In retrospect, Draco wasn't sure what had come over him. 'Tears are nothing more than a disgusting ploy that females use to get their way!'

How many times had he been warned NOT to 'reward' a tearful display? 'Don't acknowledge them in anyway, if at all possible, and you certainly don't offer sympathy, or worse, comfort.'

Lucius Malfoy had often explained to his young son the many different ways that Narcissa had flaunted her tears, using them to try and manipulate her husband into doing what she wanted. Indeed, Lucius firmly believed that women only cried in front of people, never alone, because tears were nothing more than a tool for them.

Evidently, Hermione was the exception to his father's rule. She'd done her best to hide her upset, and even though he'd done the unthinkable and offered comfort, no demands had come forth. In fact, she'd seemed almost embarrassed by her tears.

They were now lying on the bed just holding each other, though her storm had long ago passed. His mind started to wander. First thing he thought of was how nicely she fit in his arms. That led to another thought, then another, and it wasn't long before he began squirming. Need a new line of thought!

That's when her voice came back to haunt him. I' a coward.' It was the only coherent statement she'd made thus far. 'I'm a coward.'

"Who called you a coward?"

He regretted asking that, or rather shouting that, almost instantly. She jerked, and blinked at him owlishly. She wasn't asleep, but she hadn't been far from it, either.

"Sorry." His tone was much softer now.

"It's okay."

She stretched, forcing her tired muscles to move, and squirmed a little, trying to find a more comfortable position. Unconsciously she pushed her hips against his.

Draco grimaced and quickly grabbed her hips. He tried to move her away from him, but it was too late. Shit!

Hermione flushed. No-one, no matter how inexperienced, could miss the hard bulge pressing into her. "Sorry, I --…I mean, uh…-"

It was so unfunny that it was funny. Well, what did I expect? That she wouldn't feel me poking her? She's not stupid!

Knowing what to say had never been a problem for Hermione, but right now her mind was curiously blank. For goodness sake, say something, you ninny!

Draco cleared his throat loudly. Part of him wanted nothing more than to leave, and pretend this had never happened, but another part of him was thrilled because she hadn't run away screaming yet. Well, it's happened now. No use going back now. Might as well see what comes of it.

With that thought in mind, Draco blustered through his own embarrassment, though he couldn't make his cheeks un-flush, and he placed his thumb under her chin, lifting gently. "Hermione, look at me."

She slowly lifted her gaze until his face came into focus. Seeing the slightly pinkish tinge that covered his cheeks made her feel so much better. Why it helped her to know he was also embarrassed, she couldn't say. But it did.

They stared for a moment, before Draco gave in to the inevitable. Slowly he lowered his head, until their lips touched.

She didn't pull away. Taking that as a good sign, he gently deepened the kiss. Tracing her lips with his tongue, he silently begged for entrance.

Hermione complied. It was slow, calm, gentle, and sweet. Draco was in perfect control.

Until she kissed him back.

One minute, she was lying there, mostly letting him do the work, and the next she was actively participating, letting passion rule the moment. Heat exploded between them, and Draco's heart pounded so hard, he was sure it would explode. Merlin, if she can do this to me with a kiss, I'm not sure I could live through more! But I damn sure would like to try!

Uncaring for the moment of the torture he would be putting himself through, Draco shoved his fingers through her curly hair. His fingers automatically went to the front of her robes.

She pulled back slightly at that. He didn't rush it. Doesn't matter, anyway. This can't end where I'd like for it to. Damn Blaise to hell and back!

He pulled back, and settled back down beside her, willing his heart to slow.

Despite his frustration at having to stop, Draco was oddly content to just hold her: which was rare in and of itself. Draco was NOT a cuddling type!

He knew he'd thoroughly enjoyed what happened, but he wasn't too sure about her. A quick glance down reassured him. Hermione was gazing back at him, her eyes filled with wonder.

The distinctive sound of some-one flooing in interrupted their peace. With a slight curse, Draco looked at her. Her expression left no doubt as to her thoughts. Whoever that is, has very bad timing!

His laugh was filled with wry humor. "I guess their timing could've been worse." Of course, it damn sure could've been better!

"Maybe who ever it is will go away."

That thought was shot down as they heard Draco's name being called. Professor Snape!

Draco curse again when he heard who it was. His Godfather wasn't easily discouraged, and the tone of his voice indicated that it was somewhat important.

Together they jumped off the bed and hurriedly started straightening their clothes.

Hermione quickly crossed the room and opened the door. Sure enough, there was Professor Snape, whirling to face her. "Ah, Miss Granger. Do you know where-…Draco?"

Hermione knew they'd startled the poor man. Rarely did this ex-spy show any emotion, save for contempt, but right now his face was a picture of shock.

Moving his gaze between the two of them rapidly, he merely stared for a moment before continuing. "I can see you were busy. Well, Mr. Malfoy, as sorry as I am to keep you from your …activities, I'm afraid a rather important issue needs to be discussed."

Draco was still standing in the doorway of Hermione's room, and he unthinkingly invited the older man in.

They'd no sooner crossed the threshold than both males realized his mistake. "Oh, right…" Draco hedged. "Sorry, sir. My room's just-"

Once again he was interrupted, this time by the door to their suite opening. Hermione knew whoever it was would be full of questions if they saw both Draco and Snape standing in her room, so she did the first thing that came to mind and slammed her door closed, leaving the two men inside.

……………………………………………………………………………………….

Draco could clearly hear her greeting some-one. That greeting's a little too enthusiastic if you ask me.

Snape was slowly looking around, a decidedly uncomfortable and disgusted expression on his face. If he hadn't been so occupied trying to discover the identity of Hermione's guest, Draco would've been amused by his Godfather's face. The older wizard was trying so hard not to look at or touch anything. He never let his emotions show so clearly. Maybe the ex-spy's control over himself was finally starting to slip.

Snape knew exactly what his actions were. For far too many years, his life had depended on his ability to control himself. That kind of control wouldn't go away for a long time, if ever. His plan was simple enough: give Draco enough time to recover from being interrupted. Not to mention the boy isn't paying me the least bit of attention right now. His whole being is focused on discovering the identity of their little 'guest'.

Suddenly, when a burst of male laughter rang out, Draco learned that his Godfather hadn't lost his quick reflexes either. This proved to be another blessing in and of itself, for no sooner had recognition flared, than Draco had headed for the door fists in hand. Blaise Zabini!

A quick flick of his wand halted the boy in his tracks. Snape chuckled to himself. If looks could kill…

He strategically placed himself between his hotheaded godson and the door before releasing the spell.

"You weren't really thinking of going out there just now, were you, Draco?"

"Blaise is in Slytherin. It's my job as Head Boy, and fellow house member, to help him with his problems."

"And Miss Granger as Head Girl is equally as qualified."

"I was merely trying to help." Draco muttered. "She'd probably thank me for it."

"I see." Snape's tone was dry. "Indeed, if you were to come out of this room right now, especially given the state of your appearance, I have no doubt Mr. Zabini will know exactly what you've been up to. Quite aside from the fact that you need to be more discreet, so as not to expose yourself, and your own interest, if would probably embarrass the girl. I highly doubt she'd thank you for that!"

Snape was right. As crappy as it was, he was right. It was even stranger to know that the sole reason Draco stayed put was so he didn't embarrass the girl. For his own part, it wouldn't bother him in the least to announce to one and all his interest.

I don't care if everyone knows that I intend to have her. In fact, it'll make things easier. As far as he was concerned, the more guys who knew Hermione belonged to him, then the better. Especially Blaise. That arrogant bastard can be too charming by half.

…………………………………………………………………………………

For his part, Blaise was many things, but a fool wasn't one of them. Nor was he unobservant. He took in the messy hair, flushed cheeks, and slightly swollen lips…Hermione had been kissed, and kissed well. Recently. Where's Draco, I wonder?

He also noticed the puffy eyes. She's been crying! Maybe they fought?

Deciding for the moment to ignore her 'ravished' look, Blaise zeroed in on her tears. "Why have you been crying?"

She stopped her chatter, and looked at him in confusion. "What?"

The un-Hermione like response had him chuckling. "Your eyes are red and swollen. You've been crying and I want to know why."

She shrugged, and looked away slightly. "It's nothing."

"Hermione." Blaise placed his hand on her shoulder. "I thought we were going to be friends."

She nodded. "You're right, and I'm sorry. I had a duty, Head Girl duty and I can't tell you about it before you ask, and it brought back some memories and they upset me."

"Ah," Blaise shifted his weight awkwardly. "Well, how about we go get a quick snack from the kitchen."

"It's after curfew! If we get caught, we could get in trouble."

"Not at all! You're Head Girl, aren't you? Well, you can go anywhere, anytime you want. As long as I stay with you I won't get in trouble, and if anyone asks, then you can tell the truth: you had a rough night, and wanted to get a warm drink to help you relax."

She thought about it, but shook her head. "I'm really tired, and just want to get some rest, now. Thank you, anyway."

He searched her eyes before nodding approval. "Okay, how about I come and get you early tomorrow morning. We can sneak some breakfast out by the lake and talk."

She smiled. "I'd like that."

Giving a mock bow and kissing her hand, Blaise smiled charmingly. " Adieu, 'till the 'morrow my dear, sweet lady."

His theatrics wrought a smile and small giggle from her lips, but her eyes were still sad.

"By the way, I love the hair cut. You look bloody fantastic!"

"Thanks."

"I bet Draco liked it, too."

That time her face flamed bright red, but she smiled and nodded enthusiastically. "Yes."

Feeling reassured that he'd cheered her as best he could, Blaise left.

………………………………………………………………………………………

A/N: The only thing I can think of right now is 'finally'! Hopefully, things will pick up from here on.