Draco knew from the mement he met Hermione Granger that she was going to be trouble, anyone could see it. She was beautiful, intelligent and sassy.

But he guessed he didn't see it til it was too late.

Why when she cried did it get to him, he had no idea. And that she actually told him why she did was equally shocking. How she didn't feel smart enough, and all that other nonsense. It was ridiculous. Anyone with any sense of humanity could see that Hermione Granger was a special person- very special.

She, unlike a lot of people in the Wizarding World didn't take shit from anyone, even vindictive Slytherins like himself. At first he was outraged that a mudblood would talk back to him, then after awhile he started craving her insults.

Why?

Because it made him feel as low as he should be. He was a complete arse to everyone and the fact that Hermione wanted to be his friend after all the shit he pulled was a blessing. Not many people would forgive- that's why Hermione was so special, he guessed.

Close to 6 years of insult and Hermione forgace him like it meant nothing- like he took away her least favorite quill- nothing.

And at first, he wondered if it was a joke or scam or something unforgivable, because that's what all Slytherins thought of- deceit, but Hermione proved to not take what Slytherins thought to heart. Like he said, she was special.

He grinned to himself. Who would have thought that he would ever be friends with Hermione Granger? He suddenly got up and decided to talk to his new "friend". He opened the door across from him and saw Hermione changing into her pajamas- and Lord, were they nice pajamas. Silky blue tank top and booty shorts to follow. He knew his mouth must have fallen open but he couldn't help it. Hermione Granger has a delicious body.

"Malfoy, don't you ever knock? It's not nice, you know?" she shrieked til her face went red.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was so late since there are no windows in my room." Naturally he wasn't sorry, and wished he came in a little earlier while she was in the process of taking off her day clothes. Damn Merlin.

"It's okay. It's a little disconcerting when absolutely no lights enter the house and you just automatically assume that it's still day." she ranted, while slowly stepping back. To put more distance between them, he thought.

"Are you scared to be alone with me?" he asked calmly. Her eyes widened and she immediately shook her head, "No, of course not."

"Or are you scared to be alone with me with such a thin piece of fabric on?" he asked huskily.

Her face lite up like a Christmas tree and her hands quivered. "N...no....," she stammered. Where was her Gryffindor courage now? She wondered.

"Huh! Could have fooled me." he stepped a tad closer just to see her reaction. He had no idea what he was doing. Did he want her? Yes. Did he want her forever too? Yes.

But the questions was; Did she want him back?

"Hermione...," he murmured. The cover dropped and nothing but her pj's stood in his way. She looked absolutely terrified, but he knew she was scared of what she felt for him.

"I can't," she shook her head and turned away. "I don't feel the same way about you. You see, I'm in love with Ron."

His heart froze. It was all lies, he could tell. She was terrified of what she could feel for him, he scared the shit out of her. How, he knew, well, she scared him too. Everything about his feelings scared him.

Draco slowly nodded. She will realize what she felt for him in due time.

"Of course. I understand. Good luck with him." Not even bearing to say his name. That filthy low-life name.

He turned away and made his was out, silently shutting the door behind him.

"What are you doing?" Ginny asked from down the hall.

'Don't be mean, don't be mean' "Nothing. Just had a conversation with Hermione. You could go in, I;m going to turn in. Good night." she looked shocked, and he couldn't blame her. Again, he was nothing but mean to the blood- traitors and now it was like it never happened.

Draco closed the door behind him and heard Ginny knock on Hermione's door, "'Mione, are you okay?" a loud sob could be heard.

"I don't know, Ginny. I just don't know anymore." she blubbered out.

The clicking of the door was the last he heard.

She was terrified and so was he. Simple as that.