A/N- Sorry for the long wait between chapters, but I have been working a lot on my schoolwork lately, and I have gotten caught up in my HG/SS story Acedemically Speaking. I will try and get more chapters up soon, but I will not gaurantee anything because of my Creative Writing class that I am taking at college right now. Ok, ok, done with my excuses, on with the story...

Chapter 9 – Ron's Little Secret

He pursed his brows together in confusion. "Planned WHAT?" Her eyes widened.

"Are you dense Malfoy?" He looked at her blankly, and she groaned. "What you did to me last night."

"Oh that…" He wasn't in the mood to discuss this, and turned from her.

"MALFOY!" Damn it… He turned to her.

"NO I didn't plan it, you stupid, STUPID mudblood, it wasn't meant to happen, it was NEVER meant to happen!" Why in the world was he confiding in her? She looked at him strangely then.

"You had to have planned it, otherwise, I would have been able to say something of it. Instead I had to an 'on the spot' excuse. , So, I am-"

"So THAT was what that cat thing was about…" Oops, exposed fact he was eavesdropping… Attempt charming smile; cover it up by making her knees wobble…

"You were eavesdropping!" Damn, it was Granger, wouldn't work.

"No, I was merely eating and overheard. You ARE directly behind me after all." She glared at him in disbelief, and then sighed. "Actually, I was wondering why you hadn't run off and told anyone of it yet. Not that you could run far that is." She pursed her brow in confusion and curiosity.

"If… if it wasn't expected… what did you wish for me to keep secret?" He turned from her.

"Oh look, it is about time we should set the next part of the potion…" He was avoiding the subject. Obviously it wasn't something he wished to talk about, but she wasn't going to let him get away with that.

"Yes, but first, what did you have me omit from my vocabulary if it wasn't that specifically, then what was it?" He clenched his jaw, annoying mudblood… Might as well tell her, after all there was no harm in it really… was there?

"You do know you're very bothersome, don't you?" He sighed when she opened her mouth to respond and held up his hand. She promptly shut it again. "I will tell you, hush." He put the hand he had held out for her to stop talking to his temple, and then finally let it fall loosely to his side. A small genuine smile crept upon his lips, and he went to the nearest chair, and then sat haphazardly into it. "Actually, I didn't think it would work at least not on anything like THAT, but hey, more to my advantage. I am only telling you this because you won't leave me alone, but I didn't want you to go squealing to anyone about my personal life, the things that I might do, or say. Obviously, the act that happened last night the spell recognized as something a bit personal." Hermione uncrossed her arms, and gave a half nod.

"I see then, well it was reasonable. Afterall, I did make mine to force you to never tell anyone of anything me, Harry or Ron does that looks a bit mischievious unless it is to one of us three. That is something I very much doubt ever actually happening, so,"

"That's unfair! Now how am I supposed to get them expelled?" She smiled.

"Simple really, you don't." He groaned.

"Just grand, mudblood, you've just taken away my favorite past-time." Past time? How could he look at it like a past time?

"How can you look at it as if it were all a game?" He sneered, his eyes sparkling with inner fancy. He started to wonder if she would crack open and go completely insane if he revealed to her the inner workings of himself. Probably, most people wouldn't be able to handle it… Hell, he almost couldn't handle it, but he was a Malfoy, and Malfoy's don't crack THAT easily.

"Simple, it IS a game, Granger, you don't know me. Don't even pretend to try. I don't care about 'perfect golden boy wonder' Potter, though I DO despise Weasley, something in which I don't want to get into right now. Off that subject…" She interrupted him before he could continue.

"What do you MEAN you don't care about Harry, you hate him, and everyone knows it." He rolled his eyes.

"Did I not just tell you already once or twice even before, YOU DON'T KNOW ME. You understand that phrase at all? It's not HIM I hate; it's everyone else's reaction to him that I hate. No matter WHAT it is he does, or says, or thinks, he can do no wrong. Why? Well, I will tell you why, he's bloody well Perfect Potter, the boy who does no wrong. While I on the other hand, and for reference sake, who is number two academically in the ENTIRE school, seeker and somewhat remarkable guy if I do say so myself, gets put onto the back burner, and continuously get in detentions and what not for the slightest thing I do wrong. You see?" Ok, so why was he telling her this?

"Why are you…?" He smiled, crossing his arms.

"Because I can. I can tell you ANYTHING about me, and you won't say anything about it to anyone else, no matter how much you want to."

"That doesn't explain why," He groaned.

"Because Granger, I have nobody else to tell anything to, think of it… Think of it this way, mudblood, I'm making you my living diary."

"But what about your friends… Crabbe and Goyle, surely you can-"

"They AREN'T my friends!" He stood and then loomed over her. "They never have been, nor will they ever be. I despise them, they are blubbering idiots, but I can't rid myself of them, so I make the best of it. Understand? I have no friends, and only one ally I can trust. You're not my first choice Granger, but you will have to do. Don't even attempt to think that this means I like you, because I don't. You're still a filthy little, disgusting mudblood." She set her jaw a moment, and then smiled. Two could play this game.

"Yes… Maybe it is true my parents are muggles, and maybe its true you despise me, let alone hate me, but… You still brought me to bed, and stolen my virginity, Malfoy, so it seems, you at least desire me…" She smiled as a frown crossed his face. Yes, it was true he hated her, but he found her desirable. A warm feeling started to grow within her stomach. He wanted her, not for her mind or friendship, but for the fact that he found her attractive. It was a good feeling, being wanted that way, and she wasn't about to give it up.

"Maybe… But…" He ran his hand through his hair, "But I… Didn't mean to do… what I did last night…" She turned from him.

"It's all right…" She spoke so softly he could barely hear her, but he did. His jaw dropped, she didn't just say what he thought she did, did she?

"What?" She took a deep breath, turned to him, and then gave him a hard stare.

"I said, I didn't mind." After a moment for it to sink into his head, he smiled.

"Ah, so you desire me as well… Is that what you are saying?"

"I wouldn't put it quite that way, it is more the desire to be desired… or something along those lines" He smirked.

"So, basically yes, then?" She gave him a slow nod. "Well, now that IS interesting…" He chuckled. "I might actually survive the rest of my time with you after all, Granger… Now if you don't mind, I'm going to bed. Tomorrow is the last day I need to see Poppy, so I will be able to pay Madame Hooch a visit. So, night mudblood, pleasant dreams." He had spoken the last with a sour note of sarcasm. Same old Malfoy… Mostly anyways. With that he quickly turned from her in his 'mischievous villain' way, and went to bed. She sighed, and then decided to follow suit, hid somewhat behind her bed because the bathroom was too far away, and changed. She headed to her bed and just before she pulled back the covers, she realized something.

"Oh dear…" She quickly stood, and half jogged over to Draco. She nudged him a few times to rise him, but all he did was groan. Damn him, either he already nodded off- unlikely- or he was attempting to ignore her- the more likely of the two scenarios. The later of course really started to push her buttons; it wasn't the day to mess with THIS Gryffindor. She smirked then, oh dear, staying with Malfoy was corrupting her mind, but… She took out her wand and then pointed it at him. She took a step back and then recited the following, "Aqueous Totallus" A small glow formed around Draco, and then the spell took its effect.

"AHHHHHHHH!" Draco jumped out of bed and spat water out of his mouth. After a moment of trying to figure out what in the bloody hell happened he turned and glared at Hermione. She smiled at him triumphantly, and he flicked his hands at her, spraying her with the access water.

"Eep!" She backed away from the flying water. He was drenched, completely and utterly dripping wet from head to toe.

"You wench! How dare you do such a thing. To me! DRACO MALFOY!"

"I do happen to know who you are, Mr. Malfoy, but I tried to get your attention in a… more…. Subtle way, but you didn't seem to notice me, so I took a more drastic measure." Her pursed his brows, holding his arms away from his wet and dripping body.

"Drastic? You call that drastic! Drastically overkill I would say!" She laughed then. "It's not that funny MUDBLOOD!" He shook his arms briefly. "Damn… Merlin!" She attempted to stifle her laughter but it didn't work very well. "Would you shut up already?" She cleared her throat.

"Sorry, but… You must admit, it IS… a bit funny." He rolled his eyes.

"You better be moving then, because I am drying off." He turned from her, and then quickly walked to the bathroom, and slammed the door. She sighed and then sat in the chair near the door. He had better hurry….

After a few minutes he finally emerged from the bathroom, dry except for his hair. "Well, finally, I was starting to wonder if you would come out in time." He raised an eyebrow to her.

"You know Granger, you've completely lost your mind." She smiled.

"Thank you, I do believe YOU had something to do with that. But anyways, to the subject… We nearly forgot that in a few minutes now, we have to set the next group of secrets." His eyes widened to this.

"Oops…" He regained his composure, and glared at her. "It was your fault, you DID change the subject matter." She sighed; of course he would NEVER take the blame for anything…

"Who cares whose fault it was, just think of what your going to have me keep a secret about."

"I already know." She crossed her arms.

"As do I" He neared.

"Then put a cork in it and get ready will you, I'm tiring of your endless babble." She glared at him, half setting her jaw.

"I don't babble! I just am filling the dull silence with meaningful words." He moved his brow up once more.

"You're babbling. Silence and I happen to be old acquaintances, and I happen to prefer its company to yours, any day." She smiled in spite of herself, taking a step closer as she dared. She wasn't quite sure what had gotten into her, but she was determined to match is sour wit.

"You didn't seem to mind my company last night…" She spoke deeply and quietly, leaving the statement hanging within the air. He snapped his jaw closed and forced himself to look away from her a moment.

"Keep that up, and you'll have yourself a repeat of that performance, MUDBLOOD." Quickly, he grabbed out his wand as he noticed the minute hand reached the moment they must do the second spell. Soon, Hermione did the same, and they pointed their wands at each other… "Now!"

"Verbatim Infentato" The results of the night before replayed just the same. After a moment of recovery, they looked at each other in curiosity. "Well, what is it that is stricken from my vocabulary?" He smirked.

"Anything to do with water. By the way Granger, never… and I mean NEVER do such a thing to me again. Trust me, you will regret such an action."

"I'm sure. By the way, you can't say anything that deals with muggles. Hope you don't mind. Now I'm going to bed, and I would suggest the same for you as well. You know… with your meeting with Madame Hooch and all."

"Whatever." But he proceeded to walk towards his bed and Hermione did the same.

"Pleasant dreams Malfoy." He grunted to that, and lay down. She sighed and climbed into bed herself, then blew out her candle.

Morning came far too quickly for them, and they both groggily dragged themselves out of bed, and into their morning routines. They did this in silence, only occasionally sending the other a glare before continuing on their way. They continued on like this until the first bouts of classes were finished and lunch was over with. It was time to go see Madame Hooch. Draco had been looking forward to this for his love of flying, and Hermione dreading it for her lack of. When Draco finished eating he came up behind her and then tapped her on the shoulder. "Hey, Mmmmu…" His eyes narrowed, it would figure that word would be included, as his mouth went mysteriously numb. He3 cleared his throat and then continued. "Granger, you done yet?" Harry smiled.

"Speechless Malfoy?" Ron laughed at his joke and Draco sneered at him.

"Mind your own business Potter." He spat at him, and then nudged Hermione again. "Well, GRANGER?" Since he couldn't say mudblood, he put as much acid into her name as he possibly could, and she turned to him slowly.

"Just a moment, I am nearly finished." He let out a guttural sigh.

"Fine then, but hurry up will you. I don't have all day." She rolled her eyes, and then turned back to her plate as he crossed his arms. Harry and Ron exchanged looks, snickering to themselves.

"Honestly you two, what do you find so funny?"

"Nothing 'Mione, why do you ask?" Ron then looked over to Harry who smiled, and then they both muffled their following laughter.

"There are times I just don't really even want to know what goes on inside of your heads. Honestly." Draco nudged her again.

"Will you just eat, and stop your infernal talking?" She turned back to him.

"Edgy are we?" He set his jaw and sneered at her with his sourest gaze.

"If you keep it up, I will go. And I REALLY don't care if you are sitting here trying to ear, or not." She set her jaw and turned to eat again. That is, until she heard receding footsteps. Sighing, she turned to move after him, but then felt a hand upon her shoulder.

"Wait… Let HIM fall, and make an ass of himself." Ron smiled at her… wait… RON! She started to feel the barrier close in. No… She couldn't… She couldn't let him make her fail this assignment. Quickly she jerked out of his grip.

"Ron! Don't!" Ron released her and donned a shocked expression, just as Draco stopped in his tracks and flipped around to face him.

"Weasley. Follow. Now." He waved his arm when he gave him an odd look. "Don't want a spectacle." Ron nodded dumbly and followed him, closely followed by Hermione and highly curious Harry. As soon as they were out of view of the other students, and a descent length away from them hearing them, they stopped.

"What do you want Malfoy? What is this about?" Ron asked the moment Draco stopped. He turned around to face Ron and glared at him.

"Simple, you stupid weasel." Ron half growled at this, "I'm sure that because you three are all and all inseparable, she has told you of our situation, hm?" Ron gave him a blank loon, and he rolled his eyes. Harry gave a small sigh.

"Yes, you're tethered. But what does THAT have to do with anything?" Hermione took this as an opportunity and added in to the conversation.

"Simple. There is a glitch in the spell. Though as much as I really wouldn't mind leaving the tether, it does hurt, and besides, I am not willing in the least to fail this assignment because of you." Ron scrunched his nose.

"What has that got to do with me?" Draco raised a brow to this and stepped towards him menacingly.

"What she is trying to say you insignificant weasel is that the glitch is you." The confused daze on Ron's face worsened.

"Wh… How, I mean…"

"Well…" Hermione started, "I'm not quite sure really, but there is a glitch in the tether, and because you pulled me out before, it seems to apply, though, I don't know how really. Well, I do… sort of any-" Draco interrupted.

"Will you get on with it already Granger?" She turned and glared at him.

"I'm getting there, you oaf, leave me be will you?" He rolled his eyes and she turned back to Ron. "As I was saying before my rather rude interruption, the fact that you pulled me out of the tether the other night, means that you know something about me that I myself do not know."

"But I don't know anything about you that you wouldn't know al…." He stopped short, his eyes growing wide in realization. "Oh… I nearly forgot that… I DO know something…" Draco raised an eyebrow as Harry and Hermione looked at him quizzically.

"What is it?" None of them had any idea what it was that he could have known. He just stood there stammering a moment with one of those 'deer in a headlight' looks plastered on his face.

"Well, I… She said… I mean… I can't really tell you 'Mione. Actually, I can't really tell any of you." He nervously ran a hand through his hair. "I never really expected any of it to be true, so it has been in the back of my mind and,"

"Ron, you're rambling. Will you just spit it out?" Harry crossed his arms and Ron stammered a bit more.

"I… I can't. It's complicated, if its true…" He turned to Hermione. "I can't really tell what it is I know, but I promise not to pull you out of the tether. I give you my word 'Mione. Just don't ask what it is I know… Because… I … I can't.." She put a finger to his lips to shush him, and at this moment Draco felt a strange surge within his stomach… Agh! He forced himself not to notice the sensation and rolled his eyes at their 'gooey' moment.

"It's ok Ron, I understand. Well, not really, but whatever it is must be important enough that you feel you mustn't tell me of it." Draco let out an exasperated sound from his annoyance with the trio.

"Damn, stop it with the sap will you? We have placed to be now, and Weasely…" He glared down the red headed boy in front of him. "Don't touch her… See you around." He smirked to him then quickly turned away from him, and Hermione quickly mouthed 'sorry' and then followed him.

"Um, see you 'Mione." Ron told her as they disappeared down the hallway.

Once they were a good distance away from all signs of civilization, he turned to her. "What in the bloody hell was he going on about? I don't believe him, the bloody git, what's he got to hide?"

"How would I know, but knowing Ron, it must be important to keep me from knowing. It is probably a Christmas gift or something. Who knows?"

"A gift? Him? He is a Weasley for Merlin's sake!" She let his comment drop and rolled her eyes as their conversation ended. After a few minutes, the excitement took hold and Draco couldn't hold his mouth shut any longer. It might not have been Crabbe and Goyle, but he was used to voicing these things to someone, so she would just have to do, for at the moment he really didn't care that the person following him was Granger. "I wonder what Hooch has planned for us. I mean… we are tethered." She groaned.

"Hopefully have us sit on the sidelines…" He stopped and looked at her oddly.

"Are you meaning to tell me you don't like to fly?" She nervously nodded and he burst out laughing. "It would figure that the mm…" He cleared his throat, "that you don't like to fly. Why, it is unworthy of you…. Or, rather, you are unworthy of that." She narrowed her eyes at him and clenched her fists.

"You are the most undignified, callous…." She paused, searching her mind for a word, "GIT I have ever had the displeasure of knowing." He turned away from her and started to walk away again.

"You DON'T know me." He tossed quietly over his shoulder before she noticed and started to follow him. She growled deep within her throat, he was impossible! Yet… oddly… She was starting to like him… It was just plain unorthodox. Perhaps it was the close quarters…. Hopefully…

"WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU ARE GOING?" Draco whirled around and found himself with an armful of Hermione Granger.

"Throwing yourself at me now, are you Granger?" He smirked and quickly let her go as he had noticed his arms were around her in an embrace that had just happened. Hopefully she didn't notice… Hermione did though, and attempted to hide her blush from it, but after deciding it was fruitless she chose to act indifferently.

"No, I was only falling, but are you saying that you actually would like me to do such a thing?" He raised a brow and was about to respond when he was interrupted.

"Ahem." They both quickly turned to the voice, and both went noticeably pale when they seen Madame Pompfrey standing a bit down the hall glaring at them with her arms crossed. "I would hate to disturb you and your seemingly wonderful conversations, but you're not going anywhere until I look at that back of yours Mr. Malfoy, or have you forgotten completely that you were to see me this morning, hm?" He quickly shook his head, as well as Hermione. "Well, if that isn't believable." She sighed, tossed her hands up in the air in defeat, and then motioned for them to follow her. "Follow me then, so I can finish your exam. Come now." She quickly moved down the hall, and they followed.

A/N: Thank you for your reviews, they do make me feel like writing more… :) I am sorry this took so long.. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this and I will try and get the next chapter up fairly soon.