*disclaimer I DON'T

I - I DON'T

I - I - I DON'T OWN IT!

Hope that message ran loud and clear...

Curly: FAM it's about to start

Draco: WTH What is a 'fam'

Hermione: I believe it is a colloquial term referring to the use of the word 'family'. It is an abbereviation of sorts, showing the intimacy with one's friends or indeed, family.

Draco:

Draco:

Curly:

Curly: k then

Chapter 6

Hermione

Puzzling was one of my favourite past times, as it was an interesting way of testing your knowledge, intelligence and general enthusiasm about a topic. Except this REALLY wasn't a subject I was keen on. At all. Did Malfoy have feelings for me? Did he like me enough to call a truce; to be friends? Heck, did I have feelings for him?

No, scratch that, I thought embarrassedly. It was hardly something that I wanted to think about, considering that we had exams coming up! I mean, NEWT's weren't anything to joke about!

Making my mind up, I took out my brown notebook and quill, Wizarding Ink and my DADA textbook. Flipping to page 368, I studied an interesting manoeuvre and copied down the rather...visual diagram. Grimacing, I snapped the book shut. Maybe TOO visual. Turning green, I stood up, wobbled and ran around to get my blood flowing. A snarky voice called out from behind me: "Training for Quidditch, now, are we Granger?" I stopped in my tracks, huffing, and glared at the owner of the voice. Grinning, Malfoy walked up to me and flicked my shoulder. Furrowing my brow, I gave him a weird look and lunged back at him. All too quickly, he dodged me and dashed away. Scurrying after him, I laughed as it became a bit of a chase.

We ran around in circles for what seemed like an age, and collapsed on the ground giggling and poking each other. I rolled over to face him, and saw that his face was flushed a healthy blush of red; a huge contrast to his usual pale complexion. He was smiling so widely that his teeth seemed to gleam in the light. His eyes were sparkling with mirth and I found my mouth mirroring his. He punched me lightly on the shoulder and told me: "That was fun! But why were you running in the first place?"

I avoided his penetrating stare and looked at my feet. "Aw, c'mon, Gran-ger!" He whined, giving me his puppy eyes. I cracked and mumbled, "I'm...err...well..."

"Spit it out, Gryffindor!" He retorted.

"Fine! Uh...I've never really told anyone this before..."

"Tell me! Tell me!" He was excited now.

"I'MSQUEAMISHWHENEVERISEEBLOOD!" I squealed, unable to take the prompting any longer. "Then how the HELL did you survive the war?" He was full-on staring at me now. "I had to put on a brave face. Inside, I was throwing up, left right and centre. I trained myself during fifth year to become immune to blood, but I guess that's worn off now." He was studying my face, looking unsure of himself. Gently, he put his fingers between mine. I looked down in surprise, but did nothing to stop him. Stretching my head skywards, I breathed in and closed my eyes.

Blood had always freaked me out, ever since I had been scarred at the age of three from seeing our neighbour's cat being run over right next to our front gate. I had to step over it in the morning on my way to school, and nearly tossed my breakfast right there on the road. I cried for nights after that, not wanting to go out again and also because I was sad. The cat had often visited out back yard to play in the grass and receive tidbits from my mother and I. My father used to tease it with a bit of twine, and then we'd return it to the neighbour's. But the thing that I remember most vividly is the sight of scarlet blood spilling onto the streets and tainting the path way. The pavement was never the same for me again, and almost subconsciously I avoided that spot for years, until I was accepted into Hogwarts. Then, I never had to pass by that spot again.

I was brought back to reality by the feeling of Draco absently stroking my hand. Quickly, I pulled away and thought I saw a flicker of hurt on his face. But it was its usual plain expression in a millisecond. I made up for it by giving him a cheerful, friendly smile and he seemed to become happier. Satisfied, I was about to

leave when he grabbed the hem of my shirt. "What?" I asked, confused.

"Um...d-do you have anything you need to buy?" I stared at him.

"What are you talking about?"

"What I meant to say is...if you'd like, and it's not like I'd be overjoyed to h-have you with me, but since we're different-I mean, different looking, we've swapped genders, I mean, but-"

"Malfoy! Get to the point!"

"Do you want to come to Hogsmead with me?" I started. I wasn't expecting THAT to come out of his mouth. "S-sure!" I smiled crookedly at him, and to my utter confusion, he blushed and muttered: "You could break a heart or two with that smile, muggle born." Jumping up, I clocked him one and scowled.

"That's for calling me muggle born. What makes Purebloods so great, anyway?" With that, I flounced off, a trail of leaves swirling after me.

Draco

I felt EVER SO SLIGHTLY ashamed. But only a little bit. Smiling to myself, I knew that we had a date. Wait. No! Why did I just give my annoying voice ammo?! Hahaha! Yes! You admitted it! You were just wangling for a DATE! Ahahahaha! I KNEW IT! LOL!

What the hell does 'LOL' even mean?! I thought back. Clearly, I was going mad. Shaking my head, I stood up and and waltzed away. A...date... with Granger... nice...

Shut up, voice! But now, I couldn't tell the difference between the voice and my actual thoughts. How worrisome.

I thanked my lucky stars that Granger wasn't a mind reader. Phew.

The surface of the lake was beautiful in the afternoon glow; a rippling, shimmering dress that the water wore. It was very bright to my eyes, and I looked away after a moment of gazing. A bit like Granger, don't you think? I waved my hands in disgust, irritated by the voice. hAil nO! I screamed in my head. At least I could look at Granger without having to rub my eyes furiously afterwards.

Disregarding that odd topic, I walked round the edge of the lake, a past time I'd seen Granger, Potty and Weasel doing often. Grinning to myself as I realised this, I kicked a stone and thought of my home.

Mother had been ill whe I'd left for Hogwarts to redo my Seventh year, and she expressed strongly that she wanted me to go. I had wanted to stay and tend to her, but she insisted that I go, and that she was fine. Well, she obviously wasn't. I took out the letter McGonagall had slipped me just that morning, and unfolded it.

Dear Mr. Malfoy,

It has come to our attention that your mother is suffering the serious after effects of the Cruciatus curse and the Imperius curse. These Unforgivables have affected your mother to the extent that she is a terminal case. Unfortunately, she will not be able to be cured, and we ask that you return to your home at the soonest opportunity that comes your way, or alternitively meet up with two of our Mediwitches in Hogsmead. We are at your disposal, and the bill for our services will follow this letter soon. We hope you are well, and will see you soon.

Sincerely,

The Mediwitches and Mediwizards of St. Mungo's.

I had been in a state of petrification as soon as I'd finished reading the letter this morning. Not knowing when our term ended, I'd sent the Mediwitches and wizards a letter saying that I'd meet them in Hogsmead. Now all I had to do was ask McGonagall for permission, and, judging by the circumstances, she'd almost definitely let me go.

I sighed, and stuffed it back into my pocket. Taking out my wand, I cast a warming charm on myself and burrowed down into the folds of my robes. The air had just begun to get chillier, and there were heating charms everywhere. I glances up at the sky, and was delighted by the fact that it had begun to rain. Grumbling, I started off towards the school again, picking up my pace.

Splats of water began falling on my robes, face and shoes. Hurrying, I reached the entrance in record time. Turning to look back, I saw that I'd been lucky and missed the complete downpour. Sighing in relief, I giggled crazily to myself. What had started as a bad day had ended up as a fantastic one! Practically dancing, I made my way up the staircases to my room. It was time for some hot chocolate, a good book and my-Granger's slippers.

Slipping into my favourite armchair, I made a happy noise and sipped my drink. I surveyed my room. It was rather messy, with articles of clothing strewn everywhere and sundries in odd places. My enchanted green alarm clock stood in its usual place beside my bed. It was charmed to say: "Wake up! Potter's in love with Weasel!" The first time Granger heard it, she fell about laughing. She was in fits and rolling on the ground; I'd been scared for her mental health at the time.

I giggled at the memory; it'd been such a long time since I seen her like that, until today. I realised that I was DAYDREAMING about GRANGER. Blushing though there was no one to see, I hit my head. Getting to my feet, I left the room in search of a book to take my mind off these matters.

Hermione

I was confused after I'd ran around with Malfoy, but even more so when he ASKED ME OUT. Sure, he did it reluctantly, but he still did it! And something tells me he wasn't being truthful. In fact, he'd seemed rather subdued all of a sudden. What was he hiding?

Hehe! Why do you want to know, Little Miss Prude, Prim and Proper?

You shut the hell up, ya hear?! I thought angrily at the irritating voice. And who are you, to call me a prude? I'd expect that of Malfoy, not myself!

Deflated and fatigued from the afternoon, I made my way up to our rooms. Pushing the door open, I gave a shout of surprise as I found a guilty looking Malfoy rifling through one of my duffle bags. Oh. Wait. He was going through The Duffle bag. Oh shoot.

"What are you doing in my room, you imbecile? Surely you would know NOT to cross the threshold whilst I'm NOT in here?" My voice was getting louder and louder, and I was becoming madder and madder. "I was j-just l-looking for a b-book! Gee, Granger, you're so mean!" He pouted, looking for forgiveness, and I tried my hardest to ignore the doe-eyed expression he was pulling: but to no avail. "Argh, Fine, I'm not mad," I admitted grudgingly. Punching a fist into the air, he smirked good-naturedly at me and said: "That's right, Granger, because I'm simply IRRESISTIBLE." I rolled my eye, shook my head and laughed at him.

It was just a second later that I realised what the book he was holding was. "Give me that!" I yelled, rushing forward. Sensing an opportunity to tease me, he held it just out of my reach and sneered, "Come and get it!" I gazed hopelessly, and, on a whim, he started to flick through. I covered my face and groaned in anguish. I hadn't wanted to share THAT with anyone, much less MALFOY. Sure, we were friends now, but I hadn't even shown HARRY that book. Every time I tried to get it back, he'd just kick my shin or push me away.

His expression never changed, not even once. Handing it back to me, he looked me in the eye and said: "They are amazing Granger. Why on EARTH would you hide those?" In answer, I blushed and took the book. Opening it, I sighed as the one thing I had thought was private was now not.

I rubbed the soft pages lovingly; my refuge from teasing for many years. Sighing again, I flipped to one of my earlier drawings. It was depicting the whomping willow as a sapling: small, gentle and everything that it wasn't now. I turned the page, and abruptly stopped. I tried to shut the page before Malfoy saw, but it was too late.

Seeing his emotions on his face was something I'd grown used to, now that he was a girl, but I honestly couldn't read him at this moment. He took the book from me, ever so gently, and just looked. And looked. I could feel tears brimming, and angrily thought to myself: Why are you crying? You don't hate him anymore! Tell him so!

Tell him you like him...

I took a deep breath and whispered, "I...don't...hate...you...anymore, Mal...Draco." His head turned sharply, and I could see he was hurt by the picture. I felt so bad. I felt as if I was the one who had bullied HIM for six years, not the other way round.

The picture was of him. He was standing over me, and was holding a sword made of words. Words and sentences he had said to me before. And at the very tip of the sword, a lone word stood out. Mudblood.

I had a deep gash running along my face and arms, and adjectives were seeping out. Descriptors like anger, hatred, furious, sadness, upset and many others. But the one that stood out was ANGUISH. At the time, he had called me mudblood, and had just laughed and ran off with Crabbe and Goyle at his heels.

It was obvious that he remembered this encounter as well, since he went considerably paler than before and looked my way, his eyes blank of emotion. I was having a hard time trying not to cry in front of him, so what he did next took me completely by surprise and shocked me to the core.

Tears welled up in his eyes and billowed out. He grabbed me, and before I knew what he was doing, we were hugging. I couldn't take it any longer, and his hear-wrenching sobs reminded me that I had my own. So I, too, began to cry. We sat on the floor, crying into each other's shoulders. I felt my tears continue to seep out, into his clothing and felt his do the same.

"Draco..." I cried, letting myself go. When I sobbed his name, he hugged me even tighter. I could hear him trying not to cry, and this just made me want to cry more. "Her...Hermione..." I was so shocked when he said my name, I cried all the more. We were full-on sobbing now, our hands entwined in each other's hair. I stroked his silver locks, fingering the individual strands. He was curling my unruly coils around his hand, patting it ever now and again.

Eventually, we separated, but it wasn't awkward between us. We'd come to a silent understanding that what was in the past was not something to be held as a grudge anymore. I think, when you cry on one another's shoulder, you can consider yourselves friends.

Draco

I hadn't cried since I was four years old. That encounter really opened my eyes, and showed me what it was like to be on the receiving end of bullying. My bullying. I rubbed my eyes, and rolled over on my bed. The covers had been tussled with and were now in disarray, but I did nothing to correct them. I was too busy thinking about what had happened earlier. She had said my name. Meaningfully. Not just because I was acting up, or because she was annoyed, but because she had GENUINELY wanted to.

A single ray of moonlight danced across the silken bed spread. I saw that it was close to my own hair colour, and sighed. I still hadn't told her. I needed to, and I had better do it fast. Or she'd run from me, never to be seen again. And I really didn't want that. Not now that we'd gotten so close.

I sat up. My room was dark now, and I couldn't see a thing. "Lumos," I whispered, holding my wand close to my face. Quietly as I could, I tiptoed to the bathroom and sunk down against the door. To my surprise (and reluctantly, I realised, happiness), I heard her on the other side doing the exact same. On a spur of the moment, I pulled the door open, and her flame, masculine back toppled into my room. An unruly Gryffindor met my eyes, and glared whilst I shook with muffled laughter.

"Really, Malfoy, you couldn't have knocked?" She asked, shaking her head and running her fingers through her hair. I leant of the door frame and smirked, "No, GRANGER, I could not. I wanted to catch you off guard, which I seem to have achieved." She rolled her eyes and sneered back at me. Wow, she's dangerous when she's tired...the voice mused. I promptly told it to stop any ideas it was having right there and then, and smacked my forehead. Granger gave me a weird look, but carried on with reading the book she had been staring at until I had arrived. "So, why are you out here?" I questioned, trying to create a conversation. "Couldn't sleep," was the answer I got back.

So much for a conversation, I thought. Ah well, I can always annoy her! I settled on the idea, and snuggled up to her right hand shoulder. Immediately, her cheeks darkened and her chocolate eyes flicked over to me. "Wh-what are you d-doing, M-M-Malfoy?!" She stammered. I snorted. After only FOVE SECONDS of physical contact, she reddens? Mustn't have had much fun in HER life, that's for sure. Oh, but then again, she DID spend about...oh, 99.9% of her time with The Boy Who Lived To Annoy and Weasel The Sleazeball.

"Draco!" whisper-shouted Hermione, and I started, realising that I'd been daydreaming. "Pardon? Sorry, I was thinking about stuff," I said, not looking at her enquiringly gaze. "What 'stuff'?"

"Oh, just how Weasel is an idiot and a wanker, and that he doesn't deserve anyone, much less yo-...-ur friend, Lavindi? Lavarte?"

"Lavender, silly!" I sighed in relief, content that she'd bought my excuse. That was close! I thought.

What I didn't see was the look of disappointment on her face.

Leaning my head on her shoulder, I started to read the book she was so interested in. "'Pride and Prejudice'? What's that?" I asked, genuinely confused. In return, she smiled and said: "A muggle book. You wouldn't be interested."

"Well...it can't be THAT far beneath me, since you're so intent on reading it. Tell me the plot."

"Okay. Well, there a family called the Bennets. The main character is a woman called Elizabeth Bennet, and a man called Fitzwilliam Darcy. Mr. Darcy is well groomed, eloquent, handsome, rich, and above all, high up in society."

"A bit like me, then!" I giggled. She smirked at me, and proceeded to say: " Miss Bennet is not very well off, has many siblings and is of the lower middle class." Though I didn't say it, I thought that this woman sounded rather like Hermione. "When they first meet, Miss Bennet takes an immediate dislike to Darcy, and him the same." Wow, I was more accurate than I thought! "But above all, this is a LOVE STORY." Oh shoooooot. Why do I always have to be right?

But maybe this won't be so bad... who knows?

Curly here! That was a fun chapter to write, though there were some very sad parts... :(

Anyway, please review and leave feedback! It's all appreciated!

Curly xoxo