The last week before term seemed to snail by. Although, Hermione would notice Malfoy giving her those winks and smirks when they were in the Great Hall at the same time. She was also worried that Harry noticed, because whenever Malfoy did this, she would turn red in the face, and Harry would snigger in response. Ron seemed oblivious, as usual.

Finally, during the last dinner before the day of term, Harry said something about it.

"Who is it?"

"Who is what?" asked Ron.

"I was asking Hermione." Harry looked pointedly at her waiting for a response.

"Hmm?" said Hermione.

"Who is the guy you keep blushing over? It happens at almost every meal. I think it's that Ravenclaw, Philip. If so, you should talk to him. He asked about you the other day."

Hermione stared at Harry. "Did he? What did he ask about?"

"He just asked how you were and what you had been up to over break is all."

Ron had stopped with his fork halfway to his mouth, staring incredulously at Hermione. Then he threw his fork on his plate. "Well, if you're after some stupid Ravenclaw, don't you think it would have been nice to tell us? Or something?' Ron was glaring at her.

"Ron! Don't be ridiculous. I have only talked to him a few times; I don't know him well at all. And Harry, don't jump to conclusions." Hermione sighed. "Well, anyway, I am full, and I have so much to get ready for tomorrows classes! I am going back to the common room; I will see you two later." And with that, she simply got up and left, back to her dormitory.

Ron stared after her, his food clearly forgotten. "You know, Harry, she has been acting really funny lately. How can she prepare for classes tomorrow, when we don't even know what classes we'll have yet?"

Harry shrugged. He knew she was lying, maybe for Ron's sake. But he knew that look on her face, he had done the same when he liked Cho. He decided it wasn't his business and would just leave her to deal with it on her own. He went on with his dinner.

-

The next morning, Hermione went to breakfast late, she spent a little extra time on herself before coming down. She was in a very good mood, and was eating very quickly. Ron was stuffing his own face, although quite a bit less eloquently.

"You're late," He said, about ten minutes after she got there.

"Yeah, I woke up a little late." She smiled at him.

"You look…nice." Harry said rather plainly.

"Really? I didn't do anything special." She grinned. She started to say something else but just at that moment, McGonagall was passing out schedules. As soon as Hermione got hers, she smiled some more.

"Potions first, all the way in the dungeons you know! I have to run back and grab my potions supplies. I will see you guys down there, yeah?" She jumped up and left.

Ron almost followed her, but Harry said "Let her go, she's being a strange female that us males clearly don't understand."

"But she-"

"She'll tell us whatever she needs to when she's ready."

Ron reluctantly sat back down.

-

Potions went as it usually did, as Draco had his back to Hermione. With Snape around and witnesses being so close, Draco didn't dare try to catch her eye. He sat facing away from her so he would be less tempted.

Not that it worked at all. He could smell her flowery aroma today; it seemed she had done something extra this morning. After nearly failing at making his potion, on the way out she passed directly by him, and her eyes themselves seemed to be brighter as she talked animatedly to a confused Ron and smirking Harry. Draco wondered why Harry was smirking like that. He didn't like it.

The rest of the day passed very slowly, much as the past week had done. And most of Tuesday went by, without anything different, as they had no classes together. Hermione, though throughout the day she had been as bright as the day before, by the time dinner rolled around, she suddenly became very jittery.

"What the bloody hell is your problem, Hermione? You've been really weird lately," Ron questioned her.

"Well, I don't know what you're talking about lately, but… oh alright. I've been asked to tutor Malfoy in a few subjects that he's not doing too well in. Well, I'm a little nervous about it."

"What?!? Harry and Ron said together.

"Yeah, you know… just a once a week thing. McGonagall thinks it will help him pick up his marks… you know, we were both a little shocked that she asked me of all people. She knows we don't get along… but there you go." Harry and Ron both looked flabbergasted. She felt awful lying to her friends, but she didn't know what else to do. They might jinx her just to keep her there if she told them what Malfoy had really said to her.

Both boys just stared at her for a bit. Then Ron laughed. "Well, I know it's gonna suck for you, but I bet Malfoy feels like an idiot for having to be tutored by… well, by a muggleborn! Hah!" He continued to chuckle to himself as he continued eating.

"Well, Hermione. You have to tell us what happens when you get back," Harry told her seriously. "We don't want Malfoy trying to pull a fast one on you, just because he's being forced into this. Will there be a teacher there, at least?"

"I don't know, actually," Hermione said. She wasn't lying this time. She had no idea what the plan was for tonight. "But, it starts at eight, in the dungeons somewhere. It's nearly seven, and I should go gather my books and whatnot. I will be sure to let you know how it goes." Hermione tried to give a reassuring smile, but perhaps it turned out more like a grimace. "See you later."

"See you," said Harry.

"She hasn't stayed for a full meal at all in the past couple days, has she?" Ron shook his head. "She's gonna starve herself sick if she keeps up."

A/N: I am so excited to write the tutor scene in the next chapter! Please review and give me your thoughts! Thanks!!