Hermione's POV

"Can you tell me your name?" the guy sitting beside me asked.

I wasn't ready for that. I don't want to embarass myself. What if he doesn't like me?

"It depends," I finally replied.

"Why?" he asked with confusion in his eyes.

"Well, if you knew who I am and you don't like me, you might do something to hurt my feelings."

"I promise that I'll never do anything bad."

"I'm still not sure," I told him, sighing.

I really want to tell him who I really am but there was something holding me back.

He did something surprising. He grabbed both of my hands and held them tight.

"Please?" he said with a pleading look.

"OK," I finally agreed, "but I'll have to know your name, too."

"Sure," he said, looking happier, "let's take off our masks at the same time.

I nodded.

"One...," I clutched my mask.

"Two...," he held on to his.

"Three," we took the masks off in unison.

I gasped as I saw his face. His grey eyes widened.

It was Draco Malfoy. I didn't know he could be so kind, but then again, he didn't know who he was dealing with.

By the look on his face, he must be thinking the same thing.

He seemed so shocked that he can't even throw a single insult about me.

Seconds passed and he recovered saying, "You sure could clean up good, Granger."

I stood up, feeling upset, coming to the ball was such a waste of time.

"I better be going."

I turned around and headed towards the common room. My sight became blurry.

As I walked, I heard him shout,"Wait!"

I don't want him to catch up with me so I ran all the way to the common room.

Before I could turn the knob of the door to my room, I felt his warm hand encircling my wrist, which I didn't expect because of his pale skin.

"Let go of my hand," I told him, forgetting to use my manners.

"No, I have to tell you something."

I shook my hand but it didn't budge. He kept a tight grip, but not uncomfortable.

"I don't want to hear it," I hissed at him, still trying to escape.

"Please hear me out, just this once," he said, pleadingly.

"Oh, look, a Malfoy is pleading."

"I'm serious, please?"

"Never in my life," I said glaring at him.

There was a small pause and he said, softly, "Please, Hermione..."

That got my attention, whole of it.