky they got a second chance," Draco said darkly. "The Death Eaters kept them alive for a reason—to get information. Hopefully they will be smart enough to stay hidden this time."

"There were only three of them," Blaise pointed out, voice raspy. "Bulgarian, by the looks of it. They'll keep each other alive."

"I'd say this calls for a celebration," Daphne said brandishing a bottle of firewhiskey she pulled out from her bag. "Freeing a few prisoners and taking out several Death Eaters is not an easy feat."

"Where'd you find that?" asked Hermione.

"Under Theo's bed actually," she answered.

"What?" Theo questioned in outrage. "That was there the whole time? "Could have made last week a lot bloody more interesting."

"Well, we have it now," Daphne said pointedly. "I think we should have a party of our own. The springs would be nice. Those waters have healing properties you know; I think we all need it."

Draco paled at the thought of it, it was not such a good idea to be in close quarters with Hermione—especially after he'd just wielded dark magic. Dangerous, a voice in his head shouted, Selfish! He pushed the feeling aside-his adrenaline was pumping too quickly to think clearly. "I love the smell of sulfur in the evening," he drawled.

"I'm down," Blaise said. "And I think you could all use a bath."

"You had me at firewhiskey," Theo said with a wink.

"Of course it has to be Blishen's," Draco observed. "A very Weasley move. But I'd have thought Bill would have better taste."

"What do you say, Hermione?" asked Daphne, ignoring Draco's remark.

Hermione looked thoughtful before replying, "I say we'd better go find something to transfigure into bathing suits."

Grinning, Daphne ran off with Hermione and the guys watched them go.

Snatching up the bottle Daphne left on the small table, Draco popped it and took a swig.

"Aren't you going to wait for the girls, mate?" Blaise questioned.

"There's plenty," he said stiffly. "Now let's go. Get this over with."

"Cheer up, it's all in good fun," Theo called as he limped with the others towards the springs. Draco gave him a meaningful glance. "You don't have to, I mean…we'll keep it light."

"Do you think I can ever keep it light with her?" Draco muttered darkly. His friends knew about his past; Slytherins were much more observant than Hermione's Gryffindor friends were, it seemed. They'd demanded an answer and he finally told them about the Obliviation. It was a topic of contention between them, but they did not mention it and he certainly never brought it up.

They reached the steaming pool that reeked of sulfur and began pulling off their shirts before climbing into the hot waters. Instantly, Draco felt the effects of the healing waters. His tense muscles and bruises began to tingle. He sat down slowly, laying his head back on a rock feeling the water begin to put him in a relaxed state. Remembering he still had the bottle, he reached over to pass it to Theo. He took the bottle and took his own drink before passing it to Blaise.

"Save some for us," Daphne called.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the two witches coming to the edge of the pool and taking their robes off to hang on the rocks. Draco's head popped up immediately as he tried not to look; there was too much in his eyes he'd rather Hermione not see. He clenched his jaw angrily while attempting to maintain a look of light relaxation. Daphne stepped in first and made her way over to sit by Theo who was on Draco's right.

"Scoot over," she instructed Theo. "Make some room for Hermione."

Draco swore inwardly, not happy Daphne was making her sit next to him. When he heard Hermione step into the pool, he looked up instinctively and immediately wished he hadn't. His gaze collided with hers and he knew she saw all that he was trying to conceal—even if she didn't know what it was.

She lost her footing and on impulse, Draco reached up to steady her. "Careful, Granger," he said stiltedly.

Her hand had dropped down to grip his wrist and he felt his breathing quicken. Quickly, she made to stand up straight, blinking a few times as he begrudgingly let his hand slip away.

It was a moment…

Their close proximity for a split second making him lose all conscious thought or reason. He had the wild notion she had felt it too.

Yet it made perfect sense.

It was Granger, and they were impossible but when they were connected—it always made perfect fucking sense.

"T-thanks," she said, her voice slightly tremulous, before making her way to sit next to Daphne. Draco tried not to let his gaze wonder over her alluring form. She wore a suit that was sensible but did little to conceal her enticing curves. He clenched his mouth tightly shut as he gritted his teeth in determination.

Daphne took a large swig of the firewhiskey before offering it to Hermione. She drank deeply to his surprise, probably not wanting to be shown up by the Slytherins, before passing the bottle his way.

"Malfoy?" she asked tentatively.

He reluctantly took the bottle, only hesitating briefly, fearing what he might taste before he finally took a drink. Immediately, his senses were assaulted by the taste—her taste.

Jasmine…apples.

Intrinsically fucking Hermione.

It was torturous, yet he took it anyway—ever the glutton for punishment as she'd pointed out to him so long ago. He let the Fire Whiskey befuddle his mind and welcomed the numbness…the recklessness.

"So Granger," he drawled. "Missing your boyfriend?"

"Of course," she answered, fast—too fast. "Though I have to say, I wonder why they haven't paid us a visit yet."

"It's odd," Daphne agreed. "You'd think those Gryffindors would be rushing to your side by now."

"Its fine," Hermione replied quickly, even a bit defensively. "I'm not so childish that I'd expect everyone to abandon their missions only to come check on me. We are perfectly safe here, anyway."

"Still," Blaise said. "Not very clever of the Weasel."

"Not clever at all," Theo agreed. "You'd think he'd come here if not just to get healed, let alone check on his girl."

Draco cringed at the words "his girl." Mine...always mine! He thought. No, never yours—she can't be yours.

"He probably doesn't know," The object of his affections pointed out. "We never did get to tell him, after all."

"Surely the Order's sent him a Patronus," Blaise reasoned. "Salazar-knows they've sent enough our way."

"Don't be silly," Hermione scolded. "Only two." Blaise merely huffed in reply.

"Well," Daphne started passing the bottle once more. "I for one, can tell you that they're bloody wankers. I mean what kind of friends would just up and leave their best friend like that?"

Hermione swallowed but didn't say anything.

"You're just spoiled, Daph," teased Theo. "Slytherins take care of their own—you have it good."

"They're still prats," Daphne vowed. "The lot of them."

"It's alright, really," Hermione promised. "Honestly I can't expect people to just drop everything. And I don't need anyone's protection."

"We'd drop everything to look for you, Hermione," Daphne said sweetly. Hermione merely smirked at that as she took another shot. "No, really. Theo's right—Slytherins look out for their own," Daphne sat back proud of herself. "And I think Hermione should be an honorary Slytherin." She looked up to survey the others. "Don't you think so, boys?"

"Of course," Theo was the first to reply. "Hermione's one of us now."

"Guys, really…you're too kind but I'm not a Slytherin," Hermione said.

"Nah," Blaise added. "I agree with Daphne and Theo. Anyone that can wield a hexing curse like you can is alright in my book."

Hermione chuckled before she turned to appraise Draco. "What about you, Malfoy?" She gave him a syrupy grin. "Is their room for me in your clique?"

It was hard to meet those eyes…so warm, molten fucking caramel; it set him ablaze, made him…hungry. His heart felt like it was pounding and sparks appeared in the corners of his vision, maybe from the Fire Whiskey but likely from her. Stay away, Draco warned himself, attempting to cage the monster.

Draco noticed the others were not watching him, having politely turned away. He must have hesitated for a bit too long.

Granger.

She always made things so bloody hard.

"Always room for you," he managed hoarsely, his speech running together. Hermione's eyes were serious as she calculated him, but as her grin grew wider, a flicker of mischief passed through them and they twinkled merrily.

"Well, I do think we make a good team," Hermione admitted.

"We should make it permanent," Daphne suggested, mirth evident on her face as she slung her head back into the crook of Theo's neck.

"We'll see what happens," Hermione said non-committedly.

"None of that," Theo scolded, reaching for his wand he'd placed carelessly behind him. "I say we make a wizard's oath to each other."

"Is that entirely necessary?" Hermione asked, suppressing laughter.

"Necessary it is," Blaise said merrily grabbing for his own wand. "Drink up, mates." The bottle took its last round through their half circle with Draco consuming the last of it, savoring the taste of Hermione's lips. It caused him to feel giidier than the firewhiskey did. Wizard's vow, he thought. Not a good idea—like I need any more bonds with the witch. Even as he thought it, he raised his wand anyway along with the rest of them.

"Draco," Theo called jovially. "Will you do us the honors?" Oh, how Draco would wring his neck in the morning.

"Of course," Draco said through clenched teeth, raising his wand. They all followed suit. "Repeat after me. 'I solemnly swear to pledge my allegiance and loyalty, to the witches and wizards in attendance, from this day forth'." Draco flicked his wand in the air, as did the rest, tiny golden sparks flying out of the tips of their wands and bouncing playfully around them. Hermione and Daphne giggled happily as they jumped and danced around them…through them…binding them.

A wizard's vow was not as serious as an oath as an Unbreakable, but they would always feel that connection, tugging on their soul. They were free to break it, to sever it without fear of fatality, but it would be disturbing. Draco didn't care; he was confident in his friends and himself but he worried Hermione would regret tying herself to them in this way in the morning, even if it was a relatively innocent binding.

At least I haven't taken you yet; I'd like to see you break that binding.

Draco was getting too far gone. He thought it best if he quit now before he did something stupid. He got up quickly, too quickly, and needed to reach out a hand to grasp the rocky ledge so he could steady himself.

"That's enough fun for me," he said, feet scraping the surface of the pool. "I'm turning in for the night."

"Oh Draco, don't be such a spoil-sport," Daphne pouted.

"Sorry to disappoint," he replied. He noticed Hermione said nothing and dared to venture a look her way, immediately regretting when he did. Her eyes were not on his face, but just below. Draco became painfully aware of his shirtless state and the way Hermione bit her lip as she looked over his naked chest. It was subconscious on her part he knew, but too much, always too bloody much, to bear.

He felt himself begin to harden.

Hastily, he scrambled out of the pool mumbling his goodbyes and almost slipping on the wet, rocky surface. He cast a drying charm as he began reciting Quidditch moves, McGonagal droning on in Transfiguration class, Pansy moaning beneath him—that was usually always a mood buster for him, but when Pansy's sweating, panting face morphed into Hermione's, his arousal quickly became raging.

Enough-I need to get out of here…fast.

000

It was dark out but the light from the full moon nearly flooded the small corridor. Hermione meant to get away from the light, seeking the dark shadows the hall had to offer. She was walking, but she was unsure where her feet were leading her. Yet she continued on purposefully. She felt a yearning desire to be concealed and safely hidden from the rest of the world and its ever-pressing problems. She eyed the stone wall to her right, sidling up closer to it, escaping the illuminating light of the moon on her left.

Suddenly, a hand shot out from an alcove and pulled her into its all-encompassing darkness. Hermione knew she should be afraid, but she wasn't. The tension and emptiness that had been burdening her was replaced with a feeling of…wholeness. Pale arms came around to encase her waist, effectively pulling her closer, up against a hard and lithe body.

Hermione slid her arms up the well-toned chest with practiced ease as she locked her fingers around her lover's neck and eliminated the space between them. Her lips met his with a frenzied need that both surprised and ignited her. A small whimper escaped her mouth as he deepened the kiss. She met his tongue eagerly and a battle ensued; both determined not to yield to the other. Her blood was pumping and she felt fire wherever they touched.

His hands slipped down her waist to cup her arse, squeezing lightly. Hermione moaned at the sensation and he growled in approval. Soon, she felt the stone wall come up to meet her back at an alarming rate as he nearly slammed her against the hard surface in his urgency. Using the wall as leverage, she instantly hooked a leg around his waist instinctively. She caught her breath at the new, pleasurable contact and Hermione found her wits quickly vacating her as she could focus on nothing else but the demanding need for more of that delightful friction.

In a decidedly wicked move, Hermione rolled her hips tantalizing slow and smirked when she heard him hiss in response. The smirk turned into a frown as she felt strong hands come out to restrain her, her lover taking a step back. Her mouth turned petulant as she slid her arms around to hold the wrists that dared to deprive her of what she wanted…what she needed. Taking a few predatory steps forward she soon had him on the defense and could sense his will crumbling.

Now leaning on the opposite wall of the small alcove, she slid her hands enticingly slow over a chiseled chest to rest on muscular shoulders. Squeezing lightly, she reached up on her tip toes to whisper into her lover's ear.

"More, Malfoy. I want more."

Hermione shot up from the comfort of her bed as if she'd been hit with an Ennerviate. She sat panting in the darkness, an undeniable heat igniting her body.

Merlin, what's come over me? She ran a hand distractedly through her tousled hair. Dreaming about…that—and with Malfoy! It's outrageous, must have been the bloody firewhiskey. But gods, it felt so real. She dragged her fingers down her face to touch her still tingling lips, as if they had a memory of their own. The dream was quickly becoming hazy and she felt herself calming considerably as the rise of her chest began to fall more slowly and less often.

Shaking her head, Hermione rose from the tangled sheets and made her way to the lavatory. Reaching the sink, she leaned over and splashed some water over her face, relishing in the coolness of it. Feeling wide awake now, she left the confines of her room to step out into the cool, great room of the grotto.

I don't need to feel bad or anything, she assured herself, eyeing the embers burning low in the fireplace. It's not as if I betrayed Ron or anything. For Godric's-sake, I was asleep—I don't have control over my dreams. She leaned her weight on the oversized chair facing the hearth. "It's fine," she muttered.

"Talking to yourself, Granger?" Hermione jumped nearly a foot backwards, startled at the sound of Malfoy's voice as he turned to look at her from around the chair.

"Malfoy," she said breathlessly. "Merlin, but you gave me a fright. What are you doing here?"

"Well gee, Granger, I don't know, maybe I live here?"

"Yes, I know that," she said rolling her eyes as she attempted to regain her bearings. "Just, well...why are you up now? It's the middle of the night."

"I'm well aware. I went to bed before you guys did, remember?"

Memories of the night before, really just several hours ago, came flooding back to her. Malfoy, wet, with water rivulets dripping down his chest. It was a fascinating sight to see and Hermione had found herself enthralled by it.

No, no, this is wrong—so wrong!

Hermione flicked her wand carelessly and the dying flames came to life once more. She let herself fall on a chair opposite Malfoy's and leaned forward with her elbows balanced on her knees.

"Doesn't anyone sleep in this place?" she snapped in irritation. Malfoy merely smirked in response. "Or do you stay up to practice that trademark smirk of yours?"

"My, someone's in quite a mood." Malfoy's eyes glittered dangerously. Something about them called to her, how easy it would be to get lost in that silvery gaze. Hermione whipped her head away quickly, massaging her temples in earnest. He leaned forward, mimicking her position. "Bad dreams, Granger?"

"You could say that."

"Need another…distraction? I know I can use one."

Hermione's head snapped back to face him once more, assessing his features. Her eyes had widened in alarm and her pulse had quickened.

Swallowing audibly, she whispered, "Distraction?"

He furrowed his brow.

"You know, another sabotage-the-local-Death-Eater-camp mission."

"Oh yes. A distraction."

"What else would you have thought?" He asked, warily.

"No, that's what I thought. I just..." she paused, unsure of how to continue. "Great solution," she finally said.

"Oh."

They both sat back, each watching the fire is it crackled and snapped before them. Memories of their fight with the Death Eaters came tumbling back to her. Mostly, she'd used light spells but as the fight went on, she'd began practicing dark curses as well. The feeling was liberating and freeing and she had felt the magical high. But afterwards, her mood had plummeted leaving her feeling bereft and confused. Entranced by the flames, Hermione was the first to break the silence, moments later.

"Do you ever feel…like you're missing something—something important?"

Hermione turned her back on the fire and faced him urgently. She knew she probably looked disheveled, manic even, but she'd never felt so…lost. Usually, she was able to suppress the feeling, to throw herself into work or some tedious task. But right now, there was nothing to do but think and Hermione did not like the thoughts that flitted across her mind.

"Missing something, like what, Granger?"

She was struck by the sound of his voice; he'd addressed her so softly. Hermione didn't think she'd ever heard Malfoy speak in such a way to her.

"I don't know, it's just, something's vanished or misplaced," she choked, fiddling with her fingers. Haunted and restless, it was easy to spill her thoughts out to Malfoy without thinking them through sensibly in the eerie light of the grotto. "I'm sorry, you probably don't understand. I'm sure you think I'm being silly, which I probably am."

"I don't think that at all, Granger." Malfoy sat back looking pensive for a moment. "It's like there's a big, gaping hole inside you but there's nothing to fill it. I know…I feel it too."

Hermione felt wetness gather at the corner of eyes and she blinked to stop the tears that threatened to escape. How was it that Draco bloody Malfoy could understand how she was feeling yet Ron never could? Well, she supposed she never gave him much of a chance, what with him always having his issues and Hermione rushing to help him with them. Really, it was quite the diversion. Yet, when there was no Ron to talk to, she found thoughts would only boil inside her until she was forced to do something rash—rushing to Hogwarts against orders, breaking orders again to breach the Death Eater camp-she was helpless to resist the pull of danger.

"I…I just feel…broken sometimes," she said her features set in defeat by her admission. "I don't know how or when it happened. Or if it was just something that took place over time, but I'm just not happy anymore. I miss being happy." She glanced over in Malfoy's direction but barely noticed the way he sat tensed, knuckles white from clenching the arms of the chair. She continued on recklessly. "Maybe if the war was over, maybe if families were reunited, the fear of dying and losing love ones not always so fucking prevalent, maybe then…I could find happiness again."

"Granger," Malfoy's voice came out like more of a plea than anything else. "I'm sorry."

Hermione looked distractedly at him. His eyes flashed with something dark and…forbidden. He bit his lip, the tension evident in the way he held himself. She caught her breath as she felt magnetically drawn to him. Something about him, just called to her and she had to work diligently hard to stop herself from sauntering over to him right then.

His lips—they were so sinfully kissable looking. They shouldn't be but they were. Merlin help her but she was quickly forgetting about her problems, feeling deliciously…distracted. A distraction; yes, that's what I need.

She got up from her seat and stumbled his way, the heady sensation only intensified by his nearness. She could almost breathe it in.

"Hermione," he warned, his voice having fallen a few octaves. His gray eyes had darkened measurably, almost black now and she tilted her head, staring back, feeling pulled to him. She had the unbelievable idea that the answer to her emptiness was hidden somewhere in those depthless eyes.

She shook her head, ignoring the wild notion.

This was just a distraction.

"I…I'd just like to try something."

Malfoy shook his head, a muscle twitched by his jaw.

"Please," she whispered. "Just let me."

He held himself taut, like a bow being strung tight. Hermione was mystified by it. Carefully and with all the gentleness she could muster, she lowered herself slowly onto his lap, sitting sideways. She turned her body to face his as she reached down to place her hands on his shoulders.

She'd been numb and hesitant at first, moving an almost a dejected sort of way. Once their bodies touched, a fire seemed to ignite wherever they were connected. Malfoy held himself completely still as she leaned in deliberately to press her lips against his. Like the dream. Suddenly, she could not remember the troubles of the past few months or the aching emptiness that seemed to plague her life. There was only here and now—this moment and Hermione relished in the madness of it.

Malfoy.

Slowly, her body seemed to melt into his as if on its own accord and Hermione found her arms gliding past his shoulders to anchor around his neck. Yes, this is right…what I need. But something was wrong. He wasn't responding. Frowning, she pressed her lips more firmly to his, attempting to communicate her need. Flicking her tongue out, she began to nibble on his lips. Finally, he sprang into action.

Shuddering, he splayed his hands across the small of her back effectively pulling her closer as he captured her lips with his own, plundering his tongue in her mouth and twining it with hers. Letting out a whimper of surprise at his eager participation, her mind soon grew blissfully blank as he began stroking the skin of her arm, his left hand still securing her to her. Not about to let Malfoy dominate, she let instinct take over and began participating with equal fervor.

A wave of intense pleasure washed over her as their kiss grew hotter and more demanding. Hermione found her hands roaming as she greedily explored his body. Malfoy's hands were wandering up and down her sides and a small moan escaped Hermione, breaking the kiss. Malfoy used the opportunity to dip his head lower and explore her neck, sucking on a particularly sensitive tendon that caused her to gasp in delight.

They fit together so perfectly it seemed—seamlessly connected where hard ridges met soft ones. Hermione let her fingers roam through his soft tresses admiring the way the platinum locks shone in the firelight.

Wait…platinum locks? That wasn't right.

They should be red. Red like, Ron's…oh gods, what am I doing?

Bolting upright, she threw herself off Malfoy as if she'd been burned and hastened to place a few steps between them.

"You…you, what did you do?" she asked throatily.

Malfoy's chest was rising and falling rapidly, he looked as ruffled as she probably did and Hermione realized it was because of her.

"Me? Don't forget who was sitting on who's lap," he replied silkily. He seemed to have recovered easily, too easily.

"Yes but, that. Well what was that?"

"It's called snogging. Surely you've heard of it, Salazar knows you initiated it." He sat up quickly, adjusting his collar with practiced elegance. Hermione felt as if she was going to be sick. She continued to stare, accusation clear in her eyes.

"Yes, but that wasn't-, well it wasn't exactly…normal. Surely, you can see that."

"Not normal," he mimicked and Hermione detected an edge of cruelty in his voice as his features hardened considerably. "Sounds like the Weasel isn't doing his job."

Hermione felt herself flush red but she swallowed down her doubts and barreled on.

"No, you know something. Stop pretending! It was like…you knew, how to, how to…" She couldn't continue.

"Knew how to touch you?" Malfoy asked softly, but there was a dangerous edge to his tone. "Is that so surprising? I didn't earn the name Slytherin-Sex-God for nothing."

Feeling herself grow hot with embarrassment, she turned and fled from the room, Gryffindor courage be damned. Closing the door a little harder than she probably should have, she threw herself back on her bed and pulled a sheet over her head, mortified by the way she'd reacted.

The git, he must think me the silliest witch he's ever come across. Why did I even say that? To pump his ego? Hermione couldn't figure what exactly she was trying to accuse him of; it wasn't like he'd done this before—with her! Yet, it was almost too easy with them, too familiar even, like he definitely knew how to play her and make her sing. Gods, if that was only snogging, I wonder…no! It's because of Ron that I'm mad. I had no right to do that to Ron, and certainly no right to wonder.

She sighed in disappointment. It's just because of this situation…and the fighting. A momentary lapse and that's all. I don't need to think about it…it's only the stress.

Consoling herself, she rolled over in bed and forced her eyes tightly shut. Between the fight, the springs, the dream, and now this—she was just out of sorts. Everything would be better after some much needed sleep. Successfully reassuring herself, she eventually began to drift off. Her last conscious thoughts would have disturbed her had she been more awake.

Because for a few blissful moments, she'd forgotten.