A/N-I am loving all your reviews, y'all really are the bomb. Thank you for taking time out of your day to share your thoughts with me. Another chapter up ahead!

Disclaimer: Don't own a thing in this story. The characters belong to JKR and the concept of pureblood Hermione belongs to a random fan fiction writer from who knows how long ago.

Chapter 10

September 19, 1998

Hermione was ready for the day. Her homework was finished, she had all her books gathered for the day, and she was on her way to breakfast.

It was Arithmancy today, one of the Gryffindor's favorite subjects. After lunch, Care of Magical Creatures followed, and Hermione was excited to see Hagrid. She hadn't had much of a chance to visit him like she wanted, but he had told her that he understood. She took her seat at the Gryffindor table and spooned up her customary meal before events conspired against her to ruin her day.

Second years, all lions that she didn't even know by name, sat around her, chattering about their own classes and drama occurring within their own circles. Hermione was irritated, everyone knew she sat with Ginny and Neville, they just hadn't made it to the table yet. Determined to be the adult that she was, however, she just kept silent and continued to spoon her breakfast into her mouth.

Today was her birthday. Nineteen years old. She was still a teenager and had seen more in her life than most adults. She sure felt older, much older than nineteen. Hermione couldn't help but wonder if her friends would remember her special day.

An owl swooped down at this exact moment and dropped a rolled piece of parchment in her lap. Harry's familiar scrawl had written her name on the outside and Hermione instantly knew that he was wishing her a happy birthday. She ripped through the privacy seals he had added, eager to see how her friend was faring.

'Mi,

Happy birthday! I really wanted to get away and come see you today but we have training all day. I wouldn't get to Hogwarts until almost ten tonight so I decided a letter would suffice for now. Hopefully, I'm the first to tell you happy birthday.

Life for me has been a little insane. Training is so much more difficult than I ever thought it would be. The classes, the physical conditioning...I had thought I was in pretty great shape, you know, running for my life for almost a year, but I was so wrong. I have pain in muscles that I didn't even realize I had.

Ron is doing well also, he sends his best. He's having a bit rougher go of it through training, but he's hanging in there and really dedicating himself to this career. You'd be proud of him. He and Lavender are still dating, disgusting and mushy as they are. I want to stab a fork in my ears every time I hear her call him Won-Won, but if he doesn't mind (which he doesn't seem to), I'm just gonna keep my mouth about it.

In answer to your last letters questions about Ginny, yes, I broke it off with her. I still love her, I think I always will, but we never see each other. I'm lonely and I know she has to be. She won't graduate til June. That's a long time from now. Why should we both be miserable til then?

I know you're thinking it, I know she could move on and find someone else. It's completely selfish of me, but I hope she doesn't. I still see myself with her in years to come. I just need to be able to go out now and not feel guilty. Shallow of me, yes, I know. Being lonely sucks though, 'Mi, and I can't help how I feel. If she moves on and finds someone else, I will completely deserve it and I'll wish her the best. Now I just have to take care of myself. I haven't done that, ever, so I've decided it's time to start.

I hope your classes are going well, that people aren't treating you too terribly. I know Luna, Neville, and Ginny are looking out for you, but I still worry. I hope Theo and Malfoy are keeping their word and keeping you safe. I've received a couple more letters threatening you, none of them specific, but one did say you weren't safe at Hogwarts. I know you won't agree to having someone accompany you at all times, but please promise me that you're being careful.

I have Specialty Potions in an hour and still need to shower for the day so I'm going to close for now. I hope you have a wonderful birthday. Love and miss you.

Love,

Harry

Hermione felt the slight prick of tears at her eyes, but it was a good feeling. Harry had remembered her birthday and missed her. It was definetly odd being at Hogwarts without him or Ron. Her reverie was broken, however, when a second year girl leaned over and tapped her on the shoulder.

"Is that stuff in the paper true? Did your dad really try to shag you?" Hermione couldn't help the hot lick of shame winding through her, but she refused to show it. Her face went impassive and she met the girl's eyes.

"That is none of your business. Why don't you talk to your friends, I'm sure that they miss your conversation." The young girl shook her head.

"No, they want to know the answer too. Your brother really tried to kill you, huh?" Hermione was barely holding her temper at this point. With gritted teeth, she glared at the girl.

"Tell your friends it's none of their business either." She was now garnering more attention from the second years and she had almost decided to just abandon her breakfast when a shadow fell over her.

-O-

Theo was excited for Arithmancy. It was his all-time favorite subject. He had gathered his books for the day while he watched Goyle and Pucey grouse over having to get up early. Theo agreed with them wholeheartedly, but he had learned that it did no good to complain. Nobody cared how much he hated getting up early.

The Slytherin met up with Draco in the Entrance Hall, as usual, and noticed Weaselette off in the corner talking to a seventh year Ravenclaw boy. Theo had heard that she and Potter had called it off, decided that they didn't want to have to wait for each other til June. Theo wasn't sure how she felt about casual sex, but if she was game, he was too. The girl was fit and fiery, full of passion, and he guessed that carried over into bed.

The two Slytherins made their way into the Great Hall, eyes immediately looking for Hermione to make sure that she was alright. When Theo spotted her completely surrounded by second years, her impassive mask clear on her face, he knew her morning was not going well. He smacked Draco on the arm and pointed at her before he started in her direction. He wasn't sure exactly what he was going to do to twelve years olds, but Theo would think of something.

He and Draco stepped up behind Hermione, Theo letting his hands rest on his sister's shoulders, kneading them softly. They were tight and stiff, a sure sign that she indeed didn't like what was going on around her. The Slytherin had learned this about his sister just days after knowing her; she carried all her tension in her shoulders. If they were stiff and straight, you could bet your last galleon she was uncomfortable in her environment.

"What's going on here, Princess? I didn't realize you had gained new meal companions." Hermione didn't get a chance to answer because a beefy boy (for twelve anyways) frowned at Theo and spoke.

"You shouldn't be over here. We know who you are and what you did. You should do the right thing and leave Hermione alone." Theo almost wanted to chuckle at the kid's bold audacity. He bent and kissed the top of his sister's head before he spoke.

"Is that so? Well, Princess, would you like me to leave you alone?" His sister shook her head.

"No, you're my brother. In fact, I want you to join me for breakfast." His protectiveness flared up a hundred percent. If Hermione's need to not cause problems had left her, these brats must have really upset her. She had never asked them to eat at the Gryffindor table with her, not even their first day back. He gave her a tight smile as he motioned for the children to move.

"Draco and I would love to join you." A little girl glared at Hermione as she stood with her bag on her shoulder.

"It's their money, isn't it? The Hermione Granger I've heard stories about wouldn't want to be friends with people who tried to kill her or cheered on while she was tortured. You just want their money, don't you?" Theo didn't see a single crack in his sister's mask of indifference when she answered.

"It has nothing to do with money. It's about learning to forgive and move on with your life without carrying around who knows how much baggage. Not that I would expect you to understand. You're twelve. Go do your homework and be young while you can." Theo sneered in the lions' direction, sending them all scrambling. When they were all gone, Hermione let out a deep breath and leaned into Theo as he took a seat next to her.

"I'm sorry, you don't have to eat here. I know it has to be uncomfortable for you. I've just never wanted children to leave me alone so badly." Theo narrowed his eyes at her.

"What did they say to you?" She gave him a tight smile.

"It doesn't 're here now and they've left. You can go join your friends now." Theo pulled her in for a side hug.

"We're staying here. Draco and I would do anything for you, even eat with the lions." Draco, who had been silent so far, nodded and began to serve himself a plate on Hermione's other side. Theo followered suit, spooning up the full breakfast that he favored.

The three of them garnered plenty of stares from the entire Great Hall, but Theo just ignored them. Hermione had stopped eating, but was waiting on Draco and Theo to finish when Ginny and Neville joined them. Ginny gave her friend a hug from behind and started in a sing song voice.

"Happy happy birthday to one of my favorite Gryffindor's! Nineteen years old, last one as a teenager!" His sister gave the red head a wide smile before she sent her to sit across from them.

"Thank you. I already got a letter from Harry telling me happy birthday so you're the second person this year." Theo felt his blood run cold at their words. Hermione thought today was her birthday? Draco was looking at him, silently asking what he was going to do. Theo decided the truth was best. He cleared his throat softly, trying to get his sister's attention. When she looked his way, her face turned to confusion. Theo proceeded anyways.

"Today isn't your birthday, Princess. I never thought -" He cut himself off when he saw the happiness turned confusion on his sister's face disappear into nothing. Her mask that she had obviously learned from him and Draco. She turned back to her plate before she spoke.

"I suppose I should have realized. Why would anyone keep my true birthday when they knew you shared the same one? Far too conspicuous." Theo wondered now if maybe he should have waited to say something to her. He started to reach out for her, but she pulled away and stood up.

"I want to be alone for awhile. I'll see you in class." Without another word or look, she was gone. Theo could only sigh and wonder if she was angry at him. She disappeared out of the Great Hall when he saw that she had left her letter from Harry. Not bothering to read it, he stuffed it in his robe pocket to return later, and attempted to finish his breakfast.

-O-

Hermione didn't know how she felt. She had been embarrassed, hurt, and angry, but she didn't know which one of those emotions would win out.

She really should have thought about it and realized that her birthday would have to be a lie. It made no sense to leave it the same when she could be rediscovered by her family in that manner. She just couldn't believe that Theo hadn't told her before now. It seemed like a big deal now that she thought about it. Of course, this meant she had to be angry at herself as well for not asking.

The Head Girl strolled the corridors until it was time for Arithmancy. She was sure that Theo would want to speak with her about the situation, but she was hoping to put it off until after class.

When she entered the classroom, her seat at the very front was empty, just like always, so she made her way to her seat. After sitting, she took out her textbook and parchment, readying herself to take whatever notes Professor Vector gave them today. Theo and Draco joined just minutes later, mimicking her actions exactly. Just as Theo turned to speak to her, Professor Vector spoke, beginning their lecture. Hermione could only be grateful.

The lesson was superb, as it always was, and Hermione had pages of notes and equations to put back for study material later. As class was dismissed, she slowly gathered her things, not really ready for the conversation she was about to have with her brother. Just as she predicted, he and Draco were waiting for her outside the classroom. When Theo spotted her, he came forward and pulled her into a hug.

"I'm sorry, Princess. I shouldn't have said anything at the table and I can't believe I never thought of it before. Please forgive me." She sighed and turned her face so her cheek would rest against his chest.

"There's nothing to forgive and I'm just as guilty of not thinking of it. Maybe more so. It was just a surprise and a harsh reminder of everything I lost. However, I would never ask you to lie to me." Theo kissed her hairline before speaking.

"Your real birthday is October 20th, just a month away. This will be my best birthday because it's the first and only I've gotten to celebrate with you." Hermione looked up at him, eyes damp at his words.

"Wouldn't you want to spend it drinking with your friends?" He shook his head solemnly.

"Not unless you're with me." Hermione smiled at him and nodded, accepting his answer for now. If he wanted to hang out with his friends when the time came, she would be more than happy to let him.

The three of them remained quiet for walk to the Great Hall, each of them lost in their own thoughts. The two Slytherins went their own way once they reached the Great Hall and saw Ginny and Neville already seated at the Gryffindor table.

Hermione took her seat, happy to eat and put this morning's meal behind her.

-O-

Draco was slowly losing his mind. He hadn't said a single word to Hermione all day. He really hoped that she didn't think he was angry at her, but he knew if he opened his mouth, he might just burst out that he loved her. The not doing anything about his love was slowing killing him.

If it had been any other situation, he would have already said something. Any other girl. This girl, however, had some major stress in her life, and had every reason to hate him. It was with a heavy heart that he took his seat at the Slytherin table next to Theo.

He dished up his own plate and ate halfheartedly until Theo finally punched him in the arm.

"What the fuck is your problem today, man?! You've hardly said a word all day." Draco shook his head slightly and lowered his voice.

"It's just killing me to be so close to her and not touch her, to be so close and know that I can't tell her how I feel because she's got so much fucked up shite going on in her life. The last thing she needs is something else to worry about." Theo's gaze turned sympathetic.

"Just hang in there, man. I know I like to think she's made of glass, but she survived your aunt. She's tough as fuck. I think you should just tell her. She can handle it." Draco knew he couldn't yet but nodded his head.

"I'll think about it." The pair was silent as they ate their meal, most of the table leaving them to their quiet solitude.

It was maybe ten minutes later when they watched Hermione rise to her feet, a slip of parchment in her grip, her face ashen. She hesitantly made her way towards their table, warily eyeing the other Slytherins who were watching her with hungry expressions on their faces. Draco wanted to kill them all for making her have to fear coming to their table.

She nervously tucked a hank of hair behind her ear as she finally reached them.

"Can I speak with you two? Privately?" Draco wiped his mouth instantly when he heard her voice waver slightly. She was frightened and he would protect her. He dragged Theo to his feet before he wrapped his arm around Hermione, pulling her tighly to his side.

The trio made their way out of the Great Hall, Theo leading them in the direction of an empty classroom. Draco could feel a slight tremble run through Hermione's body and he knew this was serious. When Theo had the door warded, closed, and silenced, they both looked expectantly to the woman in Draco's arms. She held out the parchment and Draco took it.

"I received this just now. I think it's serious. Harry told me in his letter that he received more letters saying I wasn't safe here." Theo moved to Draco's side since he refused to release Hermione. They both bent down to read the letter.

Mudblood-

We've decided to write you personally since Potter hasn't passed on our message. It's because of you and your kind that we have to hide, that we lost the war. That curse was supposed to end you, but we can see we have underestimated you.

Don't think that we will let that happen again. You aren't safe at Hogwarts. You aren't safe anywhere. We will find you and when we do, we'll make you pay.

Til then Mudblood,

Your worst nightmare

Draco felt his blood run ice cold at the letter's message. He knew that it was serious, that whoever had sent that letter would hunt her til she was dead or they were.

Theo took the note and reread it while Draco pulled Hermione into his chest and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. He pressed kiss after kiss to her head, trying to calm her down.

"We're not going to let anything happen to you, Princess. Theo and I are going to keep you safe." She nodded into his chest as they waited for Theo to speak. After he reread it three more times, he looked at Draco, worry lining his face.

"I think we need to report this. Maybe they'll tighten security here at school." Draco fisted his hand in her hair so he could raise her eyes to meet his own.

"Trust us. Theo and I will keep you safe." She nodded and gave him a tremulous smile.

Draco was proud of her. She wasn't crying. She wasn't hysterical. Hermione was terrified, sure she was, but she was holding it together and refused to let her fear rule her. Theo unwarded the door and Draco pulled Hermione along with him behind Theo.

The trio made their way to the Headmistress' office, waiting for the gargoyle to slide out of the way when they gave it the password. Draco knew he would receive numerous odd looks from the Headmistress for the way he was holding her star student, but he didn't care. Hermione wasn't alone and he would never want her to feel like she was. He would hold her until she felt strong enough on her own. The Headmistress raised her eyebrows when she saw the three of them file in and take seats in front of her desk.

"What can I help you three with?" Hermione didn't get a chance to speak because Theo held the letter out with a hard expression.

"Hermione just received this. We are reporting it and I want to know what measures are going to be taken to make this castle safer." The Headmistress looked even less impressed. She bent to read the letter and when she looked up from it, her face looked worried as well. Draco waited expectantly while Professor McGonagall sighed.

"I'm not really sure what else we can do. The Minister and I already added special wards to keep those with the Dark Mark out. We had to do a special addition to allow Mr. Malfoy to pass though. If it's someone who doesn't have a Dark Mark, there are still special measures in place for them to be able to get through the wards." Draco was irritated that the older woman brought up his Dark Mark, but he ignored it.

"What if there is a student that is an accomplice? Some of the Slytherins would jump at the chance to help Death Eaters." Professor Mcgonagall began rubbing her temples.

"I'm not sure there is anything I can do without proof. Just always be aware of your surroundings and try to stay in populated areas. If we discover more, have proof that someone inside Hogwarts is helping them, I'll be able to do more." Draco was about to start an argument, but Hermione spoke first.

"Thank you, Headmistress. We appreciate the measures you've gone to to keep us all safe." The Headmistress favored her best student with a smile before she started shooing them out.

"You three better hurry, you'll be late for class." Draco nodded and stood, arm still around Hermione, leading everyone to the door. Once they were out in the corridor, Hermione sighed as they started for Care of Magical Creatures.

"I'm sorry for messing up your meal again. I should have known that Professor McGonagall would already be doing all she can to keep us all safe." Theo reached out and brushed hair from her face as they went through the Front Entrance to head towards Hagrid's hut.

"We don't mind. Your safety comes first no matter what." She smiled and nodded at him as she leaned into Draco's shoulder. She turned her smiling face to him.

"Thanks. I was so scared and I really felt alone until you hugged me." He smiled down at her while he answered.

"You're never alone."

The trio arrived just a matter of moments before Hagrid did, Draco was happy to notice. He and Professor Hagrid didn't get along and the last thing he wanted was detention with him.

The lesson was over unicorns. Draco faintly remembered learning some about them their fifth year, but it was faint. He was happy to have a refresher even though he couldn't get near the beautiful creatures.

It was fact that unicorns tended to favor the touch of a woman, wouldn't even consider letting men touch them. The creature had been skittish around all the women except Hermione. She seemed delighted that the creature sought her out out of all the females, and Draco wasn't surprised. She was good to the core and even the unicorns could feel it.

Draco carefully wrote down their assignment so he could begin it that evening before Hagrid dismissed the class. He watched Hermione go to his side and give him a hug while speaking for a few brief moments. She had only made it five or so steps from him when Flint knocked into her on purpose, throwing her off balance so she would fall in the mud.

Instead of apologizing and helping her up, Marcus Flint laughed at her and started towards the castle after Goyle. Draco was furious. She didn't need this kind of shite right now. He saw Theo make his way to his sister so Draco took off after Flint, determined to make him realize it would be in his best interest to leave Hermione alone.

-O-

Hermione struggled to gather her things out of the mud without falling in it again. She was already covered, her leg splattered and her skirt covered in the thick muck. Theo hurried forward to help her, for which she could only be grateful.

He helped her gather her satchel and used his wand to scourgify her clothing and legs. When she was clean again, Hermione realized that Draco was gone. Her eyes narrowed as she turned to Theo.

"Where did Draco go? I could have sworn he was just here." Theo chuckled and threw his arm around his sister's shoulders.

"He was. He went after Flint for you." Hermione was astounded. She couldn't let him start a fight or get in trouble for her. She was opening her mouth to voice her worries when Theo smiled at her.

"He wants to do it. You are his priority." Hermione drew her eyebrows in confusion. Theo laughed this time.

"You really are blind sometimes, Princess. Draco is in love with you. Head over heels, fall on his arse, in love with you." Hermione began to shake her head, horror crossing her features.

Sure, they were friends, but Hermione really didn't think that he felt that way about her. He couldn't. He looked like an Olympiam god, manners to match nowadays, and she was left feeling woefully wanting. She had no knowledge of how to be a pureblood, let alone a pureblood that could keep Draco Malfoy happy. Everyone knew his reputation. She shook her head again as she met Theo's eyes.

"He doesn't like me, he just takes pity on me because I'm your sister. Everyone knows his reputation and I am definetly not that kind of girl. Not to mention that I don't want someone to like me because I'm suddenly a pureblood." She felt jittery and nervous inside, not sure if she wanted to continue this conversation. However, Theo gave her no choice when he grasped her elbow and made her stop and look at him.

"Draco has been in love with you since you punched him in third year. I wouldn't lie to you." Hermione wasn't sure what she could say to this. She had never suspected, but she didn't think Theo would lie to her. She met his eyes.

"If he loves me, why does he sleep with all those girls? It doesn't make any sense." Theo wrapped his arm around her again so they could continue their way to the castle.

"He was in love with a muggleborn. His father would have flayed him alive, made damn sure to kill you for tempting his son. He was depressed he couldn't have the girl he wanted so he did the only thing he could to take his mind off his heartbreak. He slept with girls, which also kept both you and Draco safe since he refused to curse you when his father ordered him too. Then it looked like he was too worried about shagging to follow through."

Hermione let this information sink in. It was true, Draco had never thrown a curse or hex her way. The one time she had been hit in fourth year, it had been meant for Harry. She had witnessed him throw curses at muggleborns through the years, but never herself. She always told herself that it was because he was scared she would beat him, but now Hermione realized that she may have been wrong. Theo looked off to the distance as he spoke.

"How do you feel about Draco?" Hermione watched him out if the corner of her eye as she answered.

"I don't know. I mean, he's attractive, I've always said that. He's not a complete prat now, so that's in his favor. I consider him a good friend. I'm just not sure I could ever be what he needs or wants. He's the epitome of a pureblood and I have no idea how to be that. I was raised a muggle, complete trash in his opinion, and most of my ideals are fundamentally muggle as well. I'm just not sure I could keep him happy." Theo outright laughed at her.

"You're totally overthinking this, Princess. Sure, you're different than what he's used to, but that's part of why he loves you. You don't take his shit because he's a Malfoy, you don't kiss his arse. He's the happiest I've seen him since we were kids since we've had you around." She gave him a small smile as she wrapped her arm around his waist.

"I'll think about it, Teddy. I need to wrap my brain around this." He nodded his head as they entered the castle and started for the Great Hall.

Hermione usually dropped her things off in her room before dinner, but she and Theo had taken longer than normal so she just carried her satchel with her. She went to the Gryffindor table to sit with Neville and Ginny while Theo spotted Draco with Flint and headed in his direction.

This meal was uneventful compared to the last two. Hermione explained her sudden disappearance at lunch to her friends and they were instantly worried. Hermione assured them that she had told Theo and Draco and the two of them had convinced her to report it to the Headmistress.

After dinner, Hermione made a quick stop in her room to drop off her things before she started her rounds. She was scheduled with Mandy Brocklehurst tonight, much to her displeasure. She was a Ravenclaw who boasted about spending intimate time with both Draco and her brother, and had no problems asking Hermione to get her another date with them.

This irked her on so many levels she couldn't even begin to understand. The girl was pretty and it was obvious she was smart. Yet, she threw herself at men who didn't treat her well or really didn't even pay her any attention at all.

It was a more personal issue when she thought about Mandy with Draco. The girl wanted to shag him, get him to marry her she was sure, and for some reason this made her heart ache. She suspected that she had developed some sort of feelings for Draco through this journey of becoming a Nott. Picturing him with other girls hurt.

To shut the girl up, Hermione promised to tell both boys that she had asked after them. It wasn't much, but the Ravenclaw was thrilled. She left Mandy at the entrance to the Ravenclaw common room before heading towards her own common room.

Hermione should really do some homework, she had two new assignments to work on, but she just didn't have the energy or the urge to brave the library tonight. She didn't have rounds tomorrow so she would hit the library right after dinner and get it all done.

When she entered her common room and found Draco and Theo, she really shouldn't have been surprised. They smiled at her when they noticed her, warming her heart just a little. She raked her hand through her hair as she yawned.

"I am so tired. Think I'm going to call it a night. Mandy Brocklehurst entertained me with stories of shagging you both and wants me to pass on how much she wants to see you both again." Hermione was happy to see Draco's look of distaste. She couldn't even try to deny it. She felt something for him. Now she just needed to figure out what she was going to do about it.

Hermione bent to press a kiss to her brother's cheek.

"Night, Teddy. Love you. Thanks for everything." He kissed her forehead and smiled.

"Love you too, Princess. You can always count on me." She smiled as she moved towards Draco. He rose from the couch and pulled her into a hug. She reached up and kissed his cheek also.

"Night, Drake. Love you too. Thanks to you too." He returned her smile and kissed her forehead the same as Theo had.

"Love you too, Princess. I've always got your back." Hermione gazed at him for a moment and gauged his sincerity. She couldn't detect anything to make her believe that he was lying. When he released her, she headed to her room with a wave, ready for bed.

-O-

Draco couldn't believe it. Hermione had told him that she loved him. He wasn't sure what to do with this newfound information, but he would stow it away to think about when he was alone.

Draco was so angry with Mandy Brocklehurst. He couldn't believe that she would boast about shagging him, especially to the girl he was in love with. He was a little scared at what the Ravenclaw had told her.

Draco had spent several nights with Brocklehurst, none of them very memorable. But then, none of his sexual escapades had been very memorable. He hadn't treated the girl well, had demeaned her and laughed at her before he fucked her, but it apparently didn't matter.

Draco knew the girl didn't want him; she wanted his money and his name. It was no secret that the Malfoys were the wealthiest wizards in Britain, Theo a close second. Of course Brocklehurst would jump at a chance to be with either of them.

Draco hadn't been with Mandy in months. He had hooked up with her a few times during their seventh year under the Carrows. It had been even longer since Theo had been with her. It had been months since Draco had been with a woman anyways. Since before Hermione's torture at his home. He was pulled out of his thoughts by Theo.

"I told her." Draco gave him a confused look so Theo would continue.

"I told Hermione that you're in love with her, that you have been since third year." Draco could barely keep from panicking. He couldn't believe his friend did this, but he had to know what she had said.

"What did she say?" Theo smiled at him.

"I think she believed it. She thinks you're attractive and that you've changed. The only thing that worried her was that she wouldn't be enough for you since she was raised a muggle and has no idea how to be a pureblood."

Draco was astounded. How could she think that? He couldn't give a flying fuck if she acted like a pureblood. He loved that she didn't care about propriety and etiquette. It's what made her so damnably lovable in his opinion. Theo continued.

"I told her you didn't give a fuck about that shite and she said she wanted to think about it for awhile." Draco nodded absentmindedly.

He passed the rest of his evening pretending to do his homework with his best friend. When Theo finally left and Draco crawled into his own bed, he could only hope that whatever deities there were, they were listening when he hoped against hope that Hermione would be his.

A/N- Another chapter down, boom! This story just seems to be coming to me so easily. I hope that continues! Thanks to all for reading, I appreciate it. Leave me your thoughts.

Love,

A