Authors Note: Okay I don't know if I like this chapter or not but I really wanted to post tonight.

Thank you all so much for the reviews they really are encouraging especially when ya get stuck and don't know where to go with your story lol. You are the best and please keep it up.

Happy reading!

"We're here."

Hermione and Ginny went to reach up to the rack and forgot that they weren't there, they were with Harry and Ron. "Uh oh," Hermione said.

"What?" Draco asked.

"Our stuff is in Harry and Ron's compartment," Hermione answered.

"Hermione," Ginny started grabbing her by the hand, "If they try anything I'll hex their balls off, alright?" At this comment, Hermione giggled, Draco's mouth fell open, and Blaise started choking on something.

"Okay," she laughed and followed Ginny out the door.

"Remind me not to get on her bad side," Blaise said.

"Tell me about it," Draco responded.

The girls walked down the hallway to where Harry and Ron were sitting and Ginny opened the door without caring to knock.

"What are you doing?" Ron yelled when they barged in.

"Shut up Ronald, we're getting our stuff," Ginny snarled. She got up on her tiptoes and started to pull Hermione's trunk down but she screamed when it started to fall on top of her. Harry's hands reached out and grabbed it before it squished her. "Thank you," she said turning to look at him as he took it down.

"I'm sorry Ginny," he whispered, looking at the floor. She smirked at Hermione and lifted his chin up.

"It's okay," she said and she turned to Hermione and mouthed, 'told you he couldn't stay mad at me.' Hermione rolled her eyes and took her trunk from Harry with a thank you. He didn't respond.

Harry proceeded to take Ginny's trunk down and she thanked him with a chaste kiss but Harry had pulled her in for another kiss and it didn't seem likely they were going to be stopping anytime soon. I'll see you later Gin," she said.

Hermione made her way back down the hall and wasn't oblivious to the whispers that followed her.

"That's not Hermione."

"She's gorgeous, she doesn't look anything like her."

"Granger? As in Hermione Granger?"

"Who does that filthy mudblood think she is? Draky is far too good for her, he belongs with me." Hermione knew the voice of the pug faced Pansy Parkinson all too well.

She made her way down the hall to the bathroom, willing herself not to cry. It was hard, but she extracted her uniform and put it on. The door was closed and she was alone so she let a few tears escape. "Summer's definitely over," she said bitterly.

With a final tear she put on a determined face and wiped her eyes. She was at the door, ready to open it, when she heard the voices outside.

"Apparently Hermione Granger was all over Draco Malfoy in the hallway."

"It couldn't be Hermione, I've been sharing a room with her for years and she'd come home I tears because of the things he said to her."

"No really, I saw it with my own eyes. She's a traitor."

"You're not kidding then?"

"Didn't I already tell you already that I was? I saw her, she was snogging him in the hallway! What would Harry and Ron think?"

"I don't know but I think Ron's kind of cute."

"Yeah, I guess he is." Hermione had had enough. She slammed the door open and saw the faces of Lavender Brown and Hannah Abbot. Hannah was the one calling her a traitor.

They got really quiet when she came out.

"Oh!" Lavender squeaked, "Hermione… is that you?" She asked.

"Don't act like you don't know. Hannah those were some nasty things you just said. I didn't think you were like that." She said icily.

"I didn't think you'd be one to betray Harry and Ron like that Granger," she said holding her ground. If one said Hermione was stunned by Hannah's aggression they would be accurate.

"Well Abbot, if we're playing the surname game, it's Zabini by the way," and with that Hermione dragged her trunk and stormed back down the corridor. Lavender and Hannah were left speechless.

Blaise and Draco were putting their uniforms together when Hermione walked in. They immediately noticed her 'I want to murder someone' mood and were afraid to ask. Blaise took a deep breath and hoped she wouldn't kill him.

"Are you okay, honey?"

"Do I look okay to you Blaise? Really, do I?" She asked, venom dripping off every syllable.

He put his hands up in a surrender position, "I just wanted to know if there was anything I could do."

She sighed deeply, "I'm sorry, I just had a little run in with Hannah and Lavender."

"What happened?" Draco asked pulling her into his arms. He was worried she was going to pull away but no such thing happened.

"They were just talking a lot and saying stupid things. They called me a traitor then me and Hannah really got into it. She called me Granger and er… I corrected her," she finished.

The doors opened signaling their arrival at Hogwarts, "This is going to be interesting." Hermione slapped a hand to her head.

"Draco we're prefects! We haven't done any patrolling," she grabbed his hand, "We have to get the first years to Hagrid!" Draco looked at Blaise apologetically.

"I'll grab your bags," he said sarcastically.

"You're the best Blaise!" Hermione called and they went out the doors and into the night.

"FIRST YEARS OVER HERE!" She called… well more like demanded. If he didn't know she was wrapped around his finger, he would be terrified so he didn't blame the little twerps that came up to her for shaking.

"Draco, help me," she hissed.

"Er, FIRST YEARS GET YOUR ASS OVER HERE BEFORE I CURSE YOU!"

"DRACO! That is not helping!" She practically growled. He backed up a little bit this time and shrugged. Her eyes rolled in his direction as she brought the little ones to Hagrid.

"Hi Hagrid! How was you're summer?" She asked conversationally. Draco cringed anticipating his reaction.

"Who 'er you?" He asked gruffly and Hermione let out a cry. Draco put his arm around her and led her to a carriage.

"What about the first years?" She choked out.

"Don't worry about them," he said climbing up to the carriage. When he sat down he pulled her onto his lap. Her head was in her hands.

"What am I going to do?" She asked when they started moving. They could speak freely because they got a carriage to themselves, people feared Malfoy.

"It will make more sense to everyone when Dumbledore gives his speech," he whispered hoping to soothe her. She sighed and kissed his neck, the place her head was buried into. He smiled and held her tighter. "At least we don't have to sneak around," he said.

"I think we should," Hermione said taking Draco by surprise.

"Why?" He couldn't deny he was hurt. She didn't know how much he was relying on her to help him get through this year. He didn't want her help with his mission, he wouldn't get her involved in that, it wasn't safe. He needed her to keep him grounded, keep his head on straight.

"Well… I don't know." She conceded. Why did she want to exactly? It's not like people wouldn't know, she announced it already. What was she going to do? Plan a breakup then sneak around? No.

"Don't do that to me," he whispered.

"Draco, are you okay?" She asked pulling her face away to look at him. He nodded and kissed her fiercely.

"Please don't do that to me," he practically pleaded.

"What's the matter?" She asked sensing that there was something behind this that he wasn't telling her.

"Don't make me do this without you," he said barely low enough for humans to hear.

"Do what baby?" She asked and he immediately realized his mistake.

"Er, just don't… please."

"Why." She demanded point blank. He was starting to worry her.

"Because I need you," he said. Her heart fluttered in her chest and his was trying to beat its way out. They were both shocked at his declaration but he had the added fear that she would reject him, push him away because he had changed.

She put a hand on his cheek and smiled, "Okay." She said and they both knew what that meant. He wasn't alone anymore, it was as his mother said, he would do anything to keep her safe. Even if that meant giving his own life.

She was worried about him but at the moment he had a small smile on his face and that gave her a little encouragement. She may not have admitted it but she needed him too.

The carriage came to a stop knocking them both out of their thoughts of each other. Hermione got off Draco's lap and went to leave the compartment but he grabbed her hand and spun her around for a kiss before he let her leave. They looked around and found that they were among the last to arrive. Apparently, herding first years took more time than they thought.

Hermione groaned and Draco grabbed her hand as they walked through the oak doors into the Entrance hall. People were milling around slowly making their way to the Great Hall where they would eat until they couldn't eat any more and Dumbledore would tell everyone of Hermione's true heritage. Oh God.

The pair ignored the whispers they got as they went by. Most people simply didn't believe it was the same Hermione they came to know and love. The Slytherin's were looking at Draco like he lost his bloody mind.

The nightmare wouldn't be complete until they walked into the Great Hall. The second they did every eye was on them. They stood in front of the tables defiantly, holding each other's hand for dear life. This was going to be an interesting year.

Draco squeezed Hermione's hand lightly before walking over to sit next to Blaise. She looked to her brother and he had an encouraging look on his face. When she looked about to cry he stuck her tongue out at her and she laughed a little before making her way to the Gryffindor table. She was met with stares from every single person. Ginny was waving from halfway down the table and she motioned to the seat she was saving for her. Hermione sighed in relief and slid into the seat trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.

The person Hermione didn't know on her right scooted far away from her and she was mildly distraught. Neville was sitting across from her but he just looked sad. Hermione decided to act normally.

"Hello Neville, how was your summer?" She asked pleasantly.

"Er, it was okay," he said nervously looking back to his plate.

"Neville?" She asked timidly and he looked up, "I'm still Hermione," she said but she was cut off because Dumbledore stood up demanding the attention of the entire student body.

His twinkling eyes rested on Hermione for a second longer than everyone else as he raked his gaze over the scene before him, "Welcome friends, to another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. To my older students welcome back, to our younger students, we are so happy to have you.

As usual I have a few start of term notices, pretty standard. Mr. Filch has asked me to tell you that if he finds one dungbomb he will hang you upside down by the ankles." Dumbledore smirked at that and continued, "There is also an extended list of banned items taped to his office door.

Also, we have, as I fear I have said a few too many times, a new addition to our staff. Horace Slughorn had so willingly agreed," Harry snorted at this a few seats up from hers, "to come back to his old post as Potions Master." There was a near riot at this and Dumbledore silenced them all real quick, "As I was saying, he will be the new potions master. Defense Against the Dark Arts will be taken over by none other than professor Snape." The Slytherin table gave him a standing ovation. He grinned evilly at them and waved a hand in recognition.

"This year we will have improved security measures and new rules to enforce your safety. You will not like them but I suggest you follow them, they are there to keep you from harm. There will be a list posted in your common rooms.

And finally, I would like to announce something and clear up any rumors you might have heard." He stopped here and looked at Hermione, "I know all of you know our very own Hermione Granger. Well, it has come to our attention that she is not of muggle heritage. You see Hermione is in fact a pureblood her ancestory was hidden from her for private reasons. Her true last name is shared with another student among your ranks. Hermione Granger may look a little differently for the glamour charm placed upon her at birth was removed. I would ask her to stand up but I know I would embarrass her to a new level so I won't ask her to do that," she breathed a sigh of relief before he continued, "So I would like to tell you Hermione Granger is really Hermione Jean Zabini." There was a louder flurry of voices at this than at Snape's comment. Everyone was staring at her and Blaise, giving all sorts of looks. Hermione looked down and Ginny grabbed her hand for comfort.

"Attention!" Dumbledore called, "As I was saying, she is still Hermione, the same girl who has probably helped you with your homework more than or shared a pleasant conversation with and I expect you to treat her as such.

And now, I know I'm hungry and I know the pudding will be delectable so without further ado, tuck in!"

Dumbledore finished and got a much less enthusiastic response then normal. Student's heads were together talking over the latest piece of news. Neville's head shot up and he looked at Hermione.

"You're related to that kid in Slytherin?" He asked.

"Yes," she said quietly.

He seemed to know he hurt her feelings, "I'm sorry Hermione, that wasn't very nice."

"No, it's okay Neville this is kind of overwhelming, I just wish something was normal right now."

He smiled, "Well tomorrow I'm probably going to need help with my homework tomorrow night, will you help me?"

Hermione smiled from ear to ear, "Of course I will, thanks Neville," he smiled and returned to his food. Ginny grinned and Hermione's heart wasn't beating so hard anymore. She still had friends, she just needed to get back the ones that meant the world to her.

Hermione spent the rest of the feast trying to ignore everyone and talk to Ginny. Just as she started to have a good time Dumbledore told them that it was time for bed. Ginny pulled Hermione off the bench and led her to the Gryffindor tower. She wanted to wait for Draco and Blaise to say goodnight but there were just too many people.

She went up the seven flights of stairs without a fight. Hermione was a prefect and therefore already knew the password, "Amortentia." She said and the fat lady waved elegantly and opened the door. The entire Gryffindor house seemed to be in the common room. They became silent when she entered. They were waiting for her.

"Hermione? Is that really you?" Parvati asked timidly.

"Yes," she said with her head down. She looked around briefly before and noticed the absence of Harry and Ron previously.

"How did this happen?" someone asked.

"My Mum's a witch… and my Dad is really Peter Zabini. They were trying to keep me safe," she reasoned.

"What about Malfoy?" Lavender asked quietly.

"My brother and Malfoy are best friends, we became close this summer," she whispered.

"That isn't cool Hermione," Seamus said.

"I know it's not," she admitted and Ginny looked at her with an angry expression.

"How could you deny him like that?" She hissed. Hermione looked at her feet ashamed and Ginny took it upon herself to defend her best friend's boyfriend. "Draco Malfoy isn't really all that bad," she said and was responded with snickers and snorts of disbelief. This was not okay with Ginny and she drew herself up to full height and everyone knew what was going to happen. When Ginny did this, she was going to use her Mrs. Weasley voice and everyone was scared of her when she did this. "You will not punish Hermione for this, do you understand me!?"

"Yes," people mumbled and Ginny looked victorious.

"Thank you, now go back to whatever it was you were doing," she said. Hermione went to her dormitory without another word or backwards glance and was followed by her present savior. She flopped down on her bed and Ginny sat down next to her.

"You're my hero, Gin," Hermione said.

"As I should be, now do you want me to leave you alone so you can sleep?" She asked and Hermione blushed before she nodded. "I'll see you for breakfast," she said.

"Wait Ginny!" Hermione called and the red head turned around with a 'mhmm?' Hermione swallowed, "Thanks." Ginny's face softened.

"You're welcome, now get some sleep girl." She closed the door with a soft thump and Hermione blessed the fact that nobody had joined her. Her pajamas were laid out for her and she changed quickly and was going to crawl into bed but not before she heard a slight tap on the window. She went over and saw a tawny owl perched on her windowsill.

Hermione untied the letters and watched the owl fly away before she turned to her bed to read them. She had a feeling she knew who they were from.

She opened the first one:

Little one, what's up?

Listen, I'm sorry about everything today. I got bombarded with questions and everyone telling me you're unbelieveably hot. I had to beat 'em away with sticks honey. You would have been so proud of me.

Well, it wasn't all me. Draco threatened to torture them until the end of time if they tried anything.

I shouldn't take all the credit even though I'm going to.

Now anyway, I want you to keep your head up and come find me if you need anything. I'm always here for you remember that. Now enough with the sappy madness, let's play a prank or throw a party or something I'm bored already.

Let me know! Love ya sis,

Blaise.

Hermione smiled and giggled at her brother. He was really very good to her and to think she thought him arrogant and practically evil less than a year ago. She put the letter on her nightstand and opened the second one.

Hey babe,

I'm sorry about everything today. I wish I could kill everyone that hurt you but I think that would make you man. I really wanted to take all your pain away.

I don't really know what to tell you other than thank you. You have no idea when you did when you said we could be together Hermione. You have come to mean the world to me.

I have to end this quick because Blaise is bored and is looking for a partner and crime and who am I to deny him? Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow.

Sweet dreams baby,

Draco

Hermione smiled and hugged the letter to her chest. She had about a minute of quiet before the door burst open and her fellow sixth years came barging in. The letter was hastily tucked under her pillow and she turned over pretending to be asleep.

"Is she sleeping?" someone asked.

"Yeah," they answered from somewhere close to Hermione's bed.

"So what do you think about this?!" Parvati asked.

"I think Malfoy's freaking hot," Vicky said.

"I agree," Lavender squealed.

Hermione squeezed her eyes shut and willed her mind to think of anything else. This was not a conversation she needed to hear right now.

But of course not, Hermione Zabini was having a very bad day and allowing her to sleep would eliminate the fun of whatever higher power there was that was enjoying making her miserable.

She had to endure about two hours of giggling and gossip before the other girls went to sleep. When they did, she relaxed and her mind slowed down enough for her to fall into a dream filled sleep, all about the one person that couldn't leave her mind.

Draco Malfoy.

Wise men say, only fools rush in,

But I can't help falling in love with you.

A-Teens (lol) and Elvis

Ending Note: Eh, not one of my best or longest. Reviews would definitely be appreciated. Thanks in advance everyone. Love you!