Author's Note: I'm really pleased with the reviews I received for my last chapter. Thank you: Sugar Heart, xMyxSnowxWhitexQueenx, Toxxic-hugs, ZoeyPie21, darkhearted lonewolf, and mary-pi. I got 109 hits for the last chapter, too! Anyway, I like this chapter, and I hope you do too. I have put so much effort into this story, you can't understand. Once again, if you read, you must review.

That night was Hermione's first Head meeting with Ernie, and they had agreed to meet in the Head common room. Their adjoined dormitories were on the second floor of the school, and they were quite nice. Hermione liked having her own dorm, though she missed the Gryffindor Dorms. She vowed to visit the Gryffindor common room whenever she could.

When Hermione arrived at the common room, Ernie was already seated at a desk, reading a roll of parchment. He looked up when he heard Hermione walk in.

"Good evening, Hermione," he said, nodding at her.

"Good evening, Ernie," Hermione replied, taking a seat across from Ernie. Although she had known Ernie ever since she came to Hogwarts, she really didn't know him that well. She held up in high regards, however, because of his support of Harry's belief that Voldemort had retuned in their 5th year. He had also been a member of Dumbledore's Army.

Ernie started the meeting right away. "First, we have to go over our duties. This is a list that Professor McGonagall gave me."

He read off the duties, which included patrolling the school at night, organizing school events, and disciplining students by taking points when rules are broken. "The heads of school must meet at least once a week to keep each other informed about the condition of the school, and at least once every two weeks with the headmaster/mistress," Ernie read. "Also, every month, the heads must meet with all the prefects."

After he had finished reading, he and Hermione set up patrolling times. Hermione agreed to patrol Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, while Ernie took Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. They agreed to switch off Saturday every other week.

Hermione was tired from a long day, and was relieved when Ernie finally ended the meeting. She bade Ernie good night and went up to her dorm. She removed her robes and changed into her comfortable pajamas. She was sure that she would drift off to sleep as soon as she climbed into bed.

But when her head hit the pillow, she immediately started to think about what other people were doing at that moment. She imagined Ernie rolling up his parchment, putting away his books, and walking to his dorm. She saw Ron and Harry sitting by the fire in the Gryffindor common room, perhaps playing chess or arguing about something silly.

And then she saw two people she had been dreading to think about. In her mind, she saw Malfoy and Pansy. They were entwined on a bed with green and silver sheets, turning over one way and the other. Malfoy's shirt was off and his muscles rippled against Pansy's smooth skin. His hair was disheveled and it swept dangerously across his forehead, while Pansy sleek black hair fell back untidily against the pillows. Pansy's arms encircled Malfoy's neck while he held Pansy's back with his strong arms. Pansy cried out in pleasure as Malfoy put his lips to her neck…

Hermione couldn't take it any more. She hastily sat up, breathing hard, beads of sweat strewn across her forehead. She slid out of bed and onto the cold stone floor. She crept out of the room and down the dark staircase. She walked to the common room and peeked inside. Ernie was gone. The fire had died down a little, but still shed some light on the couch opposite it.

Hermione tiptoed to the couch and sat down. She hadn't been sitting a minute when something large and furry bounded into her lap. Hermione gasped.

"Crookshanks!" Hermione exclaimed. "How dare you sneak up on me like that?!" She was very startled, but still pleased to see her furry friend. She held the cat close and nuzzled her to her face.

"Oh, Crookshanks," Hermione said, her voice muffled by the cat's fur, "You always seem to know when I need a friend."

The cat only stared up at her. "Mrow."

Hermione lay down on the couch. She set the cat on her chest and stroked its fur. The warm weight and the slow motion of Hermione's hand were calming. Her breath slowed, and within a few minutes, Hermione had fallen asleep.

---

When she woke up the next morning, blinded by the sun shining through the large window of the common room, Hermione was anything but rested. Even though she had fallen asleep at a reasonable hour, her night had been full of fitful nightmares.

She glanced up at the large clock above the fireplace. It was a five to eight. That meant that she had missed breakfast and there was only five minutes till class was to begin.

Hermione practically sprinted up to her dorm. She threw on her uniform, tossing her cloak over her shoulders. Gathering her books and parchment, she made her way to Defense Against the Dark Arts.

---

She seemed to have arrived just in time. All the students were sitting down, but Professor Clark was still seated at his desk and had not begun the lesson. He didn't look up when Hermione walked in, so she searched the classroom for her friends.

Thankfully, Harry and Ron, who were seated in the second row, had saved her a seat. Relieved, Hermione walked over to them and sat down.

Harry leaned over to her. "Hey, we missed you at breakfast," he whispered.

"I know," she whispered back. "I was just tired. I decided to sleep in."

Ron, who was sitting on the other side of Harry, nodded. "Well, you're just in time. Looks like the new professor is just about to start."

Professor Clark stood up and came to the front of the class. "Good Morning, students. Although I have already been introduced at the feast, my name is William Clark." He paused. "Because I know you are going to ask, I might as well get it over with. Yes, I am American, and no, I never went to Hogwarts as a student," he said, smiling. The class laughed. "I went to the Salem School of Magic in Salem, Massachusetts. You may judge me and say that I am inexperienced, but if you give me a chance, I can teach you the critical spells and techniques necessary to defend against dark magic. All right, seeing as it is the first day, we need to review. Who can tell me what the three Unforgivable Curses are?"

Many of the students raised their hands. Professor Clark continued to ask questions about the Dark Arts, assessing their knowledge. As the review continued, Hermione was having trouble concentrating. Her weary eyes began to wander.

Suddenly, her eyes stopped. Sitting on the other side of the classroom was Malfoy, with an ever-conceited Pansy at his side. Pansy was ogling him like he was some kind of god. However, Malfoy didn't seem so satisfied. His face was humorless, and he was slightly irritated. It seemed like he was trying very hard to ignore the flirtatious witch beside him.

Strangely, Hermione had the urge to comfort Malfoy. She imagined herself closer to him, in Pansy's seat.

She reaches out and touches the indent of his cheek. He turns to face her, making her feel chills up and down her spine with his cold, silver eyes. She looks around. They are alone in the classroom. When she looks back at him, Malfoy reaches out to her and wraps his arms around her waist. He brings her close to him, and in one swift motion, brings his lips down to hers. She is shocked, but relaxes as his lips move slowly against hers. She wraps her arms around his neck, aching to get closer…

"Hermione?"

Harry's voice snapped her out of her trance. She realized that she had been breathing irregularly and that her cheeks were flushed. She glanced around the classroom to see if anyone else had noticed. No one had. Except…

Malfoy. He was eyeing her suspiciously, trying to read her expression. She turned away from his prying eyes.

"Hermione," Harry whispered. "What's going on?"

Hermione turned to Harry's confused face. She blushed.

"I suppose I'm not feeling well," she replied, trying to avoid his eyes.

"Well, do you need to go to Madame Pomfrey?" he asked.

"No," she said quickly. "I'm sure I'll be fine."

Harry nodded and went back to listening to Professor Clark. Hermione let out a relieved sigh, hoping that no one heard it.

What on earth is wrong with me? Hermione thought. Why can't I control myself?

She silently commanded herself to keep her eyes off of Malfoy for the rest of the lesson, and forced herself to pay attention.

Professor Clark had started a debate on whether Dark Arts should be taught in schools or not. Hermione thought she heard some Slytherins complain about when they were going to actually do some magic, but most of the students participated.

Harry believed that they shouldn't be taught because students might abuse that power.

"What if someone wanted to hurt someone else he or she didn't like? They would know how to do dangerous curses," he argued.

"I disagree with Potter." Hermione heard Malfoy's patronizing voice from the other side of the room.

"Very well," said Professor Clark. "What do you think, Mister…"

"Malfoy," finished the Slytherin, smirking.

"Mister Malfoy," said the Professor. "Go ahead."

"I just don't see the point of not teaching the Dark Arts," he said. "If we aren't taught it, most of us will learn it on our own, anyway. Isn't that right, Potter?" he finished, glaring at Harry.

Harry glared back.

Hermione suddenly remembered last year when Harry found Malfoy in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom, sobbing his heart out. Malfoy attempted to jinx Harry, but Harry was quicker, using the Sectumsempra curse, slashing Malfoy's face and torso.

If that wasn't dark magic, Hermione didn't know what was.

Professor Clark looked perplexedly from Harry to Malfoy. "Well, maybe you're right," he said slowly. He looked at the clock. "Looks like we're out of time. If you want, we'll continue this debate tomorrow."

Hermione looked back at Harry. He was no longer glaring at Malfoy, but was still livid.

"Harry," said Hermione, concerned. "Forget him. He's just trying to get you going."

"I know," He looked up, waiting for Malfoy to leave. When he was out the door, Harry stood up.

"Let's go," he said. Ron and Hermione followed him out the door.

---

For the rest of the week, Hermione was distracted. By Friday, she didn't know what to do with herself.

She was relieved for the weekend to have finally come. She had promised Harry and Ron that she would join them in the Gryffindor common room when classes let out. They sat near the fire, talking about the new D.A.D.A. professor.

"Well, I think he's quite good," said Ron. "I mean, he's practical. He teaches us what we need to know, and what we need to know only."

"I agree," said Harry. "But don't you think we already know most it?"

"I suppose," said Ron, thoughtfully. "What do you think, Hermione?" he asked, turning to her.

Hermione snapped to attention. "Oh, uh, I suppose," she murmured. She had been so distracted she hadn't even heard the question.

Ron rolled his eyes. "Hermione, have you even been listening?"

She sighed. "Sorry, Ron, I was just distracted. I guess I'm just tired."

"Hermione," said Harry. "You've been like this all week. What's gotten into you?"

Hermione looked at Ron and Harry's concerned expressions.

"I…" She stared. She what? She couldn't tell them what was really going on. She hadn't even really admitted it to herself. But she couldn't deny herself for much longer. She knew exactly why she was so distracted.

She had been constantly thinking about Malfoy. Draco Malfoy. Yes, the very same Draco Malfoy that had tried to kill the headmaster. Who was a death-eater. And who was Harry's enemy Her best friend's enemy.

If she wasn't thinking about him, she was staring at him during class. She just couldn't help it. He was just so perfect. His smooth features, his hair slightly askew, his pink lips that curled into that oh-so-beautiful crooked smile, and his silver eyes that took Hermione's breath away. When he would look at Hermione, she would nearly faint. He made her feel like she was the only person in the room and like…well…like he wanted her.

Why would Malfoy want Hermione He could get any girl he wants, for goodness sake! she thought. I must be dreaming. He couldn't want me.

But that didn't stop Hermione from wanting him. She could barely stand it when Pansy or another girl would stroke Malfoy's arm flirtatiously or"accidentally" fall into his lap. And it frustrated her that she couldn't do that.

Because she couldn't. If anyone found out how she felt about Malfoy, it would be…just bad. Hermione didn't even want to think about it.

And that's why she had to lie to her friends.

"I…I guess I've just been worried about Voldemort," she lied.

"You mean, you're scared?" asked Ron with understanding.

"A little," she said.

Harry nodded. "It's okay, Hermione. We all are."

"Yeah," Ron agreed. "Besides, Harry and I here, we won't let anything hurt you, will we, Harry?"

Harry smiled. "Of course not."

"See?" said Ron. "You've got nothing to be worried about."

Hermione smiled weakly. "Thanks, you guys," she said. "You're real friends." She looked down. "Hey, I think I need to get some fresh air. I'll catch up with you guys later, okay?"

Hermione felt terrible as she walked through the castle to get to the grounds. How could she lie to her friends like that? They were so dedicated to her. They cared so much for her. And she repaid them with lies?

She sighed deeply when she finally walked into the warm air. It was twilight, but there was still enough sun so that it warmed Hermione's chilled skin.

She tramped across the grounds until she came to the edge of the lake. She looked over the still surface of the water, and at the trees that surrounded it. She could see the reflection of everything – the trees, the clouds, the sky – on the surface of the lake. She looked down and noticed her own reflection. She crouched down to get a better look. She observed her bushy light brown hair, her dark brown eyes, and her slightly flushed cheeks.

Hermione put her hand to her cheek. Her skin was still warm from the fading sun. She closed her eyes, and let the gentle wind blow against her face.

Suddenly Hermione heard a branch snap behind her. Her eyes flew open. She looked into the lake, and right next to her reflection she saw the refection of Draco Malfoy.

She gasped. She quickly stood up and turned around to face him.

"M-Malfoy," she breathed. "You frightened me."

He was watching her carefully. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't mean to," he said, with a trace of a smile on his lips.

Hermione tried to decide what to say next. "Well, is that why you're here? To scare me?" she asked, trying to sound confident. Instead, it came out as a squeak.

Malfoy came towards her, and Hermione had to crane her neck to look up at his towering figure. "No," he said. "I need to know something." He tentatively reached out and touched Hermione's cheek.

Hermione almost flinched at the feeling of his cold fingers. She felt like she was dreaming. She couldn't believe that Draco Malfoy was touching her cheek. On purpose.

"W-what are you doing?" Hermione stuttered.

Malfoy stared her down with his silvery eyes.

"This," he said, and before Hermione could react, Malfoy had grabbed her around the waist and pulled her against him and his demanding lips.

Hermione's body was stiff. But desire overtook her, and she gently wrapped her arms around Malfoy's neck. His pursed lips slowly parted and let out his tongue. Hermione felt it against her lips, so she parted her lips, too. She couldn't help but moan as Malfoy's tongue deftly explored her mouth. He brought her even closer, almost lifting her off the ground.

Hermione thought she would faint. The smell of Malfoy was intoxicating. And when he finally drew away from Hermione, she was breathless. He was only inches from her face, his lips still parted, gazing into Hermione's eyes.

Hermione suddenly realized what she was doing.

"Malfoy, I–"

"Draco," he said. "My name is Draco…Hermione."

She tried to slow her breathing. "Draco…" The name sounded strange on Hermione's lips. Draco began to come closer, as if he was going to kiss her again.

Hermione resisted. "I…can't," she whispered.

"But you already did," he replied, smirking.

"I…have to go…" Hermione said it, but her eyes were still on Draco's perfect lips.

Just as Hermione was about to pull away, Draco's hand slid up from her waist, up her abdomen, and brushed against her breast. Then he began to massage it.

Hermione began to breathe hard again. Draco suddenly put his lips to hers again and kissed her slow and sensually while his hand continued to caress her.

Hermione closed her eyes and knotted her hand through Draco's hair. He moved his hand from her chest up to her collar. He began to unbutton her shirt.

When he had undone a few buttons, Draco pulled his lips away from Hermione's and put them to her neck. He kissed her all the way down to her collarbone, and continued to push her blouse out of the way until his lips met her shoulder.

Just as Hermione again felt like she was going to faint, Draco wrapped his arms around her waist and brought his head up to face her.

"I was right," said Draco triumphantly.

"W-what?" Hermione breathed.

"You want me." Draco could barely keep from smirking as he said this.

"No…" Hermione started. But before she could say anymore, Draco had rubbed his midsection against hers, and Hermione felt his hardness through their clothes.

"Draco…" Hermione moaned.

Draco smiled. "And I love it when you say my name," he breathed.

Hermione somehow managed to smile in her dazed state.

"Draco…Draco…" she teased.

"Dear God," groaned Draco. Once again, he pushed his mouth against Hermione's, moving his tongue against hers. Hermione moaned into his mouth as he lifted her up again.

Opening her eyes, she realized how late it was getting. She pulled away.

"I…I have to go. My friends…"

"Your friends," he laughed. "You know, Potter and Weasley can't give you want I can give you," he said seductively.

Hermione felt butterflies in her stomach. "They…" she started, trying to regain her composure. "They will be wondering where I am."

Draco gazed into her eyes for a moment. "Fine," he said finally. His hand came to her face, stroking it softly. "But remember," he said sexily, "I'll be watching you."

Hermione blushed as she broke away from Draco's warm body. She stood there for a moment, gazing into his silver eyes that were now blazing from the orange sunset.

Resisting the urge to fall into his arms again, Hermione turned from Draco's penetrating gaze and ran back to the castle, not daring to look back.