Summary - On New Year's Eve a secret is revealed about Hermione's past that causes her to make some pretty rash decisions that will change her life forever. Consequently, Hermione will grow up up in every sense of the word with the Slytherin Sex God and potential Death Eater, Draco Malfoy. Lies will be told, plans will be hatched, sides will be chosen, friends will be betrayed and all for the love of a boy on the wrong side of a War. Please R & R!

Disclaimer - JK owns the entire Harry Potter world =[

Author's Note: Howdy! Chapter no 7 (so feels more than that) is here. This time its detention with Madame Prince and things are really starting to kick off now. Hermione's pov . . . .

I've had some internet probs recently (I know, its getting ridiculous!) so this is the second of two chapters I wrote while it was down. Please read & review it - it really makes my day when I get some feedback whether its good or bad!!!!!

Chapter 7 - The Choices We All Make

Whats wrong, Mione? Ginny kindly asked at breakfast the morning after her encounter with Malfoy outside the Slytherin Common Room. The two Gryffindor girls were sat alone at the breakfast table, the rest of their friends preferring the lie-in to getting up for the early morning revision sessions started by Hermione last term. Despite the fact that the youngest Weasley was in the year below the rest of them, revising with her was still useful because it refreshed earlier work they may need for their exams so she was more than welcome. This was more important to Hermione than anyone else because not only was Ginny the only one who ever seemed to make these morning session reasonably regularly but it was nice to spend time with her.

Until Ginny blurted out her question they had been eating in a peaceful silence, now the older witch crinkled her brow in trepidation before replying, perhaps a little too enthusiastically. Im fine! Why would you think I wasnt?

I dont know, you just seem a little . . . distracted, Ginny answered ensuring to chose her words carefully. I know Im one to talk what with all these mess between Harry, Seamus and me but . . . She paused, obviously concerned about her best friends reaction to her enquiry. However she need not have worried because Hermione took it in the spirit it was clearly meant, even though a part of her immediately become fearful that word had gotten out about her and Malfoys liaisons. Dont be stupid, how would anyone ever find out about that?

Youre just worried, Hermione said, finishing off the youngest Weasleys sentence for her. To be honest Gin I have got some things on my mind, but its nothing that important. Providing you dont count finding out your whole life has been a lie, deciding to have sex with your mortal enemy and then discovering that youre still lusting after him when you swore it was a onetime deal, as trivial.

Ginny did seem to relax momentarily, before fret seeped into her veins once again and she was forced to ask its not Ron is it? You two are still going strong arent you? He would be so devastated if things ended between the two of you!

No its not Ron, Hermione responded instinctively. It wasnt like she was lying! He wasnt one of the major problems clouding her mind which was ironic considering the fact that she had cheated on him over Christmas, a fact that still boggled her mind. Were fine.

Ginny nudged her provocatively, just fine, eh? You two have been going out for months now Im betting things are more than just fine. Im surprised you managed to drag yourself out of his bed! Personally, I always liked a morning cuddle after-!

Ginny! Hermione blurted, surprised by her friends admission. She turned scarlet red as embarrassment filled her entire being. Quietly she murmured w-we havent . . . . you know! Why havent we again? Oh yeah I was waiting because I was a virgin. Completely screwed that up didnt I! What am I going to tell him when we do have sex? Hermione sank into misery at the mere thought of somehow explaining to Ron why she was no longer a virgin. It was not going to be an easy conversation, but Hermione was able to comfort herself with the knowledge that she need not tell him immediately. To her it was something that was far off in the distance.

Oh, sorry I didnt realise! I just assumed - Ginny gushed apologetically, her face beginning to turn the same colour as her flaming ginger hair, nevertheless she bluntly continued you know you really should! Its a little painful in the beginning but after that-

Im fine as I am thank you very much! Hermione snapped, cutting Ginny off grumpily. Why am I being so emotional over something Ive already lost! It makes absolutely no sense! With little sense or idea of the direction she intended to go in her rage at Ginny continued not all of us want to lose our virginity when were fourteen to a boy we fall out of love with, in a week! As soon as the words left her lips Hermione knew she had said too much, but there are some things you just cant take back no matter how much you want to.

Momentarily Ginnys face froze in horror, before she got to her feet and yelled my life may not be perfect and I may not have made all the right decisions like your o-so perfect self, but when Harry and I had sex I loved him. Its time you grow up Hermione and get off your high horse, because although you condemn the way I live my life, at least Im actually living it! Ginny slammed her fist on the table theatrically, before walking away from Hermione without a backward glance.

Gin! Im sorry! Hermione screamed after her, not caring who heard her. Im so god damn sorry! She called a little quieter as self-disgust swept through her veins. Ginny was right about everything. What gave her the right to judge Ginny for the decisions shed made! At least she had loved Harry, she maybe even still did. I didnt even like Malfoy when I had sex with him! The Gryffindors head collapsed into her hands, what was she going to do? Ginny was never going to forgive her for that. Did she even deserve to be forgiven? A single tear dripped down her cheek.

Without warning, someone came up behind her and place what she thought was a comforting arm around her shoulders. He patted her shoulder hard and harshly whispered, nice one Granger! Instinctively she pulled away, humiliated that he of all people had to one of the very few to witness her blunder. Malfoy cockily walked away from her, smirking the entire time. See you in detention!

Do you two know that you are the eighth set of students to have served detention with me this week? Its a disgrace, I tell you! An absolute disgrace! Madame Prince fumed as she dashed about returning books to shelves by magic. Sixth year students as well! She shook her head in disbelief at what she viewed to be an appalling situation. And you too Miss Granger!

Hermione hung her head in shame, but her gaze was not lowered so much that she failed to spot the smirk on Malfoys face and she shot him a seething glance behind the librarians back. She was still in a foul mood from the events of this morning, even though most of her anger was not directed at him but at herself. She had tried everything she could think of to get Ginny to talk to her but she simply refused, point blank ignoring Hermione. However, as Madame Prince spoke her bitterness soon turned first to amusement and then horror when she continued. And you too Mr Malfoy! After all your father has done for this school, for this library . . . I am mightily upset by your behaviour! The librarian rebuked furiously, and such a fine, upstanding gentleman too. Hermiones mouth fell to the floor with the shear shock of anyone let alone someone as far removed from the dark arts as Penny Prince considering Lucius Malfoy to be a fine, upstanding gentleman. If it wasnt so disturbing it would be comical. How can anyone not see him for the manipulative, evil bastard he is? Its just not possible. But it most certainly was possible as Madame Prince was proving as she continued to heap praise after praise on Voldermorts most infamous Deatheater, your father would be highly disappointed with your behaviour the other day, of that Im sure. When he was in school he was always well behaved and ever so polite! You should follow his example, young glanced curiously at Malfoy who also stood agog, too shocked by the womans praise for his father to school his emotions. Least its not just me who finds this weird! Hermione thought, slightly worried by the fact that she was finding common ground with Malfoy for the umpteenth time in the last few days. Not to mention that stupid make out session outside the Slytherin Common Room when all you wanted to do was make sure he realised he owed you! Stupid, stupid fool . . . .

Now you two can leave your wands on my desk and get started cleaning the books in the restricted section with those cloths. Im afraid the others have already dusted the rest of the library and I simply could not trust you with returning books to the right place. Madame Prince interrupted Hermiones thoughts bossily, only to infuriate her further. Dont give me that look Miss Granger! Dare I remind you of Felicity Dapplewoods Transfiguration In Everyday Life?

I was in my first year! I had not got used to the librarys cataloguing system! Hermione squealed with disdain at her abilities in the library being undermined. She always has to bring that book up doesnt she, the evil bigot! However her protests were in vain because Madame Prince had already turned her back on them and was walking further down the aisle of book shelves. Grumpily she placed her wand on the librarians desk, picked up the dusters and followed Malfoy towards the restricted section of the library without protest. She was so incensed by the accusation that she could not properly replaced books on the shelves that she even forgot to leave her bag by the desk as they were supposed to.

This is unbelievable. Simply inhumane! A Malfoy being forced to carry out the duties of servants! Malfoy snapped snidely, waking her out of her day-dream and making her blood boil with rage. It was ridiculous how easily he relied her, half the time it wasnt even deliberate and simply stemmed from his completely opposing belief system. Ah, but the fact that hes an evil, selfish git doesnt stop you snogging him every chance you get . . . a treacherous inner voice whispered.

Hermione retorted, not bothering to pretend to conceal her temper from either herself or her opponent, no Malfoy, whats inhumane is children being sold to drugs barons who blind them and send them out to beg or to prostitution rings by their families. Families who are too poor to feed themselves! So you can understand why my heart doesnt worry about youre little problem with being forced to dust a few shelves for detention!

Like I care Granger, Malfoy said offhandedly. Like I care.

Arghhh! Youre infuriating! Hermione snipped viscously as she began to dust the book shelves with the ancient rags they had been given for the job. However much she really wished to be anywhere else in the world but here, she was going to serve her detention with all the grace she could possibly muster because after all she was being punished for her bad behaviour earlier in the week and Hermione Granger was a firm believer in being punished for ones wrong deeds.

You didnt seem to think I was all that irritating last night, Malfoy murmured coaxingly into her ear making her shiver. If thats what you really think of me, then I suggest you see a medi-witch about your compulsions because with wrong impressions like that youre going to get into some trouble.

It wasnt me who started letting his hands wander! Hermione snarled, desperately searching for her defence. She wasnt going to let Malfoy put all the blame onto her for last night. It had been just as much his fault as hers, in fact its was defiantly more his fault that mine; his and his passion inducing hands and teeth!

He chuckled menacingly, riling her even more than he already had,dont get your knickers in a twist Granger, just because I refuse to bow to your will like your senseless friends! Malfoy inched even closer to her delicate frame so that he was almost, but not quite touching her before murmuring if you ever fancy having another quick fuck then you know where to find me. He lecherously ran his hand down the side of her beautifully unblemished face and neck as he looked deep into her appalled hazel brown eyes. Maybe it was the words he used or maybe it was his sudden change in mood, but Hermione felt only disgust at his touch. Nobody ever speaks to me like that. I am worth more than being spoken to like a common whore. Alright what we shared wasnt love but he could have used something less vulgar! Instinctively she jerked away from him and continued to dust the shelves with only her back facing him. I will not reply. He can have a conversation with his god damn self if he things I will be spoken to like that. Due to her determination to ignore her adversary she failed to recognise the look of triumph on his face as he stepped away from her and leaned on the opposite shelf.

I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. Hermione repeated childishly as she dusted book after book, shelf after shelf. She knew it was illogically to be annoyed by him referring to the events of New Years Eve as a fuck because thats exactly what it was as there was neither love nor affection involved but it still riled her. Arghhh! Why do I spend so much time debating Malfoys actions! Hes a prick, get over it. Resolutely she tried to think of something else to distract her and found herself turning to her thoughts to her schoolwork. This plan went simply enough until Malfoy once again interrupted her thoughts and frustration flared within her at his intrusion.

Granger! Malfoy demanded without a trace of politeness. Hey, Granger! Im talking to you! He snapped when she refused to turn around to speak to him.

What ferret? Hermione replied evenly, her resolve waning slightly. Sometimes its just easier to bite the bate and speak to the selfish, egotistical prick.

Take a look, he said, nonchalantly handing her a large, ornately engraved book. Here, it wont snap. I was thinking about our god damn potions project, Malfoy thrust the volume into her unwilling hands but she refused to glance down at it. What now? He inquired exasperatedly.

This is the restricted section. We do not have permission to look at the books.

Sure we do! She didnt blind fold us before sending us in here did she? Annoyingly he does have a point, Hermione thought as she took a sneak peek at the book that rested uncomfortably in her hand. Hermione you know youre interested, one little look wont get you expelled. Like Malfoy said if she didnt want you to look she never would have told you to clean the place. Somewhat wearily Hermione shifted the weight of the book into both her hands and flicked open the page Malfoy had his finger on.

Animagi Transformations . . Hermione read out loud as if bewitched. He surely cant mean what I think he means . . . can he? For a brief moment she was stunned into silence; too shocked to speak or even glance at Malfoy or the book. She simply starred unseeingly at the volumes title. Finally she broke the silence with a shrill whisper, are you suggesting what I think your suggesting? How could you be so stupid? Dumbledore would never allow -

Dont be daft Granger. Dumbledore would never even have to know, at least not until after the assignment, Malfoy countered casually. It would be a challenge. Isnt that what you wanted when you complained so loudly about my flying potion? It would be exciting, for Christs sake!

I still dont see what is wrong with my mind extension potion! She religiously ignored Malfoys snort of disgust as she continued her staunch defence of the Wizarding worlds rules, which was ironic considering she was the one that was only half excepted by them because of her blood status. That would most certainly get us a good grade without sending us to Azkaban for breaking the law! Hermione retorted despite the fact that the first embers of interest and enthusiasm began burning within her soul at the idea of discovering the secret of how to become an animagi. Besides, Snape would never allow it!

Malfoy strutted cockily over to her side and jabbed the book deliberately, I can take care of Snape. He will allow it; after all he would allow me to do anything I wished.

Oh, yeah I forgot hes one of daddys little minions.

Whatever, Granger. Whatever. Malfoy murmured indifferently, resiliently ignoring her jibe much to Hermiones disappointment. Just think of the possibilities of it Granger, this project could be truly spectacular. It has to be one of the most advanced potions ever made, why would Snape stop it? Cocky bastard! He always thinks he knows best, doesnt he! Hermione mentally bellowed.

Perhaps because its illegal! Or because we could change our molecular system to mush attempting it, or just maybe because this kind of information is too dangerous to put into the hands of two sixteen year olds! She greedily gasped for breath at the end of her barely audibly tirade, never forgetting for one moment that Madame Prince was not far away and would give them endless detentions for even just discussing this.

For one its not illegal, its just frowned upon. Two, my molecular system is not going to get turned into crap; were both perfectly able to do this. Three- without warning his ice blue eyes shone which fury as he starred into the windows to her soul. Malfoys jaw clenched tightly and his tone became harsh and vindictive. Hermione was just about to ask what had happened, when he abruptly but quietly barked, ah thats what all this resistance is really about! It has nothing to do with legalities or abilities! Hermione starred at him dumbfounded, what the hell is he on about? Has he finally cracked? She thought silently. You, he pointed a slender finger violently at her, you think Im trying to use you to help the Dark Lord and his followers become animagus! All that crap about this information being dangerous in the hands of sixteen year olds! I should have known!

No I did not Malfoy! That entire spiel was in your head and yours alone! Hermione replied defensively even though she was slightly shocked by the fact that she had not thought of that argument herself. You do have a point though.

Ha!

Dont give me any more shit Malfoy. If you thought I was thinking that then you must be thinking the same about me sharing anything with the Order. Hermione responded, refusing for her point to be dismissed. This is just another reason why an animagi potion is such a stupid idea! We should just stick to something safer like-

If you say a mind extension potion I may use the cruciatus on you. Malfoy murmured in his usual bored monotone, before imploring Hermione to take a fucking risk sometime! Look if we have to work on this shitty project together at least we can do something interesting! This will be a challenge, something different to the sodding norm! Arghh! Hermione thought restlessly. Hes right, god damn him! I would love to try to achieve this. Sense broke through Hermiones haze of intellectual desire and nerve wreckingly asked what if something goes wrong though? What if you screw up the potion and poison yourself? What if Malfoy leaks this information to the Death Eaters? What if silence! The Gryffindor witch forced herself to think clearly and stop making up ridiculous possibilities in her mind. First of all she needed to decide whether working on an animagi potion with Malfoy was actually an idea that interested her. Yes, it does, god help me but it does. But did she want to does this more than the mind extension potion? Hell yes, she guiltily admitted.

Then Ill agree to do it. She decided, putting aside her worries with disquieting ease.

Before agreeing though she wanted to discover exactly why Malfoy, Prince of the Purebloods wanted to make this potion so much. Quietly she inquired, why do you want this so much? As silence descended between them Hermione became fearful of the answer and slightly worried over whether or not he would give her the truthful reason. But as she thought of his reliability she silently realised that he had never actually lied to her. He has lied by omittance, Hermione reminded herself. But never by outright lying, hes always told you exactly his opinion. Strange as it was, he had only ever told her the truth even when it was the last thing she wanted to hear. No correction; especially when it was the last thing I wanted to hear.

I want to experience something new, something completely unique that money can not buy for once, Malfoy murmured with mock dispassion. I want to challenge my own intelligence for once. Hermione pondered his reply for several seconds, unsure of the actual intention behind his words. They were so precisely put that she was sure that the actual meaning behind them wasnt quite what he had said. Does he intend to say that he wants to achieve or fail by himself rather than Lucius? That he wants something completely untainted by his father? Hermione couldnt be positive about her inference from Malfoys words but combined with his behaviour before and after the events of New Years Eve, she sensed she was not so far from the complete truth. She was still undecided about what to make of his proclamation though, except that she knew it was something that she wanted to do as well and that their reasons werent that far removed. She wanted the challenge just as much if not more than him and she wanted to prove herself capable of extraordinary achievement without Harry or Ron. Im not sure I like this parallel between Malfoy and I. Its disrupting the normal balance of hatred! She thought, a little hint of humour invading her mind.

Okay, Im in. Hermione answered calmly. She was so in tuned with Malfoy at that precise moment that she noticed the tiny sigh of relief that escaped his thin, sensual lips and smiled grimly. But were going to have to take precautions that neither of us would be able to make the potion without the other.

So that I wont be able to give the information to the Dark Lord? Malfoy retorted maliciously.

So that neither of us will be able to give the information to either side, Hermione whispered, attempting to smooth over his anger. Well, he doesnt need to know that the Order already has such information does he? She thought thinking of Sirius and the Marauders, certain that he told someone of how to achieve an animagi potion before his death.

Fine! Malfoy snapped, conceding that he would feel more comfortable if he wasnt betraying the Dark Lord. Just shove this in your bag! He stubbed his finger down on the book that still lay open in her hands.

What? No way! I do not steal! Hermione said indignantly, her face beginning to redden at the thought of stealing from the most holy, of holy places; a library. How dare he even suggest that I steal from Madame Prince! I may not like the cow all that much but she is still a librarian and a member of the Hogwarts staff.

Its not theft, its borrowing.

Its theft! Besides why cant we just get a teacher to sign the slip for us? If you think Snape is going to be so amiable why dont you ask him? Hermione demanded, resolutely refusing to put the tome inside her canvas satchel.

Because Snape refuses to sign those petty little slips even for Slytherins. Were a cunning house and in his view getting the book should be achieved with our inherent skills. Malfoy tediously explained. Look if youre going to be so pedantic about this; return it after weve used it! Now just shove the damn book in your sodding bag, Mudblood.

Dont call me that, Death Eater! Hermiones teeth grinded together as she clenched her jaw in rage, forcing herself not to yell at him and thus draw attention to themselves. You take the book if youre so sure its right to do it!

I cant! Were the hell am I going to put the god damn thing? For once the annoying prat had followed the rules and left his bag by the front desk! Malfoy snapped, more to the point Im going to have to distract her while you smuggle it out.

Why cant I do the distracting?

Think about it Granger. You heard her before she adores my father and therefore me. She is going to be paying riveting attention to my actions. He roughly grabbed the book out of Hermiones hands, opened the flap of her satchel and shoved it in. The domineering bigot! I said no for Christs sake! Why does nobody ever listen to me?

Her lowered voice oozed with malice, Malfoy, you can take -

Miss Granger, Mr Malfoy! I do hope you have been working hard. Madame Prince interrupted as she walked around the corner of the shelf. Luckily, her declaration pre-empted her arrival and provided them with the few precious seconds needed to get into position and appear to be dutifully cleaning the shelves. En route Hermione noticed that Malfoy kick her bag under the nearest book shelf and despite the fact that she understood his reasons, the way he had just treated her possession still irked her. He has absolutely no consideration for anyone elses property! Arghh! She thought frustrated by his behaviour once again. Well, I had hoped for more done than this. But I guess . . . the librarian murmured as she casual brushed her finger over a dusty shelf.

Were ever so sorry, Madame Prince. Malfoy said silkily, exuding charisma with every breath. I just thought that you would prefer a thorough job rather than a sloppy one. After all that is how father prefers things to be done. He gently took her elbow and guided the aging woman towards the front desk as she proceeded to beam up at him at the mention of Lucius. They both completely ignored Hermione and the dusters Malfoy had thoughtlessly left behind. I cant believe this! Its like some weird hell dimension. I feel completely coerced! The Gryffindor thought grumpily, reluctantly grabbing her bag off the floor and following in their wake. As she neared the front desk she heard a distinctly girlish giggle from behind the desk and instinctively cringed. What was this world coming to? Am I the only one who sees through Malfoys facade? She deliberately ignored the fact that although she recognised his badness it still didnt stop her from responding to his touch.

Madame Prince? Hermione solicited cautiously, noting the reluctance with which Penny Prince turned her gaze away from Malfoy. Is detention over? Out of the corner of her eye she saw Malfoy glare at her furiously, but it was an action she refused to heed. No matter what his opinion was, she wasnt going to walk out of a detention without checking that everything was satisfactory. Thats just plain rude.

Yes, Miss Granger! Madame Prince replied exhibiting as much frustration and rage as Malfoy had in his glare. Grouchily Hermione left the library with her stolen book hidden safely in her satchel. If I didnt know better then Id say there was something going on there! Hermione pondered as the cool air of the castle attacked her face as the librarys wooden doors closed behind her. Well you never know, Malfoy might go for that sort of thing! She chuckled under her breath at the thought Malfoy in a compromising position with the ancient school librarian. Now wouldnt that just ruin his reputation!

As she walked away from the school library the misery she had felt earlier at the thought of what she had said to Ginny returned for the first time all evening. Immediately she felt the urge to once again seek her out and this time insist that the younger student listen to her explanation, even though she wasnt quite sure what she was going to say just yet. Deciding that Malfoy didnt really need a copy of the book that evening Hermione quickened her pace, wordlessly heading to the Gryffindor Common Room. She was beyond tired but the day was not over yet.

A/N: Hope you all enjoyed it! I don't know about you guys but I actually felt kinda sorry for Ginny in this chapter & kinda scared of Madame Prince! Pretty sure thats not how JK intended it, but then do any of us dramione fans really care about that since she put Hermione with Ron & Draco with Astoria - missing the amazing alliance between pureblood & muggle, good & evil, light & dark enroute! Anyway, next chapter coming your way hopefully soon! If it goes the way I'm thinking atm you shold be seeing a little more of how Draco's life is in Slytherin esp his 'relationship' (no I'm not giving anything away about exactly what type of relationship it is - you can jst wait & see :P) with a certain Pansy Parkinson! In the meantime, please read & review this chapter - your views (whether they're praising or criticising) really do spur me on!!!!!!