Grey

by the shattered star

The final battle left Hermione wounded, and now a former enemy has to help her get around Hogwarts.

10. The Ball

A/N There will be kissing in this chapter so yay! (depending how you look at it. I know the veggo won't be looking forward to this…) Without further ado, onto the thanx and disclaimer! Oh hold on, I almost forgot… WARNING! SOME MAJOR FLUFF IS COMING UP!

OK, I'm done.

Thanx to: My lovely beta lookingforme, I LOVE YOU AND YOU'RE WICKEDLY EPIC!, also to every single artist on my iPod. You guys rock! (literally. *ha-ha*) Oh yes, if you have Christofori's Dream (by David Lanz) on your iPod/mp3, listen to it during the kissing scene; it's what I was listening to when I wrote it.

Disclaimer: Well, if I was JKR, I wouldn't be on this site… would I? Harry Potter is to JKR as Arwen is to JRR Tolkien. Edward is to Stephanie Meyer as Draco is to himself. Did you love my analogies or what? Enjoy the chapter and REVIEW! (please)

Chapter 10: The Ball

Look at the stars
Look how they shine for you
And everything you do
Yeah, they were all yellow
I came along
I wrote a song for you
And all the things you do
And it was called 'Yellow'
So then I took my time
Oh what a thing to've done
And it was all yellow

- Yellow, Coldplay

Draco woke slowly. He stretched his limbs and heard them crack. He gave a gargantuan yawn and sat up. It was the first of December. Draco checked the clock which read 6:50. He gave another yawn before getting up and taking a shower. He felt the hot water hit his back and he moaned as he welcomed the heat; the nights were getting cold.

Draco finished getting dressed and looked out his window. To his amazement and delight, he could see that the lake had finally frozen over. And on a Saturday too! Perfect, he thought, quite pleased. He planned to spend the entire day ice skating. I wonder if Hermione knows how to ice skate… I shall have to ask her! he thought decisively.

Draco made his way to the Gryffindor common room and entered. He wouldn't normally, but he found it to be too cold in the corridors. He took a seat in front of the fireplace while wondering, for the second time, why no one confronted him when he entered the common room. He knew that if a Gryffindor entered his common room he would probably immediately attack him. Draco was rather possessive of his space, even if it was shared by about 200 other people.

Draco slouched on the chair, waiting for Hermione to come out of the common room. He summoned his book and commenced reading. He was just about to turn his page when Hermione walked out of the room.

"Hey!" she greeted.

"Hi!" Draco replied. "In or out?" he asked, referring to breakfast.

"Umm… Let's eat in the Great Hall today. We've been eating in the flat for the past week and you're supposed to be seen remember?"

"Ugh, don't remind me," Draco groaned. He and Patil had had to do so much planning about Durmstrang and Beauxbatons' arrivals. They were coming the day before and had to provide their own sleeping arrangements. Thank God, Draco thought.

Hermione took his hand and pulled him down to the Great Hall. "So, planning anything special today?" she asked him. "Ohh, actually there's something I want to do… Did I ever tell you about the secret passage Harry found that leads into Hogsmede?"

Draco was about to reply until he heard the word 'secret passage.' "Where does it lead?" he asked curiously.

"Into Honeyduke's cellar," Hermione said smirking. She wanted to get some more sweets; she had finished all the ones she had bought the month before.

"And Potter found this passage?" Draco asked incredulously.

"With a little help from his father," Hermione said smugly. She remembered the days she, him and Ron would walk the halls of Hogwarts, making illegal potions, destroying sorcerer's stones, fighting off dementors, taking stressful finals… I miss that, she thought.

"Hmm… The idea is tempting but I was planning to ice skate. I mean, this is the first day the lake has frozen over," Draco pointed out.

"Well, then it's a good thing I don't know how to ice skate then!" Hermione said happily, but Draco managed to catch the panic in her voice.

"You're scared of ice skating!" he exclaimed, quite surprised. It was a Muggle sport…

"No! I'm not!" Hermione cried defensively.

"Yes you are!" Draco said triumphantly. "I have to teach you. Today. Remember how you felt about flying?"

"Yes… But this is different! I've actually tried skating and I was sitting on the ice more than gliding on it!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Come, you haven't ever skated with me," Draco said persuasively. "How's this. We'll go to Hogsmede and then try skating. If you don't like it there's always flying," he said, trying to be convincing.

"Fine, but if a break a single bone, you're mending it!" Hermione snapped. They had made it to the Great Hall. "See ya! Enjoy Millicent's company…" Hermione said, smiling.

"Thanks Hermione," Draco said after she left, with a twisted smile. He went off to sit at the Slytherin table and piled his plate. He was just about to take a bite when a certain brunette entered the room.

"Drakey!" Draco moaned. Someone kill her for me please! he thought.

"Dearest, you won't believe what I've just done!"

"What have you done Millicent?" Draco asked. She probably just got a P in something. Why am I even civil to her? I don't have to be, I mean, I've already disappointed my father as much as a pureblood possibly could…

"I've slipped a little potion into the mudblood's cup! She'll be sprouting horns any second now!" she squealed gleefully. She was so proud of herself that she didn't notice Draco sprinting over to the Gryffindor table as soon as she had finished the word 'cup.' "Drakey?" she asked, the question hanging in the air.

"Hermione!" Draco yelled as he made his way towards the opposite side of the Great Hall. He saw her head turn towards him. She had a confused look on her face.

"What are you yelling about?" she asked him as soon as he reached her.

"Millicent's slipped something in your cup. Don't drink out of it!" Draco said urgently. Hermione peeked into the cup and found tea as well as a black swirl of something. She glared over at Millicent and was about to cast a spell when Draco stopped her.

"What?"

"Can I do it?" he asked.

Hermione smiled cunningly. "Be my guest," she said, gesturing towards Millicent.

"Thank you," Draco said with a little bow which made Hermione giggle. "Densaugeo," he murmured. Hermione had a twisted smile on her face. She remembered when Draco had used that spell on her. Twitchy little ferret he was.

"Hmm… I wonder who else you could've used that spell on," Hermione whispered in his ear as Millicent's teeth started to grow. She looked like a beaver within two minutes.

"I don't recall anyone…" Draco said guiltily.

"Right!" Hermione snorted, laughing. She watched Millicent get up and run to the hospital wing, smirking.

"You done with breakfast?" Draco inquired.

"Yeah. Shall we be off?"

"Sure." Hermione and Draco walked out of the Great Hall.

"So, how do you get to this cellar?" Draco asked.

"I'll show you, hold on; let me just get my cloak…" Hermione said, summoning it. She reached into the pocket of her cloak and found a small object. She pulled it out and found the shrunken dress. Ohh, I should hang that up… she thought to herself. "Ready?"

Draco nodded. He followed Hermione to a statue of a witch with a hump on her back. He watched Hermione glance around furtively before whispering "Dissendium!" He gasped when the hump opened and lead to a passage.

"After you," Hermione said courteously. Draco lowered himself into the hole, followed by Hermione who closed the witch's hump. They were encompassed in utter darkness. "Come on!" Hermione exclaimed, taking Draco's hand and leading him through the narrow corridor.

"How did Potter find out about this?"

"Funny you ask that… When his father was in school, he made a map with his friends showing all the secret passages out of the school. The map made its way into Harry's hands and… well, you can guess what happened after that…"

"Wait, so that day I saw his head… Did he use this passage?"

"Exactly! I remember that. Ron told me afterwards that they got you with mud?"

"Yeah, and they got Goyle with some green slime!" Draco said laughing. He remembered that instance quite clearly. He was furious at Potter for evading punishment for being out of bounds again.

Draco and Hermione made it to the end of the tunnel and into Honeyduke's cellar.

"Come on," Hermione whispered, taking careful steps to the ladder which they descended. They made it to the shop without being seen.

"So, anything in particular you were looking for?" Draco asked.

"Yeah, the white chocolate frogs! They were quite good!" Hermione exclaimed excitedly. She found the display and grabbed a handful. Draco browsed the shop and picked this and that, being fonder of French treats than candy.

By the time they were done getting their sweets, it was time for lunch.

"Fancy a bite at the Three Broomsticks?" Hermione asked, eyeing her purchases hungrily.

"Sure," Draco said, walking out of the store. Hermione followed him. She skipped through the snowy streets.

"Someone's happy!" Draco said with a glint in his eye.

"Well, actually, I just had a brilliant idea if I do say so myself," Hermione said, eyes twinkling with pleasure.

"And it is…"

"That we should play a prank on Millicent!" Hermione finished. "Well, are you going to help me?"

"Hmm… My father wouldn't want me to, so yes!" Draco said. They had reached the Three Broomsticks. Draco opened the heavy door and ushered Hermione inside. They got a two person table and sat across from each other.

"So, what were you thinking about?"

"Well, I wanted to use Goyle in this too. I was thinking we'd slip her a love potion and see what would happen… Interested?"

"Mmm, yeah," Draco said.

Hermione and Draco were in the middle of eating their sandwiches when they were confronted by two men.

"Hermione?" the first man asked.

Hermione looked up at the sound of her name. She stared at the man before responding. "Do I know you?" Draco was scrutinizing the two men, trying to remember if he had ever seen them before.

"Oh right. It's me, Harry," the man said remembering something. "I'm using the polyjuice potion," he said simply. Hermione gawped at him. She looked around to see if anyone was staring at her; she didn't see any eyes on her.

"What form does your patronus take?" she asked with a bored tone. She was pretty sure it was Harry but she wanted to make sure it wasn't some new Death Eater.

"A stag," Harry said, also bored.

"Why are you here?" Hermione asked demandingly.

"Well… Ron and I were taking a look at the Marauder's Map, you know, just for fun, and we saw you and Malfoy together and then, all of a sudden you disappeared from the map. As it is Malfoy, we didn't want to risk anything so we came down here to ask McGonagall."

Hermione stared at Harry and then at Ron. "You were spying on me?!" she exclaimed. "How do you have time to do that?! Unless you've forgotten, you do have a certain Lucius Malfoy to defeat!" she whispered with her eyes flashing; she didn't want people in the pub to stare.

"And thanks for your trust in me," Draco commented with a sour smile. "What did you think I'd do to her? Take her to my father? You are thick." he stated while taking a swing from a fire whiskey. Potter and Weasley were looking guiltily around the pub.

"To tell the truth, we don't really have much to do. I mean, we can't find Malfoy Manor hence we can't find a way to break into it." Ron said defensively.

"Do you have a map?" Draco asked, as if he was conversing with a two year old.

"Yes," snapped Ron. He dug through a rucksack and handed over a map.

"Just letting you know, this will be excruciatingly painful to me so one of you – preferably Hermione – is going to have to heal me." he said seriously, looking into Hermione's anxious eyes. "We should probably go outside." he said.

Harry, Ron, Hermione and Draco made their way out of the pub and found a secluded area where Hermione melted the snow so that they could sit on the ground without getting wet.

Draco took the map and put his wand to it closing his eyes in concentration. He muttered something while moving his wand in a circular motion around the map. Suddenly, his breathing became labored. Hermione wanted to do something for him but she knew that if she did, they wouldn't be able to find out where the manor was.

Draco felt like screaming. He was going through terrible pain; it was like the crutiatius curse. His arm was on fire, and then it was being broken. It was being cut open with a piece of jagged glass and something was being poked inside the wounds. Draco struggled not to scream, for he knew that if he did, Hermione would surely try to heal him and then he would have to start the whole process over again. He gritted his teeth and continued. He was searching, searching for the manor. Wasn't home supposed to call to you? Finally, Draco found it. The only problem was that he would pass out unless he was healed fast.

"Hermione, hurry!" he urged, his voice ragged. Hermione saw his sleeve soaked with blood. She quickly lifted the sleeve up to find three deep, long cuts. She put her wand to them and healed them quickly. Then, she placed her wand above Draco's chest and murmured "Ennervate!" Draco was lead back to consciousness and he gasped.

"Thanks for that. I'm loosing count, how many times have you healed me?"

Hermione smiled at him. "About a million. So, did you get the location?"

"Yeah, fortunately it's in Scotland so it shouldn't be too hard for you to find," Draco said, speaking to Potter and Weasley. "Do you have a piece of parchment on you?"

"Here," Hermione said, handing him a piece. Draco used his wand to write the address and handed it over to Potter.

"Go. Good luck; does this prove I'm on your side?" Draco asked with a cold eye.

"No. You could very well be lying to us, but nonetheless, Ron and I will check it out." Harry said coldly.

It's never enough, is it? Draco thought angrily.

Harry and Ron each embraced Hermione. "Bye Hermione, we'll see you soon. Or so I hope. Watch your back," Ron said, throwing a dirty glance at Draco.

"Stop it Ron. He just helped you! What do you want him to do? He can't turn back time!" Hermione snapped.

"I know. Sorry Hermione, it's just… Old habits are hard to break I guess…" Ron said.

"I know. I love you," Hermione said simply.

"I love you too Hermione," Ron said.

"Ditto," Harry said smiling.

"Take care of yourselves," Hermione said, kissing Ron and Harry both on the check. She hadn't realized how much she'd missed them these past few months. She watched them wave and Disapparate.

Draco watched their parting with a cold eye. How could they still not trust him? He had just put himself in danger for them! He saw Hermione turn towards him.

"I'm assuming that was another pureblood thing?" Hermione asked.

"Exactly," Draco replied sullenly.

"Listen Draco, I'm so sorry about Harry and Ron. They just… They're just…"

"It's alright Hermione. I kind of understand. It's just that I've tried to help you as much as I can but they refuse to trust me. I mean, they come down here at the first sight that you're not in the castle!"

Hermione gave Draco a hug. She didn't have to say anything; they both knew what she was comforting him for.

"So, ready to go back to the castle?" Draco inquired after she had released him.

"Yeah. About the skating… I don't suppose you're feeling up to it?" Hermione asked, hoping he wasn't.

"No way Hermione! You're not getting out of it that easily!" Draco said, eyes flashing. He began shuffling towards Honeydukes so they could get to the castle from the cellar.

"Fine!" Hermione said. She ran after him. They got to the cellar unseen and quickly entered the tunnel. They walked in the darkness talking about their classes and the homework they were going to have to do the next day.

"You know we should really get to work on the Animagi thing," Hermione said, thinking about how they hadn't worked on it in over two weeks. "We still have a lot of potions we have to make. Oh, and that love potion!"

"Right… Fine, we'll just skate for a bit and then we actually have things to do," Draco said gloomily.

"You make it sound terrible!" Hermione said laughing. She was looking forward to planning out the prank and picking out the perfect love potion.

"I don't suppose you have skates Hermione?" Draco asked when they made it out of the dark tunnel.

"Nope!" Hermione said, hoping this meant she couldn't go on the ice.

"Ahh well. I think I may be able to copy mine and then you can shrink them," Draco said, happily thinking up of a solution.

"Great," Hermione said sarcastically.

Draco did as he said and by the time he and Hermione reached the lake, she had a good pair of skates.

"Lace them tight Hermione; if you don't you could break your ankle," Draco advised.

"Thanks for that," Hermione muttered moodily.

Hermione got the skates on and looked at the uneven ice on the lake. "You realize if I fall in I'll kill you right?"

"Yeah, I guessed." Draco said sourly. "Here, take my hand," he said, holding it out. Hermione did so and as soon as she was on the ice she almost fell. She would have, but Draco grabbed her waist just in time.

"Thanks," Hermione said frostily. It was his fault she was out here! Draco led Hermione around the lake a few times until she felt at least semi comfortable.

"Is this truly that bad?" he asked when he caught her smiling.

"Nooo…" Hermione said. She looked at him and gave him a smile. He returned it.

"Here, I'm going to let go alright?"

"OK…" Hermione said, feeling more or less confident. She took a few wobbly strides and was soon off by herself, following and in many cases, beating Draco around the lake.

"Oh my God, what was I thinking when I said no?!" she cried, zooming around the lake with her hands clasped behind her back.

"I have no idea!" Draco shouted back, on the other side of the enormous lake. He caught up to Hermione and grabbed one of her hands so she spun out. He spun her back in and put his arms around her. She was laughing the whole time.

"Hi," he whispered.

"Hey," she whispered back smiling. She knew she'd have to go inside and face reality in an hour or two, but skating on the ice with Draco was so… freeing. She felt as if she could do anything, go anywhere.

"Dance with me?" Draco asked.

"On the ice?"

"Of course!" Draco said taking her hand again and putting his other hand about her waist. Hermione laughed quietly and place her free hand on his shoulder.

"Ready?" he asked with a glint in his eyes. He didn't wait for a response as he skated backwards gracefully with Hermione. She stared into his eyes the whole time, smiling. They twirled and glided along the ice, staring at each other. They knew when this ended they would both have to face school, Lucius and the real world. Ew, Hermione thought.

Somehow, Hermione found her face inches away from Draco's. She leaned in and… "Ow!" she cried as she fell on the ice.

"Are you alright?" Draco asked, pulling her up by her arm.

"Ow. Yeah. I suppose we should get going…" she said sadly.

Draco took her hand and they skated back to the edge of the rough ice. Hermione took off her skates and slipped her feet into her shoes while thinking about what had just occurred. Was I about to kiss him? No… That can't be it… she thought, looking over at Draco who turned and smiled at her. She got up and walked with Draco back to the castle. For now, she was going to blame hormones.

Draco and Hermione made it inside.

"So, what do you want to do first? Animagi or prank?" Draco asked. He hadn't noticed what Hermione was doing on the ice before she fell…

"I'm thinking prank," Hermione said with a mischievous smile.

"So, I suppose we should go down to the library and get a potions book," Draco said.

"Perfect!" Hermione exclaimed, quite excited to start with the prank. They went down to the library and searched through potions books to see what they could find.

"Here, this one seems right, you put the person's hair in it and the drinker will fall 'helplessly in love with him or her.' And look, we don't even have to steal anything to make it!" Hermione said happily after they had been searching for a half hour.

"Sounds good," Draco said, taking the book from Hermione. They walked to the room of Requirement and found the same place they had brewed the potions for Hermione's leg in.

Draco summoned all the ingredients and within the hour, they had created a love potion.

"Wow, I've never made one of these," Hermione pointed out, thinking about all the different potions she had ever made.

"As if I have!" Draco said, jokingly. "All we need is Goyle's hair… I suppose I could filch some from his room…"

"Ooh, perfect! Could you go now?" Hermione asked. She wanted to think alone for a bit.

"Yeah, I'll be back in a bit," Draco said, leaving. Hermione started pacing the small room. What was I thinking?! It's not as if I fancy him… Is it? Damn. I fancy Draco Malfoy. No wait! It could have just been a spur of the moment thing… After all, I do spend almost all my time with Draco, so… Yeah, I think I'm going to go with that… Hermione thought. Then she heard another voice, a more practical, philosophical voice. Hermione, come now, prove Freud wrong and don't rationalize! Think about it… What do you feel for him? The other side of Hermione replied. Shut up. While Hermione had to admit that Draco was a bit more than a friend, she didn't have to admit she fancied him. Because I don't. And that's that, she stated to herself.

Conveniently, it was just then that Draco returned. "I got 'em!" he exclaimed strutting into the room.

Hermione, thinking private thoughts as she was, jumped when he entered and thought how terrible it would have been if she had thought aloud.

"Oh. Perfect!" Hermione said in a high voice.

"Are you OK? You sound kind of… scared." Draco pointed out.

"Yeah no, I'm fine," Hermione said, taking the hair from Draco. "You're sure these are his, right?"

"Completely," Draco said.

"Alright, here it goes!" she exclaimed, dropping the hair into the cauldron and watching it turn a mucous like yellow. "I hope Millicent doesn't notice this in her cup…" she said doubtfully.

"Hermione, she thinks I like her. I highly doubt she'll notice something in her drink."

"True!" Hermione said laughing. They scooped the potion into a small flask and capped it. The rest of the potion was disposed of.

"Animagi?" Draco inquired.

"Exactly," Hermione replied. "I actually found something in this book. It says you can't actually choose your animal, rather, it chooses you. Apparently, if you know yourself, you can guess your animal so I might still be a red fox and you might still be a lion. We have to make this potion to see what exactly we're supposed to be though."

"Complications. Wonderful," Draco said sardonically. Hermione chuckled.

"We should get it started." Hermione said, taking the ingredients out of the cabinet the room of Requirement provided. They found all of them and brewed the potion in an hour. It was jet black.

"Drink up! The book says you'll only be the animal for about a minute so I'll have to tell you what you are," Hermione said, skimming through the book.

Draco took a doubtful look at the potion and swallowed his entire glass in one gulp. Hermione watched his body change like rippling water until he was…

"A lynx!" Hermione cried out, elated. He was adorable with the little tufts of fur on his ears, making him look like an elf. He was yellow and black, as most lynxes are but he had white paws. That makes sense as it's pretty close to a lion, Hermione thought, stroking the little cat.

After a minute, the cat began to grow until it was Draco again. "Hey," he breathed. "That was rather painful," he commented.

"Here," Hermione put her arms around him and helped him to a chair that had magically appeared.

"What was I?" Draco asked.

"A lynx."

"Really? Clearly I don't know myself as well as I'd like to think…"

"Draco, they are quite similar if you think about it. The only difference is that a lynx is smaller than a lion. I bet I'll be something completely different!" Hermione said, trying to make Draco feel better.

"Right," Draco snorted. "You know yourself a lot better than I do," he said.

"Well, we shall see," Hermione replied, swallowing the black potion. She shuddered as she melted into…

"A red fox," Draco said with a bored tone. He bent forward to pet her while thinking. She really does know herself better than I do. I suppose that may have something to do with me being a Death Eater for a while… he thought darkly.

Hermione turned back and collapsed to the floor.

"Hermione!" Draco cried. He helped her up and laid her down on the sofa that had (again, magically) appeared in place of the chair.

"Sorry Draco, my leg is being a pain in the ass," Hermione said tiredly. Another problem. Another thing to work on. Hermione was sick of working.

"Well, the good news is that you turned into a red fox so no worries there," Draco said in a monotone. He felt bad about Hermione's leg but even worse about not knowing himself. You do know yourself, just not as well as you thought you did, he thought, trying to comfort himself.

"Ohh, well that's good!" Hermione exclaimed. She changed the topic rapidly; she didn't know how Draco would feel about her turning into the animal she had already chosen. "So, should we do the love potion thing at dinner or tomorrow at breakfast?"

"I'm thinking tomorrow. I kind of wanted to eat in today…" Draco said.

"Alright, that works. Oh my gosh! I completely forgot; when is the Quidditch match?"

"Next week," Draco said. He didn't sound excited at all.

"What? Is the team bad this year?" Hermione asked concerned.

"No… It's just… I feel bad, getting so excited about such a trivial thing when people are being brutally murdered daily. I mean, think about all the people whose parents have–" Draco broke off there, glancing guiltily at Hermione whose eyes were watering. There was no need for words, Draco just gathered her up into a hug where she cried into his shirt.

"Sorry, that was so tactless of me," Draco whispered in her ear. He felt her shiver and her arms tightened around him. He knew her parents' deaths would haunt her forever. She doesn't deserve this. If anyone does, it's me, Draco thought. He had been thinking about what he was nearly turned into the year before. He looked down at the mass of hair that was Hermione. He hugged her tighter.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Hermione woke with her eyes red. Come now Hermione, you know there was nothing you could do, said a voice. I know, she replied, defeated. She was tired of fighting herself. She had given in at last.

Hermione took a quick shower and then remembered that they were going to prank Millicent. Yes! she thought. Something to lighten the mood of the dark, depressive school.

Hermione raced to get dressed and went down to the common room. She opened the door and found Draco lounging against the wall.

"Hi," she greeted.

"Hey. Feeling any better?"

"Well you know. The whole there was nothing you could do to stop it thing…"

"It's true," Draco said simply.

"I suppose so," Hermione said, giving a little sigh. Draco took her hand.

"You'll get through this. I promise," he said, looking into her brown eyes. She stared back at his gray and green ones; a small smile gracing her lips.

"So, I have the potion. Ready to try it?"

"Absolutely!" Hermione said, her eyes sparkling. "Just remember to slip it to her when almost everyone's in the Great Hall."

The walk down to the Great Hall was short. Draco went off to sit by Millicent and Hermione took a seat at the Gryffindor table, facing the Slytherin's.

She watched Draco approach Millicent. He took a seat next to her and Hermione turned away so he wouldn't see her laughing. She watched more and more people enter the Great Hall. When the hall was full, she smiled cunningly at Draco. He smirked back and Hermione saw his hand touch Millicent's cup.

Draco watched Millicent raise the cup to her lips and was about to explode from anticipation. He watched her swallow. Her expression became dazed. Without saying a word, she walked up to Goyle and started snogging him. Draco couldn't help it; he burst out laughing.

Draco saw Goyle struggling in her grasp and laughed at the revolted expression of the girl who was sitting by him.

From the other side of the room, Hermione could see what was happening and she gawped in awe. She then started laughing. She watched the pandemonium occurring at the Slytherin table. Millicent had managed to get Goyle on the table and all the food was being thrown onto peoples' laps. People sprung up and started yelling at the snogging pair. Hermione couldn't control her laughter. Maybe now she'll realize Draco isn't as fond of her as she thought. The potion only lasted for a limited amount of time, so in the minutes that followed, Millicent got up and asked Goyle why the hell he was kissing her. He gawped at her saying something Hermione didn't catch and then looked around him, seeing the people who looked ready to kill him. Hermione made a mental note never to get food on a Slytherin.

Breakfast ended and Draco jogged to catch up to Hermione. "So," he said, "Was that amusing?"

"Very much so!" Hermione exclaimed. She started laughing at the memory of all the Slytherins, leaping back so that their clothes wouldn't get too ruined.

"I think there'll be a lot of gossip from here on out. Ha-ha Millicent!" Draco said cruelly.

"Ditto," Hermione said as she and Draco walked off to another day of boring classes…

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Draco woke. Ugh. It's too early for any sane person to be awake, go back to sleep! he commanded himself. Then he remembered that this was the day of the Quidditch match. He sprung out of bed, excited about the match.

Draco dressed and brushed his teeth, the excitement of the match keeping him awake. He asked a House Elf to get him something to eat and he ran down to the Gryffindor portrait hole, scarfing down the piece of bread. He didn't feel like waiting so he entered the common room and sat on a couch next to the roaring fire. He summoned his book and commenced reading. He had just finished his chapter when Hermione limped down the stairs. Damn. We should start working on the potion for her leg again… he thought guiltily. They had been getting ridiculous amounts of homework recently and when they weren't bust with that, they were usually working on becoming Animagi. Well, at least Millicent's not talking to me anymore! he thought. Ever since the prank, Millicent had finally gotten the fact that Draco despised her through her miniscule brain.

"Hey! Since when do you wait for me inside?" Hermione asked curiously.

"I did last week," Draco said childishly.

"Oh yes… The match is today isn't it?"

"Exactly," Draco said with a satisfied nod.

"So, who do you think's going to win?"

"Hmm… Let's think really hard…" Draco said. Hermione punched his arm affectionately.

"Let's have breakfast in the flat," Draco said. He didn't really feel like facing Goyle again. He couldn't quite figure out why Millicent had 'attacked' him and had been running his theories by Draco. Draco was getting tired of this, as he really didn't think invisible dragons had broken into Hogwarts and blackmailed Millicent to get her to try and kill him. Moron, Draco thought scornfully.

"Are you nervous?" Hermione asked, pulling Draco away from his train of thought.

"No, not really. Why?"

"It's just that Harry used to be a nervous wreck before the Slytherin Gryffindor matches," Hermione stated.

"Really?" Draco asked, his chest puffing out. Hermione deflated it with her finger while saying, "No need to get a swollen head about it. I still think Gryffindor's going to win!"

"Right!" Draco scoffed.

Hermione and Draco trooped down to the flat and had breakfast. Afterwards, Draco had to go and get changed into his uniform.

"Good luck!" Hermione called out.

"I won't need it!" Draco yelled back, smirking. Hermione rolled her eyes.

Draco changed swiftly. Zabini started barking out orders and tactics while Draco stared mindlessly into space. He never really paid much attention to tactics; they were a waste of time for him. Just look around until you find it and then swoop in and catch it, Draco thought to himself. This method rarely proved him wrong. Of course, the only times he didn't catch it was when Potter was playing. As much as he hated to admit it, Potter was slightly better than him. Obviously, Draco would rather be dead than caught saying this.

"Right team. Get out there and win!" Draco heard Zabini say. Yeah, real comforting captain! he thought, rolling his eyes. Draco followed his team out of the changing area onto the field. He heard the crowd roar and this time, he heard distinct booing for the Slytherins. He tossed his head in defiance and glared at the people whom he could see were booing.

Draco watched Zabini crush the Gryffindor's team captain before Madame Hooch started dolling out the rules and how she wanted a fair game. Like you're going to get one, Draco thought sardonically. He had never been in a clean game, there'd always been that one person, those few people who insisted on not playing by the rules. Not that he was a real stickler for them…

Draco heard Hooch's whistle blow and he kicked off from the cold frozen ground. Draco squeezed his legs to his broom for speed and went higher up than all the other players so he could see what was happening. And keep watch. He circled the field a few times, watching people attempt goals and miss. Damn it. That was really close! he thought as the quaffle was barely caught by Gryffindor's keeper.

Draco continued circling. He was annoyed that nothing interesting was happening so he decided to give him team a bit of help. He saw two of the chasers flying together, one of them holding the quaffle. He noticed she didn't have anyone on her other side so he started flying next to her. She looked up at him, surprised, but didn't say anything.

She scored. It was 10 - nil to Slytherin. Now that's something I haven't heard in a while! Draco thought, trying to recall the last time he had played Quidditch. Suddenly, Draco saw a Gryffindor pulling a Slytherins broom down.

"What are you doing?" he yelled at the offending player. She was distracted for a moment and the Slytherin went free, shot and scored. The offending player turned to face Draco and he saw her face. It was Ginny. Draco shot a nasty look at her before continuing his search for the snitch. The score was now 20 – nil. Draco watched his team score three more goals without any major events.

He was higher than everyone else, still searching for the snitch, when something came out of nowhere and hit the underside of his broom. Draco fell with his broom about 10 meters before he gained control of himself. He was coughing like mad but he was able to ascend again. What the hell was that about?! he raged. He knew his team would get a penalty for that. He heard the whistle blow and watched his team take the penalty. They scored quite easily.

Draco looked at his broom and was relived to see that it hadn't broken after the bludger hit it. Time to find the snitch, Draco thought, thinking that the sooner he could end the game the better. He did laps around the field until… Was that a glimmer of gold? Draco dived towards the glimmer and was quickly followed by Ginny. He sped up until his cheeks rippled and darted after the snitch. Draco tightened his grip on his broom until he could see the snitch almost directly in front of him. He dared to cast a glance behind him and saw Ginny right behind him. She snarled. Draco growled back. Draco saw the snitch deceive him and make an abrupt turn but he was ready. He maneuvered the broom until the snitch was once again right in front of him. He reached out his gloved hand and was about to close his fingers on it when it made another unexpected turn. Draco followed it again and this time, his fingers closed so quickly around it, it didn't have time to escape. He heard a whistle blow and several cheers. YES! he thought jubilantly. He felt the snitch give a feeble flutter in his hand and opened it slightly to see it. He had crumpled one of the wings but it seemed brand new. Usually, it had finger prints all over it. Maybe someone cleaned it?... he thought, confused. Why would someone do that? After all, snitches did have flesh memories so no one would really have to clean it… in theory. Then why did it have fingerprints all over it before? Draco didn't know why he cared.

He landed on the hard ground and was surrounded by his team. They didn't seem too enthusiastic about winning the game as Slytherins never showed their emotions in front of other people, but Draco knew there would be a party in the common room that night.

Draco got threw on his clothes and strutted out of the changing room. He wondered what Hermione would do now that Gryffindor had lost.

He got to the Quidditch field, broomstick over his shoulder when he was fiercely hugged by someone.

"Millicent, get off me!" he bellowed. He looked down at the person and found a pair of brown eyes rather then the green ones he'd been expecting. "Oh."

"You couldn't tell the difference between my hug and Millicent's?" Hermione asked in mock horror.

"Sorry!"

"That was about the worst insult you could ever give me!" Hermione shrieked, on the verge of tears. Draco stared, surprised she was reacting as such.

"Hermione don't you think--?"

"How could you Draco?!" Hermione cried, turning away. Draco thought he caught a glimpse of a smile. He ran ahead to catch up to her and took her arm, pulling her towards him. Hermione laughed. "I can't believe you fell for that!" she said, trying to catch her breath from laughing. "That was wonderful! Congratulations!" she cried, hugging him again.

"Thanks," Draco said, looking into her eyes and smiling.

"I'm sure it was a team effort…" Hermione said slyly.

"No. It was all me." Draco said frankly. Hermione laughed again.

"I love –" she gasped and covered her mouth.

"What do you love?" Draco asked, beginning to walk back into the castle.

"Um… Watching Quidditch matches!" she said. Was I just about to say I loved him? she thought to herself wildly.

Draco cocked his head questioningly. He knew that wasn't what she was going to say. "So, shall we celebrate?" he asked, changing the topic.

"Absolutely!" Hermione said, ignoring her mind and trying to forget what she had almost said.

"And by the way… I told you so!" Draco said playfully. Hermione hit his chest lightly.

"Arrogant git," she said, winking at him. He smiled, remembering how she had called him that on the first night they arrived at Hogwarts.

Hermione and Draco went off to the flat to celebrate…

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Hermione was up long before her alarm sounded. She threw her hand onto her bedside table and hit the off button. She yawned and stretched. This was it. This was the day she'd been dreading. December the 11th. The day Beauxbatons and Durmstrang were arriving. Ugh. Why can't they just stay in their own schools? Why do they have to come here and for a stupid ball no less! Hermione cursed the schools about a dozen different ways before she decided to drag herself out of bed. She rolled in bed until she was at the edge, planning to swing her legs around but she didn't realize how close she was to the edge. Hermione fell off the bed landing in a heap. "Ow!" she moaned. She rubbed her butt and pulled herself up. She had a feeling today wouldn't be the greatest.

Hermione stumbled over to the shower, took off her clothes and turned on the tap. A jet of almost boiling water rushed out and Hermione screamed. She managed to cool the water with her wand but she had to do it constantly, waving her wand while attempting to rub a bar of soap on herself with one hand. In the end she managed but it took her twice the time. She grabbed a dressing gown and quickly picked out semi-formal clothes from the chest of drawers. What if I don't feel like dressing nicely for the stupid schools? Hermione thought, feeling whiney.

She checked the time and realized she was going to be late if she didn't get out of the room in five minutes. She brushed her teeth, pulled her hair back into a ponytail, pulled on a pair of heels and dashed out into the corridor. She descended the stairs as quickly as she dared and rushed into the common room.

"Hey!" Draco greeted.

"Hi! Sorry I'm so late—"

"No, it's fine. Do you mind if I ask you to explain later? We sort of have to go…"

"Yeah, no fine!" Hermione said. She and Draco rushed out of the common room and raced down to the Great Hall. They reached it in five minutes.

"See you!" Hermione called as Draco parted for the Slytherin table. She walked resignedly to the Gryffindor table and took a seat. She was sick of having no friends in her house but she couldn't really do much about that. She looked over at Ginny and her darling boyfriend snogging and started gagging. Get a room!

Before breakfast was even served, McGonagall stood up and started to speak. "As you all know, tomorrow evening is the evening of the ball. In honor of this ball, we have invited our dear friends from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons to enjoy the evening with us." McGonagall sounded as if she was displeased with this turn of events. Why did they have to go through all this trouble that was easily avoidable? Hermione thought savagely. She was surprised by herself. She was usually a rather sociable person. I think being ditched for a stupid boyfriend has changed my outlook on life, Hermione thought darkly.

Ormson stood and delivered an entire speech about the ball and how Hogwarts welcomed the two magical schools graciously. Yeah right! Hermione almost snorted. Ormson went on and on until Hermione thought she would starve to death. Then she got to the part about the Head Boy and Girl.

"This was only made possible by their tireless efforts so let's give them a hand!" she said. Hermione clapped. Tirelessly my arse, she thought grumpily. She looked at Draco as if to say 'really?' He scowled, then smiled at her. I love— No! I was not about to think that! Hermione thought, scandalized. Then a voice answered her. It could be just like what you feel for Harry and Ron… Hermione thought about it. I suppose that makes sense… She was relieved she felt nothing more for Draco. It was one thing to be friends with a former enemy; it was another thing completely to fall in love with him.

To Hermione's relief, Ormson finished her speech rather quickly. She invited in the two schools and everyone turned to look at the entrance to the Great Hall. Hermione watched the Beauxbatons, dressed in their blue damask, walk (rather glide) gracefully through the door. A boy who looked like he was in his 7th year caught her eye. He had brown hair and looked muscular. He had bright blue eyes that looked piercing. He winked at her. Ohh, he's cute! Hermione thought. She giggled. It had been a while since she'd thought that. The Beauxbatons walked to the front of the Great Hall. Hermione saw the boys' eyes turn respectfully to Madame Maxime. The giant woman made a short speech about how she was delighted to be at Hogwarts and how she thought the ball would be a great chance for children of the magical community to bond. Yeah. Right. Hermione thought.

The Beauxbatons were allowed to take seats wherever they wished. The boy Hermione had noticed earlier came beside her.

"May I sit here?" he asked with a slight French accent.

"Bien súr!"Hermione replied automatically.

"Tu parles français?" You speak French? the boy asked, surprised.

"Oh non. Pas trés bien; je suis desolé!" Sorry not very well!

"Oh," the boy said, rather disappointed. "Are you Hermione Granger?" he asked.

"Yes. Why?" Hermione asked suspiciously.

"It's just that you've been very famous in France recently. It's nice to meet you," the boy exclaimed happily, simultaneously sitting down and shaking Hermione's hand.

"Thank you…?" Hermione said. She wasn't sure if this was a good thing or not. She decided to go with something safe. "What's your name?"

"Ahh yes! Sorry! My name is Thomas. Thomas Dupoix."

"Good to know you Thomas. You know, technically, you're not supposed to tell me where Beauxbatons is!" Hermione said, trying to make Thomas laugh. He did. "Oh look! It's Durmstrang," Hermione said excitedly.

The Durmstrangs marched in a single file line. Hermione was surprised by how uniform they were. They all wore rather boring uniforms of gray and black. They all passed without looking at anyone and once they reached the head of the Hall, they stopped and all turned simultaneously. There was a new Headmaster of Durmstrang. He had a gray pointy beard and gray eyes. He stopped where his students had and bowed. Everyone was rather surprised. They knew this was meant to be formal, but no one thought it would be this formal. McGonagall introduced the new Headmaster, Professor Wilhem. He gave a small speech much like Madame Maxime's and then let his students sit where they wanted to.

Hermione took a glance at Draco and noticed his gaze was fixed on her. A student inquired as to if he could sit by Draco but he didn't notice as his gaze was so intense. Hermione laughed when he finally realized the boy from Durmstrang. She made eye contact with Draco and laughed. He gave her a small smile.

McGonagall gave them one last speech. She informed all the incoming students that, in order to promote international bonding, they would be following the students of the same grade. They were to follow the house table they were sitting at.

"I suppose I'll follow you then," Thomas said to Hermione good naturedly.

"Yes, I suppose so," Hermione said giving him a smile. Breakfast was served so Hermione began taking things on her plate. "So, what do they say about me in France?" she asked, interested as to what Thomas would say.

"Well, after last year, you and your friends -- Ron and Harry are they? – became very well known throughout France for how you had the courage to defeat Voldemort. You are known as very brave and extremely smart."

"Really? Well that's interesting… Was France on Voldemort's side or the resistance's?"

"Oh, France was definitely not on Voldemort's side but we never really made it clear which side we were on. France believed it was better to stay neutral," Thomas said with a wink. Hermione laughed at this. She could tell Thomas and her would get along well…

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On the other side of the room, Draco was staring at the boy sitting next to Hermione. Who does he think he is? Draco thought. Obviously Hermione was very well known in France so why would this moron be sitting next to her? Don't you think you're being a little over protective? a voice whispered in his head. No. he replied angrily. He's French! I can't underestimate him! Draco knew he was being rather racist but he didn't care.

He continued to glare until he was caught by Hermione. She looked at him, or rather, right next to him. Draco turned to see what she was looking at and found himself face to face with a boy from Durmstrang who had just asked him if he could sit with him. Draco said no rather rudely and watched the boy walk away rather confused. Draco returned his gaze to Hermione. She was talking to the boy! How stupid can you be! Draco screamed in his head.

After a while, Draco decided to eat something. He something, not really paying attention to what it was, and started chewing. He had finished the roll when he thought it was about time to head to class. I wonder what we're going to do in DADA? No doubt something useless. Draco thought, scowling. He stood up and walked over to the Gryffindor table.

"'Lo," he said, greeting Hermione.

"Hey! Oh, this is Thomas Dupoix, from Beauxbatons," Hermione said, looking up from her conversation with him.

"Hello!" Thomas greeted.

"Hi. Tu parles français?" Do you speak French? Draco asked stiffly.

"Mais oui! Toi aussi?" Why yes! And you?

"Ouai, je parle français. Donc, écoute. Si tu la endommages, je te tuerai. Tu comprends?" Yeah, I speak French. Listen. If you hurt her, I'll kill you. Understand?

Thomas was taken aback. What had he done to have that barked at him? He didn't even reply. He just stared back at him.

"Draco!" Hermione hissed. She took him aside, asking Thomas not to move. "What did you tell him?" she asked.

"That if he hurt you I'd kill him." Draco replied simply.

"What?! Why would you scare him like that?" Hermione demanded, glaring at him.

"Hermione, he could be working for my father! You don't know anything about him!"

"Draco, I highly doubt he works for your father. He lives in France! And why would he work for your father?"

"Hermione, I didn't think Portsmouth worked for my father and look what happened to me! I almost got myself killed! I don't want that happening to you." Draco said, his gaze piercing.

Hermione stopped glaring at him. She walked to him and gave him a brief hug. "Draco it's sweet that you're worried, but really! I can take care of myself! I promise, nothing's going to happen to me," Hermione said comfortingly.

"Just… Just watch your back Hermione OK?"

"Alright. But seriously Draco, don't worry," Hermione said, turning away and going back into the Great Hall. Draco followed her. "Sorry Thomas, there was a bit of a misunderstanding there," Hermione said.

"I see," Thomas said, giving Draco a look of disdain.

"Sorry. I'm a bit… odd these days," Draco said.

"Understandable," Thomas said.

"So, shall we be off to class?" Hermione asked.

"Sure," Draco said.

The three of them reached the DADA classroom in a few minutes. Hermione noticed that the table and chairs were still in the same place they had been last time they had class.

"Oh no! We have to dance again?!" Hermione exclaimed. She was quite sick of this. It had been months and they hadn't learned a thing. "I'm going to fail my N.E.." she stated pessimistically.

"No you're not!" Draco said. "We're already ahead Hermione," he pointed out.

"Yeah but still…" Hermione said. "Do you have to take the N.E.?" she asked Thomas curiously.

"No. What are those?"

"These horrible tests," Hermione moaned. Draco laughed.

"I bet she'll get all Os." he said to Thomas. Thomas smiled. It was then that everyone started coming into the classroom. Hermione heard general moans about the dancing. Then Ormson came in.

"Now class, I want you to pair up with someone from a different school than you. Off you go!" she said as she saw people were being hesitant.

"Would you be my partner?" Thomas asked Hermione formally.

"Of course!" Hermione said blushing. "Oh, good luck finding another partner Draco," Hermione said regretfully.

"Thanks," Draco said, voice dripping with sarcasm. He flashed Hermione a quick smile to show no hard feelings and stalked off to find a partner.

After about five minutes, everyone had found a partner. Draco was with a girl from Beauxbatons who he was having a conversation in rapid French with. Hermione looked at the two of them and was surprised to find a feeling of jealousy. Why would I be jealous? I know he would rather be with me than her – oh, I did not just think that! Hermione thought. Suddenly, the music started and she was traveling the room with Thomas.

"So… I was wondering… Are you planning to go to the ball with anyone?" Thomas asked smoothly.

Hermione was rather taken aback. She had only known Thomas for an hour or so and he was already asking her to go somewhere with him? Upfront much? "Sorry. I'm already going with Draco!" Hermione said.

"Oh. Are you dating or something?" Thomas asked. He looked rather dejected.

Hermione felt like slapping him. Why did everyone assume that just because she was doing something or going somewhere with a guy, she was dating him? It was really starting to tick her off. "No," she said sullenly.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to offend!" Thomas said. He sounded quite sincere.

"It's alright. It's just that last year when me and Harry and Ron were out… trying to kill Voldemort, most people assumed that me and Ron were dating."

"You weren't?" Thomas said, hoping for a reaction from Hermione. She glared at him. "Just kidding, just kidding!" he said hurriedly, starting to laugh. She stopped glaring and started laughing as well.

The song they were dancing to was quite long, so Hermione had plenty of time to look at Draco and his partner. The girl was blonde and had striking purple eyes. Is that even possible? Hermione thought skeptically. The girl kept eyeing Draco hopefully as if he would sweep her off her feet at any moment. Keep dreaming, Hermione thought evilly. She continued looking at Draco and his partner, wondering what they were talking about.

Hermione and Draco had to deal with another 45 minutes of class before they could go.

"That was horrible," Hermione stated frankly.

"Ditto," Draco said.

"You thought so? I think it was better than our Defense Against the Dark Arts class. It's quite difficult for me," Thomas admitted.

"Hermione and I have a leg up as we fought in the battle last year," Draco said, looking at Hermione with one eyebrow raised. She glared at him as if to say 'what?'

"Did you fight with Hermione?" Thomas asked curiously. Hermione took a sharp breath.

"Yes. I did," Draco said. Hermione looked up at him, surprised. 'Sorry about that!' he mouthed. Hermione gave a small nod as if to say 'that's alright.'

Hermione, Draco and Thomas went down to Herbology where they repotted some harmless plants. Clearly, Professor Sprout was willing to risk those going to Hogwarts' safety but not those who came from outside the country.

"Is this what you normally do?" Thomas asked.

"No. I think it's just because you guys are here," Draco said, as if blaming them. Hermione gave a quiet laugh. She knew how Draco liked working with dangerous plants.

Herbology passed quickly. Then it was time for lunch.

"You know, I must say, I like a lot of things from Hogwarts better than Beauxbatons but the food… How do I put it?... It's terrible." Thomas said quite sincerely.

Both Hermione and Draco laughed. "Well, French food is the finest in the world!" Draco pointed out.

"I agree with that!" Thomas said.

The three of them separated for lunch and ate rather quickly. They were still a few minutes early for Charms so Hermione suggested they show Thomas the lake.

Hermione, Draco and Thomas trooped down to the lake and sat by the ice.

"You have much more space than we do at Beauxbatons," Thomas pointed out. "We have a rather small Quidditch pitch but that's all. It's ironic considering how many chateaus are in France."

"So why don't you have one of them?" Hermione asked.

"The government isn't as… open minded as the one you have here. They said all the chateaus are needed for tourism and such." Thomas said. If you weren't looking at him, one might expect a pout to appear on his face.

Hermione and Draco looked longingly on the ice, wanting to ice skate. "We'll have to wait to ice skate during the weekend…" Draco said sadly.

"I suppose so. Hey, remember when we went swimming in here?" Hermione asked, laughing.

"Of course! How could I forget?" Draco exclaimed amusedly.

Too soon, it was time for the three of them to go to class. They headed back to the castle.

The Charms classroom was empty by the time they reached it.

"What do you suppose we'll do?" Thomas asked.

"The class is still trying to perfect non-verbal spells," Draco said, rolling his eyes. Hermione glared at him for being so tactless. 'What?' he mouthed. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Oh really? At Beauxbatons we're starting to make things have conversations with us. Right now we're doing mirrors."

"Wow, that's really advanced!" Hermione said, surprised. I guess it's just Hogwarts that's behind… she thought.

Class started within a couple of minutes. Today, they were going to continue with the non-verbal spells. They practiced the wingardium leviosa spell. Hermione and Draco had a non-verbal competition to see who could get their feather the highest. Draco won. He smirked at Hermione who stuck her tongue out at him. The next spell was the engorgio spell. Hermione and Draco again had a non-verbal contest to see who could get their mouse the biggest. Hermione won that one. She smiled cruelly at Draco who bowed his head in defeat. They both broke out in to quiet laughter.

Class ended quickly.

"Well that was refreshing," Thomas said. "Your next class is the last right?"

"Yep," Hermione said. She was tired and wanted to start working on Animagi stuff with Draco. They thought they would be finished in March if everything went well.

"What do you have?" Thomas asked.

"Potions." Hermione said. "It's the class I actually have to think in a bit,"

"Idem," Ditto Draco said.

"Tiens! Tu parles bien le français!" Wow, you speak good French! Thomas exclaimed.

"Ouai, je sais," Yeah I know. Draco said. Eternally modest, Hermione thought, rolling her eyes.

Draco and Thomas had a conversation in French about why Draco had bothered to learn French and why he was so good. Please don't let him slip! Hermione thought. All Draco had to say was that he was from a pureblood family and Thomas would curse Draco into oblivion. Assuming that he could.

Fortunately, Draco had his wits about him and didn't slip so he was fine. Hermione heaved a sigh of relief when they entered the potions room. Hermione knew Slughorn would have something… festive in store for them. She had not forgotten the cupids he brought in one Valentine's Day. Ugh they were horrid! Those poor House Elves… Hermione thought piteously.

Sure enough, Slughorn had something planned. "Alright class. Today, I've decided that instead of concocting a potion as usual, we would get to know each other!" Slughorn said quite cheerily.

Oh we have time to get to know each other but I can't have the time to brew a potion for my leg! Hermione thought, scowling. She saw Draco make an expression as if to say 'what's wrong?' Hermione pointed to her leg. She saw Draco's eyes soften and his eyes looked rather guilty. She saw him conjure parchment and an inked pen. He scribbled something on the parchment and turned it into an invisible bird. The bird flew over to Hermione's shoulder and became visible.

Hermione unfolded the bird.

Hermione, we must heal your wound. Tonight we'll work on it instead of Animagi. I'm sorry I completely forgot about it… Draco

PS. What do you think of the bird? Impressed?

Hermione looked over at Draco and smiled at him. She smoothed out the paper and wrote on the other side while looking over at the rest of the class to make sure she wasn't caught. She made a little red fox and sent it over to Draco.

Draco saw the little red fox running towards him and held out his hand. It crawled into his hand and he unfolded it.

Don't worry about it Draco. I don't blame you for forgetting, I mean, it's not your leg that's in almost constant pain… (That was not intended to make you guilty) Hermione

PS. No. My fox is way cooler.

Draco looked up at Hermione who was smiling at him. He scowled at her. She laughed.

"Now Draco, you tell us a bit about yourself," Slughorn said. Damn you to hell Slughorn, Draco thought.

"Hi. I'm Draco Malfoy. I'm… arrogant and I speak fluent French…" Draco stated, not knowing what to say. What should he say? Hey, I'm Draco Malfoy and I'm a pureblood and I was a Death Eater last year. Stay away from me if you know what's good for you; my father might be after you. Oh yeah, you didn't know? He's the new Dark Lord, Draco thought sardonically.

"Alright Draco," Slughorn said. He seemed relieved that Draco wasn't going to share his past with the rest of the class. "Hermione? Care to tell us a bit about yourself?"

"Sure. I'm Hermione Granger and I love reading. I'm rather anti-social." she stated. I'm Hermione Granger and my parents just died and I think this ball is the most stupid thing ever and I want to go to dinner now, she thought.

"OK…" Slughorn said slowly. He didn't want to press Hermione though; he'd heard that she was going through a lot. He continued asking people around the class to describe themselves.

After another boring half hour, class finished and it was time for dinner. Hermione and Draco were both relieved to be out of class. Thomas wasn't really looking forward to dinner.

The three of them reached the Great Hall and ate. Hermione talked with Thomas while eating and pretty soon it was time for him to leave for the carriage.

"I'll see you at the ball tomorrow!" Hermione called out to Thomas as he left. She saw him wave.

Hermione heard a voice next to her. "Hey. Ready to work on the potion?" Draco asked.

"Sure," Hermione said, walking with him towards the room of requirement. "So, are you still sure that Thomas works for your father?" Hermione asked amusedly.

"Nooo…" Draco replied, drawing out his answer. "But I'm still going to be cautious!"

"You do that," Hermione said laughing at his paranoia.

Hermione and Draco had just reached the room of requirement and entered. Their usual cauldron and potions ingredients stood inside, cast in a dim blue light. Hermione conjured the potions book and turned the page to the next potion they hadn't tried yet.

"Here. The potion's on the left and the antidote's on the right. I'll work on the potion OK?" Hermione asked.

"Sure," Draco said good naturedly. He put the book in the middle of the floor so they could both see it and got to work.

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"I've finished with the antidote!" Draco called out over the bubbling brew.

"Perfect. I'm done with the potion. Here, put yours in a flask and I'll put mine in one," Hermione responded.

"'K," Draco said. He poured some of the antidote into a flask and vanished the rest of the potion. Hermione did the same.

"Ready?" he asked her after they had finished cleaning up.

"Yeah," Hermione said. She took a doubtful look at the orange potion and then gulped it down. She felt extremely cold. She couldn't feel anything; not the pain, but unfortunately, she couldn't feel her arms or legs either. "It doesn't work!" she moaned.

"Here's the antidote," Draco said glumly. Hermione swallowed it down and breathed a sigh of relief when she could feel her extremities again.

"I can't believe this! What spell did Voldemort cast on me?" Hermione cried. She was sick of her leg causing her pain almost every minute.

"I'm sorry Hermione; I don't know what to say… If we can't find a potion in the book we'll have to come up with one ourselves."

"If only Slughorn would let me work on it in class…" Hermione said, thinking aloud.

"He's Slughorn; he's pretty set in his ways," Draco stated.

"I suppose so…" Hermione said, walking towards her room. "See you in the morning!" she called out to Draco.

"See ya!" Draco replied. The both went their separate ways to bed…

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Hermione woke. Ugh. Today's the day of the ball! she thought crankily. Damn. Hermione sat up in bed. She dragged herself to the bathroom and decided to take a bath before the ball instead of in the morning. She brushed her teeth clean and used the toilet. She pulled back her hair into a ponytail, got dressed and headed down the stairs.

"Hello," she said moodily to Draco.

"Hey! You seem quite cheery today," he said. Hermione gave a hollow laugh.

"I don't want to go to the ball!" she groaned.

"No even with me?" Draco asked with a pout on his face. Hermione smiled at that. "Here, let's eat in the flat today; I won't have to deal with Millicent."

"Or the news…" Hermione muttered, thinking of all the deaths that had been occurring. "OK," Hermione said, agreeing quickly. She didn't really want to deal with Millicent either.

The flat was warm with a fire when they entered it. Hermione sat next to the fire and warmed her hands.

"What do you want?" Draco asked.

"Uhh… I don't really mind. Get whatever you want,"

"Wow, you're quite decisive today as well!" Draco commented.

"Shut up!" Hermione snapped at him. He darted into the kitchen to escape Hermione's wrath. He asked a House Elf to bring them some bread and cheese. Draco took the wheel of cheese and the loaf of bread from the elf and brought it into the parlor.

"Satisfactory, your highness?" Draco asked, a look of mock concern on his face. Hermione broke down and laughed at his face.

"Yes, it's fine!" she said, taking a chunk of bread and using a knife to spread on some of the creamy cheese. She took a big bite and closed her eyes in bliss.

Draco watched her eat, happy she liked the food, and took some for himself. He and Hermione quickly got into a discussion about the books they were reading.

Draco was lounging on the couch while Hermione was sitting cross legged on a chair across from him.

"We should go now," Draco said.

"Oh, right. Care of Magical Creatures…" Hermione said, lugging herself up and off the chair. "Come on. We should get going," Hermione said.

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"I'll come at 6:45 alright?" Draco asked, walking with Hermione to the Gryffindor common room.

"Yeah. See you then!" Hermione called out. She ascended the stairs and went into her room. Hermione grabbed her dress that was hanging on a hook and brought it into the bathroom. She stripped out of her clothes and sunk into a warm bath. She scrubbed quickly and dried herself. She put the under dress over her head and put on the black jacket. She tightened the ties and wrapped the sash around her waist. She admired the dress in the mirror. I actually look pretty! she thought, quite happy. Now my hair… she thought decisively.

Hermione kept her hair wet, thinking it would be easier to tame. She brushed back her hair. She made a French braid on either side of her head and pulled them back into a knot. She looked at her face in the mirror and was pleased to see her reflection. She slipped into a pair of black heels and took one last look at herself. Wow. I look good, she thought, surprised. She turned a bit to see herself from different angles and was quite happy. Maybe tonight won't be quite as bad as I thought…

Hermione descended the stairs. She watched Draco's head turn towards her. His mouth opened. He quickly closed it.

Draco was wearing a black tuxedo and black robes. Hermione noticed he had slicked his hair back. To put it simply, he looked like a vampire. A very dashing vampire, Hermione thought, raising her eyebrows.

"We shall have to change your name to Edward!" she exclaimed when she reached the bottom of the stairs.

"And yours to Arwen," Draco said, still gazing at her. Hermione laughed.

"An elfin princess? Really? You like the dress?" she asked innocently, twirling around.

"You have no idea how much self control it's taking me not to just whisk you away right now," Draco said, taking Hermione's hand. Hermione laughed while still spinning. Suddenly she found herself in Draco's arms.

"Hey," he said, looking into her brown eyes.

"Hi," she whispered back.

"Shall we go?" Draco asked, releasing Hermione from his grasp.

"Sure," Hermione said, hooking her arm inside Draco's. They walked down to the Great Hall arm in arm. Hermione gasped when she saw the decorations.

The tables had been moved and the floor was its usual stone, but there was a certain dark tone to everything. The lights were quite dim. There were silver, gold, black and slight traces of blue all around the enormous hall. The colors were brought in by streamers and tiny lights that seemed to float in midair.

"It's beautiful," Hermione breathed, looking around.

"We chose to do only one color from each house. I think it worked out well," Draco said smugly.

"Ditto," Hermione said. "Wait, did you actually put up the decorations?"

"No, we got the House Elves to do them for us. Relax Hermione, we paid the ones who would accept it," Draco said.

"Oh," Hermione said. They did get paid, she thought to herself. Then she noticed that no one was on the floor.

"Are we obscenely early?" she asked skeptically.

"Yes, but I wouldn't call it obscenely so," Draco said chuckling. "Here, we can wait by the staircase instead," he said.

Hermione and Draco waited by the stairs for other people to come.

"Do we get an orchestra?" she asked.

"Is a string quartet good enough?" Draco asked, again, smugly.

"Perfect," Hermione whispered.

"Maybe the night won't be as bad as you thought," Draco said, seeing the entranced expression on Hermione's face.

"Maybe not… I do have you!" she said, looking in to his eyes. He laughed quietly.

"That, you do," Draco whispered.

"Ohh look! People!" Hermione said excitedly.

"Perfect," Draco said, voice weighed with sarcasm.

"What would you rather have? Just you and me?" Hermione asked, also sarcastic.

"Yeah…" Draco said guiltily. Hermione laughed.

"Come on!" Hermione said, springing to her feet. She took Draco's hand and walked with him into the ballroom. There was no music as of yet; it was time for ---

"I hate socializing." Hermione stated.

"Idem, chèrie," Ditto darling, Draco responded. Hermione laughed.

"Come on, let's see if we can find Thomas," Hermione said, pulling Draco with her. They searched the Great Hall until Hermione spotted him.

"Hey!" she greeted.

"Hi!" Thomas exclaimed, turning towards her, away from the crowd of people he was conversing with.

"What did you do all day?" Hermione asked. She knew he had been on the ship the entire day and was curious to know what he had done.

"I mostly talked to my friends. Here," Thomas said, motioning for his friends to join them.

"This is Gaspard, Frode and Michael," he said, pointing to each one in turn.

"Hi," Hermione greeted. She noticed Draco had vanished from her side. Where'd he go… she wondered.

Hermione introduced herself to Thomas's friends and graciously excused herself. She walked away and searched the crowd for Draco. She quickly found his face and walked towards him.

"Hey. Why'd you leave?" she asked.

"Sorry, I spotted Millicent," Draco said, the name causing him to shudder.

"Ahh, I see," Hermione said. "What are you going to do if she asks you to dance?"

"Tell her that I'm otherwise engaged… dancing with you," he said, with an evil grin. Hermione laughed. "Oh yeah… I forgot to tell you… The Heads are supposed to start the ball with their partners…" Draco said, wincing. He hoped Hermione didn't kill him.

"WHAT?!" Hermione yelled. Quite a few heads turned to look at her. She shot them glares. She stared at Draco for a while before finally relenting. "Fine," she said.

"Thank you! You realize that if you had said no I would've had to go with Millicent!" Draco said.

"Perish at the thought!" Hermione said dramatically placing a hand above her heart and swooning. Draco laughed at her pose.

"Excuse me! May I have your attention please?" Ormson inquired.

"No you may not," Hermione muttered. Draco smiled.

"To start off the ball, the Heads and their partners will dance the first dance. Afterwards, whoever wishes may join. Enjoy yourselves!" she said, stepping down from the platform she was standing on. It quickly sunk to the floor and became leveled.

Draco, being the gallant gentleman he was, bowed and offered his hand to Hermione. She took it and together they gracefully stepped on to the floor. They were joined by Parvati and her date.

"Ready?" Draco asked.

"No," Hermione said grumpily.

"You look beautiful," Draco said truthfully. This made Hermione laugh. "Try to enjoy yourself, OK?"

"Fine," Hermione said resignedly.

The music started. It was a very slow classical piece by Fauré. Draco put his hand around Hermione's slender waist and took her hand in his. They looked in to each others eyes; whether to avoid everyone else's glances or just because…

Hermione and Draco spun around the dance floor, looking into each other's eyes until the song ended. They stood still, their gaze still locked.

"Was that terrible?" Draco asked quietly.

"No," Hermione answered. "We should probably get off the dance floor,"

"Are you mad? Unless… you don't want to dance with me anymore…" Draco said, looking quite sad.

"Of course I do! I just thought it would be rude to stay while… you know, no one else is up here," Hermione said, looking around.

"I've been to more balls than you; trust me," Draco said, smiling. Hermione smiled back.

The music started again. Again, Draco and Hermione danced.

"So, do you like classical music?" Draco asked, twirling Hermione out.

"I love it!" Hermione exclaimed when she was back in Draco's arms. "You?"

"Ugh. Detest it."

"Detest it, do you?" Hermione asked, laughing. Draco stuck his tongue out at her. She laughed for what felt like the hundredth time that night.

Hermione's feet were starting to hurt. "How about some punch?" she asked Draco.

"Sure," he said, though he seemed reluctant to leave the floor.

"Am I the best partner you've ever had or what?" Hermione asked, giggling.

"I'd be lying if I said yes," Draco said slyly. Hermione, instead of bursting into tears, burst out into laughter. It was infectious; Draco chuckled.

"I don't suppose they have fire whiskey," Draco commented, distraught with its lack.

"No, I don't think they want anyone to get drunk," Hermione said primly. As soon as she finished her sentence, the classical music ended. It was replaced with a stereo playing pop.

"Ew. Pop," Hermione said grimacing.

"Ditto," Draco said. He'd been saying that a lot lately. "Here, let's sit," he said, motioning to a fountain. They took their goblets and sat on the stone of the fountain.

"Hermione! May I have the next dance?" a voice came from Hermione's left. She turned and found Thomas.

"Of course Thomas," she said happily. He gave a slight bow and went off to mingle.

"So. You may not be the best dancer I've ever had as a partner but you're definitely the most interesting to talk to," Draco said.

"Really? Well, I mean, technically, I'm your first friend ever so that makes sense," Hermione said vainly. Draco chuckled.

"True, so true," he murmured, looking at Hermione's perfect hair, tucked into an elegant knot.

"You know, you really are beautiful tonight," Draco said quietly, looking into Hermione's eyes again.

"So I've heard," Hermione said, rolling her eyes. "You really are dashing tonight. I wasn't kidding about the Edward thing," Hermione said softly, smiling.

"I wasn't kidding about Arwen," Draco countered. His gaze pierced Hermione like a knife.

A slow song started up. "Go on Hermione. You promised Thomas," Draco said tonelessly. Hermione got up.

"The next dance is yours," she promised as she went off to dance with Thomas.

Draco watched her go. He watched Thomas dance with her. I am such a better dancer, he thought, smirking lazily. He had a strange feeling of jealousy. Why should I be jealous though? It's not like… OH MY GOD. I love Hermione. Draco thought about it. No I don't. Nice try, he thought to himself. Suddenly, as if a sixth sense had warned him, Draco looked up and found Millicent walking towards him. Perfect, he thought. He decided to stand and fight as he wouldn't have enough time to get out of her sight.

"Drakey!" she squealed. More like shrieked, Draco thought. I'm trying to determine whether or not I love someone. I don't suppose she'd let me do that in peace. Oh wait…

"Millicent," Draco greeted her formally. He touched the wand in his pocket and thought 'silencio.' Millicent's mouth opened and closed but no sound came out. Ha-ha, Draco thought. He walked away and shot a malicious glance at her.

Hermione… Draco thought. He watched her dancing on the dance floor with Thomas. That feeling of jealousy hit him again as he saw her laugh. Suddenly, he saw her face contort with anger. She whispered something to him, enraged, and left him alone on the floor.

Draco immediately started walking towards Hermione.

"Hermione! What happened?" he asked. Hermione threw herself into Draco's arms. Draco looked down into her eyes to see if she was crying. She wasn't. He hugged her tightly.

"Sorry. I needed that." Hermione said; she more angry than sad. "I told him my parents were Muggles and he… he said he couldn't believe he was talking to a piece of scum like me," Hermione said. "I'm just so… tired of being judged by my parents!"

Draco took hold of Hermione's arms. "Listen to me," he said. "You are not scum. He is. In fact, he's a filthy piece of shit for saying that. I thought he wasn't pro-Voldemort? Anyway, seriously Hermione, he doesn't deserve your attention. You're just so good and wonderful and I—" Draco broke off there.

"You what?" Hermione asked quietly. Was he about to say--?

"I'm so glad I know you," Draco finished lamely. That was pathetic, Draco thought, resisting the temptation to slap himself. I think… there's a possibility that I do love her… he thought.

Nope, Hermione thought, completing her earlier thought. Was I hoping he would say--? No of course not… Then another voice: Don't lie Hermione, you were, it snapped. I love Draco Malfoy. Hermione looked into his eyes again. They were beautiful; gray with flecks of green. She felt a strong desire to kiss him. Snap out of it Hermione! the voice barked. Hermione pulled herself out of Draco's arms. Come on, there's no way he loves you, the voice said practically. I suppose you're right… thought Hermione's romantic side.

"Thanks," she said lamely.

"Uhh… Fancy a dance?" Draco asked quickly. The music was still slow enough to dance to.

I fancy you, Hermione thought. That was just stupid, the voice snapped. Just… go and dance, it commanded. "Yeah, I'd like that," Hermione said smiling. They stepped onto the dance floor and danced.

"I don't suppose I can say 'I told you so' can I?" Draco asked.

"What, about Thomas?"

"Yeah,"

"Nope. He wasn't a Death Eater, just a prejudiced asshole. There's a difference,"

"If you say so," Draco said, chuckling.

They finished the dance and went to get more punch.

"I have found a new love," Hermione stated.

Draco held his breath.

"This punch," she stated.

Nope. Come on, I've hated her for years; why would she ever fall in love with me? he thought. "I wish it was a fire whiskey," he said longingly.

"Yes, because getting drunk is so much fun!" Hermione said laughing.

"Indeed," Draco said, drinking deeply from his goblet. "Come, it's Franz Ferdinand!" he exclaimed, pulling her to her feet.

Hermione and Draco danced, admittedly, rather differently than they had been earlier. Hermione sang badly along to the lyrics while Draco laughed at how off-tune she was.

They danced every dance. Laughing and ignoring everyone else on the floor. They both got drunk; the (usually) terrible music and the liters of punch both contributed. By the time most people left, Hermione and Draco were left, laughing, in Hermione's case hysterically, on the floor.

"We should probably get to bed," Draco pointed out. He had a bit of sense left in him.

"Alright," Hermione said, sad to leave. It had, in the end, been a fun night.

The two of them walked up to Draco's flat. Draco insisted that he would drop Hermione off at her room but it made more sense to go to the flat first as it was closer.

Hermione had finally stopped laughing.

"You know I know where you are!" she sang softly, out of tune, looking at Draco. He laughed. So did she.

"Seriously though Draco, I had a lot of fun tonight. Thanks." Hermione said, quite lucidly.

"I did too," Draco said honestly.

"Dance with me one last time?" Hermione asked.

"Sure," Draco said. They danced to no music, twirling around the room happily until… they stopped. In the middle of the room.

Hermione looked into Draco's eyes. She didn't quite know what was happening, but her next coherent thought was: Draco's mouth's on mine. HE'S KISSING ME? She didn't do anything, just stood still.

There was an awkward pause which was filled with the sound of breathing. "Sorry Hermione." Draco said, looking away. "I just… Sorry." He turned away, expecting Hermione to walk out the door and never come back. Instead, Hermione grabbed his arm. He turned around so he was facing her. She kissed him. He kissed her back.

After a moment, their lips parted. "I think there's a slight possibility that I may be in love with you," Hermione whispered, looking into his eyes.

"Touché," Draco breathed, his eyes sparkling.

"I should probably go. I'll see you in the morning Draco," Hermione whispered. But she didn't let go of his arm. They kissed one last time. Hermione kissed his cheek and left, turning to see Draco's expression. He was feeling his lips, as if to reassure himself that he had, indeed, just kissed Hermione Granger.

Hermione felt light headed. She smiled and headed towards her room. She had a feeling she wouldn't be able to sleep that night…

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Draco woke. He, amazingly enough, had had a dreamless sleep. He half sat up before he remembered the events of the night before. He fell back down in bed. I love her. I can't believe it… he thought. He felt as though he would burst from happiness.

Suddenly, he heard a tapping on his window. He got up and found Vicus. Nothing, nothing, can dampen my spirits today, he thought, untying the letter from the owl's leg. The envelope was black. That's odd, Draco thought, opening it. He heard a booming voice.

Draco remembered what a black envelope meant, he ran, trying to get away from it. He wasn't fast enough. He fell into a crumpled heap. He had just remembered that a black envelope was the way Death Eaters sent Unforgivable Curses…

Your skin, oh yeah, your skin and bones
Turn into something beautiful
D'you know? You know I love you so
You know I love you so
I swam across
I jumped across for you
Oh what a thing to do
'Cause you were all yellow
I drew a line
I drew a line for you
Oh what a thing to do
And it was all yellow

-- Yellow, Coldplay

A/N Heyy. I'm sure you loved the cliffhanger as much as I enjoyed writing it! So, for some clarification, the whole snitch thing was just an allusion to the 7th book as Harry dropped the old snitch somewhere in the Forbidden Forest. Oh right, I almost forgot… THEY KISSED!! YAY!!! I hope you thought the scene was good; I've never been kissed so I wouldn't know… (weep weep) You can tell I'm distraught about that… OK, I was an idiot and I didn't look at how 'Hogsmeade' was spelled and so I spelled it wrong every single time. Sorry about that! (And thanx to Hasna for catching that!) I don't really think I need to go back and replace every single time I used it but if any of you are really bothered by that, let me know and I can change it. So, great job on reviewing; more than 60. AMAZING! I wonder how long it'll take you to get to 100… let's try three more chapters… So, as is tradition, this chapter was 39 pages and 14,604 words! As one person so far has complained about the length, (and that was only because s/he was reading at night) I hope the chapters will continue to be greater than or equal to this one. (We'll see how that works out…) By the way, the song Hermione sang very badly just before she got kissed was Turn it On by Franz Ferdinand. Oh yes, everything about the whole 'Death Eaters way to send an Unforgivable Curse' will be explained in Chapter 11. The plot will really start moving after this so look forward to that! And with that, I conclude this super long A/N. Bisous! Last note, Yellow does not belong to me, it belongs exclusively to Coldplay. Now, I'm done. ~ the shattered star