Author's Note: This chapter took a while, but I wanted to get it up before the start of the Test Your Limits II Competition in which I am taking part. (It starts today, so wish me luck!)

I tried to use this chapter to clear up a couple questions people had in regards to characterization and plot but let me know if it's still a bit fuzzy or could use some work. When the whole fic is done, I might go back and rewrite certain things from some of the initial chapters, but that will have to wait for later.

Thank you for everyone who took the time to send in a review whether it was constructive or simply letting me know you liked it. Enjoy the chapter and leave a review if you liked it!

"He's serious this time, you know."

Hermione's head snapped up and her gaze fell on Blaise Zabini who stood casually leaning against a bookcase. She reflexively gripped her wand in her robe pocket, hyper aware of the fact that they were alone and set far back, away from the preferred study section in the main part of the library.

"Who are you talking about," she asked, the words coming out sharper than she had intended due to her nervousness. Blaise raised an eyebrow as if she should know who he was referring to.

"Last year," he continued glibly, "he was messing around with you. We had a bet going you see? This year is different. He has a lot more at stake. He's not going to be playing games this time around, Hermione," he informed her seriously.

Part of Hermione felt affronted that she had been a subject of a bet but the larger part of her was turning over the last part of his statement.

"You're talking about Malfoy aren't you," she demanded. "Why are you telling me this? Aren't you supposed to be his," she hesitated over the word," best friend?" If Malfoy had actual friends, Zabini was the closest thing he had to a best mate. "And anyway, Malfoy is harmless. He talks a big game, but he's a coward. I can take care of myself." Blaise looked at her doubtfully.

"The reason I'm telling you this despite the fact that I am his 'best friend'," he used the word derisively, "is because Draco has done something extremely dangerous and you just may be the only one who can stop him. I'll admit he's been rather harmless these past few years, but you have no idea what he's capable of." Blaise slowly approached the table and sat in front of her. "You also have no idea of the single-mindedness with which he can pursue something he wants. And right now, Granger, what he wants is you." Blaise readied himself for anger or fear. He wasn't expecting her to break out in laughter.

"Zabini, I somehow doubt that very much. What he wants is to ruin my life. I'm sure he has no motive beyond that. I'm sure I can handle whatever he has in store for me." Hermione tried to control herself as her fit of laughter slowly subsided. Blaise decided in that moment that Hermione Granger was either incredibly brave, stubborn, or oblivious. Probably all three seeing as she was a Gryffindor.

"You really don't know," he mused incredulously.

"Know what," she asked affronted.

"You don't know the way he looks at you."

"The way he looks at me? What the hell are you-"

"Do you remember in third year," Blaise asked urgently, "when you punched him?"

"Yes," Hermione replied confused and slightly embarrassed, "he was being a prat. I don't see what that has to do with-" Blaise cut her off again.

"Did you know he wouldn't shut up about it for months? It was the first time anyone had ever laid a hand on him. Don't get me wrong, he's had wands raised against him, but never anything so... muggle. He never told his father about it though." The last sentence was said with emphasis as if it was especially important and Blaise looked at her expectantly. When she still looked doubtful he sighed and continued.

"In fourth year, you went to the Yule Ball with Viktor Krum, right?" Hermione nodded. "Well, Draco went with Pansy but he couldn't keep his eyes off you. Pansy was furious. He found Krum the next day and threatened him to stay away. Cursed him too, I would imagine."

Hermione gaped at him. "Why would he do that," she spluttered, "It's not like he..." she trailed off.

"Likes you? I honestly don't know if Draco is capable of having something as innocent as a schoolboy crush. Dark, crushing obsession, yes. Childish infatuation, no. Not anymore at least." He stood up. "But the fact of the matter is, Granger, that he feels something for you other than indifference or hate. You don't see the way he looks at you, how he watches your every move. Open your eyes. See if I'm wrong."

Blaise stalked away leaving a thoughtful Hermione behind him. What he'd just done was a gamble. If Draco found out, he'd likely be dead. At the same time, he suspected Granger was the only one who could save Draco from himself. He was no fool. He knew how Draco had been raised and exactly what he was capable of doing in the pursuit of something he wanted, which was just about anything. He also knew without a doubt that Hermione Granger was Draco's one and only weakness. It was rather obvious really. He supposed that the rest of the school was too caught up in the ongoing Potter-Malfoy spat to notice that Draco had a soft spot for the Gryffindor Princess.

Blaise distinctly remembered when he had come to this realization. In second year, Draco had told anyone who would listen how much he hoped that Mudblood Granger would be the next victim of Slytherin's monster. However, when they learned through the school grapevine that she had actually been petrified, Blaise remembered the curious look of horror on Draco's face that he had quickly replaced with a sneer and masked with jokes and bravado. He had observed him after, and noted that all the barbs he threw at Potter and Weasley were about their missing friend.

After he knew what to look for, it had been rather easy to notice that when Draco looked at Hermione, it wasn't with hate or disgust, but rather a strange mix of curiosity and longing twisted by jealousy and resentment. It was very rare that something could evoke such emotion from the indifferent Draco Malfoy.

Hermione sat in stunned silence in the wake of Blaise's absence. It was kind of creepy to know that Draco was always watching her, if it were true. The idea that Draco had any feelings for her other than loathing was ridiculous. For all the years she had known him, other than the last, he had shown how deep his disgust and hate for her ran. No one was capable of changing their feelings that quickly, though Blaise seemed to believe that hate had never been the cause of Draco's actions, but rather, love. Hermione scoffed at the idea that he was even capable of love. Love of himself maybe. The easy and relentless cruelty that he dealt her year after year was not the product of love.

Even if Blaise was right and somehow Draco did love her, there was no way she could be expected to just forget their history. Hermione tried to be a selfless person, but Blaise expected too much of her. Draco had chosen his path, and she had chosen hers. Both of them now must deal with the hand they had picked. Draco's recent behaviour was completely out of character, but she would not let it shake her. She knew her place was by Harry's side in the coming war, and no amount of strange encounters would change that. She had successfully avoided Malfoy last year, and had continued to do so the past few weeks. Malfoy would just have to find some other plaything and Blaise would have to find him some other savior.

Dinner was quiet that evening for the four Gryffindors other than the usual dull roar of the hall. Harry and Ron were discussing something in hushed tones, leaving Hermione and Ginny to their own devices. Seeing as Hermione had spent the entire meal staring at her plate and pushing her peas around, that left Ginny on her own. When none of the three showed any signs of engaging her in conversation anytime soon, Ginny nudged Hermione with her elbow, startling her, and causing a few peas to roll onto the table.

"Are you alright, Hermione," she asked quietly. "You seem rather preoccupied." She looked her over with concern.

"It's nothing," Hermione replied with an unconvincing smile. "I'm just thinking about something that happened recently." Ginny frowned.

"Okay. I know that you'll come to me if you want me to know, and you know that I'm here to listen." Hermione smiled and nodded. Ginny really was a very good friend.

"I know."

"Hey, Hermione," Harry interrupted. The boys seemed to have finished their quiet discussion. "We need to discuss something after dinner." His tone made it clear that it was something more serious than homework.

"Alright," she sighed, noticing the worried look Ginny cast the three of them. She pushed her food around for a few more minutes before putting her fork down and announcing that she was done. Harry and Ron immediately jumped to their feet and dragged her out of the hall with a hurried goodbye to Ginny who appeared torn between worry and amusement. Without discussion, the trio automatically made their way to the Room of Requirement, which provided them with a cozy room not dissimilar to the Gryffindor common room. They each plopped down into comfy armchairs around the warm fireplace before Harry revealed the secret.

"We saw Malfoy in Diagon Alley," he rushed out. Hermione raised an eyebrow.

"And? He was probably just getting supplies like we were," she replied dryly. Harry gave her an exasperated look.

"Well, the first time we saw him, he was with his mum. We got in a bit of a fight," he admitted ruefully.

"He was being a bloody tosser," Ron added helpfully. Hermione snorted but waited for them to continue.

"Well, we didn't think anything of it, but then we saw him again, and he was alone," Harry explained, "so we decided to follow him."

"He was acting all suspicious and Harry had his invisibility cloak so we tailed him and you'll never guess where he went, Hermione," Ron exclaimed.

"Where," she asked, humoring him.

"Knockturn Alley," Harry told her. Hermione's jaw twitched but she otherwise controlled her reaction. Knockturn Alley was dangerous. All of the establishments were legal of course, but many of the transactions that occurred there dealt with things that straddled the fine line between light and dark. Almost all involved things that were dangerous, and none were innocent in the slightest. Even with her current opinion of Malfoy, it was slightly shocking to hear that he dared to venture into Knockturn Alley alone.

"That's not the worst part," Harry added. "Malfoy went into Borgin and Burkes. He talked to Borgin, the owner, and mentioned that he needed something fixed and kept safe. Mione, he showed him something. Something that scared Borgin enough that he listened. He mentioned Greyback too. I think-"

"This is the part where we disagree," Ron interrupted, earning him a glare from Harry.

"I think Malfoy is a Death Eater," Harry declared. He seemed almost triumphant but deflated slightly when Hermione showed no immediate reaction and simply blinked at him.

"Harry, I don't think Malfoy is a Death Eater," she said slowly.

"Told you," Ron said. Harry jumped out of his seat.

"What! Look at the evidence," Harry exclaimed as he paced back and forth in front of the fireplace. "Borgin wasn't easily intimidated, but Malfoy had something that scared him. That had to be the dark mark! Malfoy must have been initiated over the summer. And he mentioned scared Borgin by threatening him with Greyback and everyone knows he's in league with Voldemort. And I bet the thing he wanted fixed and kept safe was for a mission. It's all right there," he shouted.

"Harry," she tried again gently.

"No, Mione," he shouted, "I know what I heard and saw. Malfoy is a Death Eater. I know he is." Hermione looked at Ron for help but he simply shook his head.

"Look, Harry," she said placatingly, "I'm not convinced, but," she held up a hand to stop him as he appeared ready to interrupt again, "how about if we watch Malfoy carefully for the next few weeks. You have the map and can keep tabs on him. If he really is a Death Eater, he'll have to leave the school at some point to answer the summons. We know this from Snape. If he does-"

"When he does," Harry interrupted.

"You'll know and have your proof," Hermione continued, ignoring him. "Agreed?" Harry appeared unhappy with her plan but knew he would not be able to convince either of them without further proof.

"Fine. But I still don't trust that slimy git."

"Trust me, Harry," Hermione said dryly, "we are definitely with you on that." Ron nodded fervidly in agreement.