Okay guys, here's the next part, thanks for reviewing! I'm not sure how much I like this chapter, please let me know what you think. thanks! enjoy!

A week later found Hermione chewing on a finger while she poured over her books in the common room, Ginny sat across from her in an arm chair, scratching down notes. Hermione had spent half the week scolding herself for the thoughts that invaded her brain lately so she had some work to make up.

Harry and Ron pushed through the common room door carrying their Quidditch gear, arguing about something. Ron sat himself beside Hermione, "'Mione tell Harry he's absolutely gone mental."

Harry had found himself a spot on the floor next to Ginny's chair. He pushed his glasses further up his nose, "Ron, for the last time, I know what I saw."

Hermione rolled her eyes, sharing a look with Ginny before speaking. "What's all this about?"

Ron jabbed a finger at Harry, "he says he saw Malfoy sneaking around, and thinks he's up to something evil. He also says he saw the mark on his arm. But he was at the pitch today, sleeves rolled up to his elbows not a mark in sight."

Hermione's heart skipped a beat, her mind racing to remember if he'd had his arms showing during their encounter a week ago. To her immense embarrassment all she could recall was the touch of lips and his body against hers. She squirmed in her seat, "Harry when did you see his mark?"

The boy-who-lived flicked hair out of his eyes, "I've been trying to follow him whenever I see him leave his rooms on the map." He looked between his friends, "one night over a month ago he was meeting with Snape, I didn't make it down there in time to hear what they were saying but as Malfoy was leaving he was pulling down his sleeve and as sure as Voldemort is alive, I saw a bit of the mark on his arm."

"There! You see," Ron shouted in triumph. "You didn't even see the whole thing, you can't be sure what you saw, and if what we saw at the pitch was any indication. You were wrong." The redhead crossed his arms, "I hate the bloke as much as you do, Harry, but we don't have any proof." He looked at Hermione, "he tried to start up a row with Malfoy on the pitch, I had to drag him off before things got too heated."

Ginny smacked Harry on the back of the head, as Hermione spoke, "Harry, I've almost got these portkeys finished, you can't risk any added attention on us if you want to be able to use them and get out of here. If everything works out like I plan, they'll be operational by the end of the month then the three of us can-"

Harry shook his head stopping her explanation, "you aren't going Hermione. Ron and I decided that it's just too dangerous especially with you being a muggle-born. It's best if you just stay here with Ginny."

Ron flinched and Ginny eyed her friend apprehensively, "Harry! You can't be serious?!" Hermione stared at her friend in disbelief, "after all this research and work I've done, you're just going to leave me behind? You two won't last a day out there without me!"

"Hermione, I'd love nothing more than to take you with us. Believe me, I'm well aware that you are the glue that keeps us together, but even Dumbledore feels is safer here for you." Harry looked at his friend with sympathy, he knew she'd been looking forward to this as well.

Tears were pricking at her eyes as Hermione stood, "this discussion isn't over, Harry Potter. I will go with you." Ron tried to grab her hand as she moved away but she pulled it clear and walked out of the common room.

Ron shook his head, "blimey, both my friends are mental"

Hermione found herself alone out on the covered bridge, staring out over the terrain. She hadn't seen a single student for several minutes, probably because of the chill in the air.

She knew what Harry had said made sense, but it didn't make it hurt any less. She'd worked hard and she wanted to see it through.

Suddenly two strong arms were surrounding her, but before she could scream a smooth voice was in her ear, "sh sh, love. No screams remember." Hermione's blood ran cold, it was him. Her mysterious shadow. She hadn't encountered him in months, but she knew he had been there watching. More times then she knew she felt someone staring at her when no one was around. "I've been keeping an eye on you, pet. Have you been thinking of me? Have you missed me?"

Hermione tried to turn, to see who he was but he held her so, pressing her against him. "why would I think of you, I don't even know who you are." A warm hand caressed her cheek, brushing away her hair exposing her neck. Soft lips brushed against it and she could help but tilt her head for him to have better access.

"I told you, you don't need to know who I am. All in good time. For now I want you to know my every touch and ever caress. I've wanted you for a long time, love."

Hermione couldn't explain it but every time he had her like this she couldn't resist his advances. It was almost like- "Malfoy?" The man behind her stiffened and she tried again to turn but he gripped her arms tighter, "Malfoy, this isn't funny! Let me go!"

The man bit out a profanity then whispered a spell in her ear rendering her unconscious. She instantly stopped struggling and went limp in his arms.

Several minutes later, Hermione woke, laying in the snow on the bridge. Alone. It was darker now, and she honestly had no clue how long she'd been out. "Granger?" Hermione sat up and looked around. Draco Malfoy was striding toward her, his robes billowing behind him.

"Stay away from me Malfoy!" her demand made him slow his pace but he still moved toward her. "Just you stay away. I'm not going to be a part of whatever sick little game you're playing." She was standing at this point, wand drawn and pointed at him.

Draco was within arms distance now as he stopped, "what the bloody fuck are you on about Granger? Some sodding first year saw a girl 'dead' out on the bridge and happened to run into me first crying and snot faced. So I came to check it out."

Hermione eyed him suspiciously, "I don't believe you. I know that it was you just now, I know it. There's no use denying it."

"Granger, what are you talking about. I've been on my rounds, just ask McGonagall. She passed me in the hall a few moments before that first year found me."

She shook her head, "that proves nothing!"

He took a step toward her, hands raised palms forward. "I'm not sure how hard you hit your head, Granger but you're confused. What happened to you? Who did this?"

"You did!" Hermione raised her wand further at his movement. "You've been following me for months, trapping me in corners, so I can't see you; tormenting me. I can't believe I didn't see it sooner! Although the one thing I can't understand is why you'd attempt it in plain sight the last time."

Draco subtly took another step, trying to keep her distracted. "Granger I don't know what you're talking about. Someone has been following you? Have they hurt you?"

Hermione just shook her head, "stop acting like you don't know. It all makes sense now. I kept thinking, there was no logical reason for you to come onto me like you did in the hall. But you've been driving me crazy for months! Of course you were comfortable with it; you've been cornering me, touching me, driving me mad all this time."

As she revealed her revelation, Draco managed to step closer. With quick reflexes he managed to grab her wand from her hand and wrap his arm around her. "Let me go Draco Malfoy! "

"Not until you calm down Granger." He pulled her snugly against him until she stopped struggling, "Now I don't know what's been going on with you, but I've only ever touched you the once, when you snogged me senseless." She started to protest but he cut her off, "I'm also not sure why you think I'm the one that left you unconscious out here in the snow, left to freeze. I have plenty of people who will vouch for me being inside on my rounds."

Hermione stood there, listening and breathing heavily. It didn't make sense. "but it had to be you."

"Tell me Granger, why are you so sure it was me. If you haven't seen the bloke what's your proof."

Much calmer now, Hermione pushed his arm away. He complied, but kept a wary eye on her. "Proof? I just know, okay? The snide way you were talking to me, your cold hands on my skin…that ridiculous cologne…" She stopped, tilting her head as she turned around to face him. "Your cologne."

Draco raised an eyebrow, "what about it? It's far from ridiculous, I spend good money on this cologne."

Hermione scowled at him, "shut up Malfoy. I'm thinking." She leaned toward him slightly, inhaling. "it's not the same. It wasn't you."

The blonde folded his arms, "that's what I've been trying to tell you."

"I don't understand…" Hermione shivered, but not from the cold. "Why would someone be targeting me like that." She was talking mostly to herself but Draco shrugged.

"No clue, but if you're quite done accusing me of things I'd like to get back to my rounds and in, out of the cold." He stepped around her and began walking back toward the castle. Hermione stared after him for a moment then hurried to catch up. As she fell into step with him he didn't say a word; they stayed in companionable silence until they reached inside the castle.

"Why." Hermione finally asked, without looking at him as they walked.

Draco sighed, "why what?" He was tired of her questions and he really didn't want to deal with her, but then again she'd been avoiding him lately. Maybe this would be a good time to try and earn a bit of trust and slip her the information.

"Why did you stay. After you found out it was me and I was fine."

Draco stopped walking and looked at her, "well you didn't exactly just let me go on my merry way now did you? Pointing your want at me, which reminds me…" He pulled her wand from a pocket and handed it back to her. He watched her flush and shook his head, "you just attract trouble don't you."

Hermione frowned at him, "yes well you could have just walked away from me as I screamed at you." She looked down slightly embarrassed.

"Oh yes, Granger because I love being hexed in the back by an angry mudblood." Draco mentally flinched, probably not the best approach if he wanted to earn her trust.

The Gryffindor rolled her eyes, "honestly? Will you ever stop using that word?"

"Careful there Granger, you roll those eyes of yours too much and they'll get stuck." He resumed walking, ignoring her scoff.

She stood there glaring at his back for a moment then decided to follow. "You seemed concerned," she prodded, determined to make him admit something. He remained silent. "Were you? Concerned I mean?" Still He said nothing so she pushed further. "Malfoy do you care about me?"

Suddenly she was being pushed up against a wall, her shoulders painfully bouncing off the stone, "would. You. Shut. Up!" Draco ground out the words from gritted teeth. "What do you want from me? To admit some sodding undying secret love for you? Is that it?"

Hermione blinked back at him, stunned. "of course not! I was just curious as to why-" Draco covered her mouth with his hand and put a finger to his lips. He took her hand and pulled her into a nearby alcove, hidden away from sight. "what is it?" She whispered.

The tall blonde boy leaned forward, wand drawn. He'd sensed someone watching them. It was the same feeling he'd had for weeks when he was sure Potter was tailing him. Draco remained still, hoping to catch footsteps but he heard nothing until the sound of whispering coming the opposite direction.

He was about to step out when he recognized the voice of Pansy. "No one is going to see us Daph, there's no one around here. Calm down."

"Says you, Pansy. You don't give a rats arse what people think." Draco heard his dark hair friend chuckle quietly. "Don't laugh at me Panse. If my family found out…"

"Relax, Daphne. No one is going to know," the two girls came into view and Draco ducked back into the shadows, bumping into Hermione. She looked up at him quizzically, wondering what he was doing. She cautiously stepped forward and peered out, catching a glimpse of a dark haired girl and a stunning blonde currently snogging just a few feet away from their hiding place.

Hermione turned, wide eyed, "what in Merlin's-"

Draco covered her mouth again, motioned her to be quiet as the faint moans from the two girls assaulted their ears. Hermione frowned up at him from beneath his hand, folding her arms. He just smirked back at her in response. He dropped his hand and leaned forward close to her ear.

"Better get comfortable this could take a while." His warm breath tickled as it brushed her skin and she shivered.

She pulled back to look at him, her eyes narrowing. She then leaned forward again whispering back, "you're head boy. Do something."

Draco leaned back, a hand over his heart in mock surprise, "I'm shocked Granger, that you would suggest I use my power is such a manner."

Hermione playfully punched him in the arm, "don't twist my words around Malfoy. Now do something!"

"What is it, you don't want to spend any time with me in close quarters? Scared something might happen to tarnish your virginity?"

Hermione opened her mouth to retort but for the third time that evening, Draco shushed her. He pointed toward the hall and she followed his line of sight. Pansy and Daphne were detaching themselves and straightening their appearance. Pansy tucked a piece of Daphne's hair behind her ear and kissed her quickly on the cheek before they both took off in opposite directions.

A few seconds later, Filch appeared grumbling about students sneaking around. He stood there for a moment before choosing a direction and limping off.

Hermione turned back toward Draco and was surprised to find him staring at her. "Yes, Malfoy?" She suddenly felt very naked and vulnerable standing there so close with his eyes piercing through her.

Draco mind was in turmoil, trying to separate the duty he had to fulfill and just plain lust. He watched her eyes dart nervously around; the only indication that the brave lioness was nervous at all. Here goes, "I have a why for you." She furrowed her brow quizzically, waiting for him to continue. "why did you help me that night."

There it was, the question she'd been asking herself for months. The question she had no answer to. "I don't know. I just- it felt right."

Draco frowned, "but I've done nothing to deserve it. If anything I deserved for you to just leave me there."

Hermione shook her head, "no one deserves that, Malfoy. Not even you." Draco just raised an eyebrow at her, which she ignored. She looked down at her fingers, "Did he- are you…" She flushed and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

Draco knew what she was asking. She'd never trust him though if she knew, would she? Raising her head again her eyes met his grey ones. Hermione could have sworn she saw a hint of sadness in his eyes but it was gone faster than she'd seen it. He pushed up his left sleeve as she held her breath. His pale arm was almost glowing in the dark, it was clean. Nothing there. Hermione sighed, "but he still hurt you." it was more a statement then a question and Draco just nodded, watching her curiously.

He just shrugged, "he was going on about something called a horcrux, I don't remember much of what he was saying. I kept- the pain was so much." Hermione looked at him sharply, studying his face. Did he know what a horcrux was? He seemed genuine, confused, and haunted by the memory.

"And horcrux? What is that, did he say?" Hermione tried not to sound too eager and hoped he couldn't see through her.

Well that worked, "I'm not sure. I don't recall much of anything. He was angry though, ran on about making sure it was safe. Whatever it is, it seemed important."

Hermione's mind was racing, this could be it. An actual location of a horcrux. "Why? Do you know what it is?" Draco looked at her quizzically, genuinely curious as to what it was.

Hermione stared at him, unsure of she should tell him. But she needed to find out where it was, without him questioning it too much. He may not have the mark but she still wasn't sure if she could trust him. He did seem scared though. "It's old magic. Dark magic. If they're destroyed it could help end the war."

She watched him carefully as she explained, he didn't show any signs that he knew any of the information.

Draco took in the information, no wonder Potter and gang were so eager to get their hands on these things. "Of course. Leave it to you to know what they are."

Hermione glared at him, "don't be a walker. Do you recall if he said where it might be? Any information could help Malfoy. It could help your family. You could have your home back…"

If only she knew how right she was, "something about a black house." He shrugged, he needed her to believe him. If he gave her every detail she was sure to figure out it was a trap. She was bright enough, she'd figure out where it was.

Hermione just nodded, "I see." A silence feel between them, "well I should probably get back to my dorm. I'm sure they're worried where I am."

Draco nodded, "I should probably finish my rounds." Her eyes settled on his lips for a moment as she realized they were still standing close together, before she dropped them to her hands. Draco smirked slightly, "waiting for something?" She hadn't moved to leave yet and she flushed when he pointed it out.

"No, I just wanted to make sure Filch was gone that's all." She busied herself with straightening out her robes and scarf before turning and stepping out of the alcove.

Draco touched her shoulder causing her to turn. He leaned in closer, "you aren't by chance ready are you?"

Hermione's brow knit in confusion for a moment then her eyes widened in realization. "No! I mean - no of course not! How dare you insinuate-"

Draco sighed, "calm down Granger. I was only teasing. It just looked like, you know, you were waiting for me to kiss you or something." He smirked as her mouth fell open. "My offer still stands if you change your mind." He winked, and ran his thumb down her cheek then stepped around her and left.

He smiled to himself as he walked down the hall, she was far too easy to play with. So innocent and vulnerable. Hopefully she ran and told Potter what she learned. His smile slightly faded as he recalled what she'd said about the horcrux. He wanted Potter to be caught right? He wanted Voldemort to win. As long as his family was safe it didn't matter, because if Voldemort lost his father would most certainly be thrown in Azkaban. That would break his mother, and that in turn would destroy Draco.

He shook his and pushed the thoughts from his mind. He had to do this, or he'd kill them. It didn't matter if it was the wrong or right thing to do. He had to do it.