A/N- Thank you for all the lovely feedback on the last chapter. My FF account seems to be determined to be a piece of shit and not let me answer everyone. Once again, I apologize if you did not get a response to your review. Enough of that now, onwards we travel!

Disclaimer: None of these characters or the base story line belongs to me. My own personal twist, sure, but that's it. Maybe some day I'll come up with a totally badass fantasy world. A girl can hope, lol.

Chapter 11

October 1, 1998

Hermione was enjoying her breakfast. Perhaps not as much as she would be enjoying Tippy's breakfast, but she wasn't going to complain. She was currently halfway though her meal and was hoping she could catch Theo alone.

The last week and a half had been busy, but not unbearably so. Hermione had been able to do all her rounds, complete all her homework, and still have time to spend with her friends and brother.

Hermione and Theo had only grown closer since their heart to heart about Draco. She had been worried at first that Theo would be angry with her if she didn't date Draco. She knew they were best friends, had been since they were small children.

Theo had been quick to reassure her that he didn't want to pressure her in any way. He wanted her to give Draco a chance, but he would never hold it against her if she didn't. His words and obvious sincerity had put her at ease, making her heart feel much lighter as she made her decision.

As for Draco, she wasn't sure if Theo had told him that he had enlightened her as to how he felt. He treated her no different than he had before with the exception of maybe being a little more attentive to her.

Hermione had thought long and hard about her feelings for Draco Malfoy. She couldn't be sure that she was in love with him, she just didn't believe that love happened that fast, but she knew without a shadow of a doubt that she had feelings for him. The way her heart raced when he touched her in any way, the way she felt as if she mattered when he blew off another girl to talk to her. Yes, she definetly felt something for him, exactly the reason she needed to speak to her brother.

Ginny and Neville finished their meal and stood, Ginny getting ready to make her way to Transfiguration and Neville on his way to check on his Herbology plants. Hermione had Ancient Runes with Theo and Draco, but knew that if she didn't pull Theo to the side before class, she would never get a chance to speak with him.

Therefore, she mustered all her courage and stood so she could make her way to the Slytherin table. Hermione could feel eyes on her from all the tables and she couldn't help but feel nervous. It wasn't a secret that she hated being the center of attention.

Theo and Draco had their backs to her today, something that usually didn't happen, but she had assumed that the other side of the table had been full. She could see that Draco and Theo were talking quietly amongst themselves, completely ignoring the stares that she was garnering from their table companions.

Deciding to just quietly interrupt the two of them and ask if she could see Theo for just a quick moment, she approached Theo from the side that he was leaning away from. She laid her hand on his shoulder softly, intending to speak his name when she suddenly felt her arm twist behind her back with a wand pressed into the soft skin of her throat.

Her arm felt like it was being ripped out of it's socket as she whimpered in pain. Instantly, the wand left her throat (even though she was sure that she would have a bruise) and her arm was released. Hermione could feel herself being turned around while she was still flexing her fingers, making sure that she wasn't injured.

Theo had a horrified look on his face, his hands cupping her cheeks and then brushing her hair off her face. Draco looked on in worry and Hermione could see Professor McGonagall looking on with a furious look on her face. Hermione didn't get a chance to worry about it before Theo pulled her into his embrace, kissing the side of her face and her cheek over and over.

"Merlin, Princess, I'm so sorry! You startled me, I didn't mean to hurt you. Are you hurt?" Hermione shook her head no against his chest, but cried out when he leaned his face down on her shoulder. His head shot up and Hermione could see how horrible he felt in his expression.

"It's fine, Theo. It's just tender. Whoever taught you to do that did a great job." Hermione was trying to lighten the mood but she wasn't sure it worked. She raised her head and smiled at him.

"Can we talk, just the two of us? I need your advice. That's what I came over for." Hermione could see the joy in his eyes that she needed him, but it was still tempered with regret.

"Of course, Princess. Lets go find an empty classroom." He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and Hermione could tell the pain was already fading.

Eyes were on the twins as they made their way out of the Great Hall together. Professor Mcgonagall no longer looked angry, but the whole of Gryffindor House was obviously fuming. Hermione could only hope that Neville and Ginny wouldn't be angry. It was apparent that she had startled him. She would have reacted the same way in his position. Theo took her into an empty classroom and silenced and warded the door. When he turned, his face was remorseful.

"I'm so sorry, Princess, I don't want you to think that I would ever hurt you. I know I was a prick before, that I tried to kill you, but I'm trying to be a better person. I don't want you scared of me like you were when you woke up in St. Mungo's."

Hermione crossed the expanse of the room so she could hug her brother. She wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her cheek on his chest. A few tears squeezed out of her eyes, but she would never admit to it. She felt a huge surge of affection for her twin.

"Teddy, I'm not scared of you. You have proven to me over and over that you only want to take care of me. Please don't get upset over this. I know if you had known it was me, you would have put your arms around me, kissed me on the head like you always do, and agreed immediately to help me out." His arms tightened around her, but he said nothing. She lifted her head to see his expression when she realized why he wasn't speaking. Her badass twin brother wasn't crying, but his eyes were wet. She instantly felt terrible.

"Oh, Teddy, please don't cry! I'm not mad at you, I swear. I know you would never hurt me." He gave her a slight smile before he kissed her forehead.

"You're more than I deserve, Princess." She scoffed loudly at him before deciding that a subject change would be best. She didn't want to draw more attention to his emotional moment.

"I've thought about Draco." His gaze snapped to hers, urging her on, but he remained quiet.

"I'm not sure I'm in love with him, but I definetly feel something for him. I think I may have messed things up though because I told him I loved him the night we got that letter, remember? What if he expects more than I'm ready to give?" Theo sat on one of the desks and pulled Hermione so she could sit in the chair. He picked up a few strands of her hair and began twirling them around his fingers.

"You have nothing to worry about, Princess. Draco knows you aren't the kind of the girl to just jump into things. He's not going to expect anything, he'll just be thrilled you have feelings for him other than hatred and revulsion." She reached out and traced random patterns on his trousers with her finger, taking in his words.

"You promise he won't expect me to start shagging him right away?" Hermione hated how vulnerable her voice sounded, but she needed her brother's assurance. He curled his fingers in her hair so he could raise her face to meet his gaze.

"I promise he won't do that. He loves you, Princess, I've heard all about you since you broke his nose." She gave him a smile before she nodded.

"I think I'd like to give him a chance. How do I go about doing that? I've only been asked on a date once, by Victor." Theo looked astounded.

"How did you end up dating Weasel then? I know you have to have more experience than just Krum. I know he was your first everything but..." His voice trailed off and Hermione felt embarrassment. Her head dropped and her hands began to knot together in her lap.

"Victor was my first. He was the first person to ever make me feel like I was pretty. Ron and I kissed during the Final Battle, honestly it was months of tension that finally just boiled over. He never asked me to be his girlfriend, he just started kissing me and telling everyone I was his." Theo laid her head down on his knee.

"That was wrong of him. He shouldn't have just assumed like that. Another reason I'll never like the Weasel." Hermione just laid there and said nothing. Theo sighed.

"What you do is take Draco aside tonight in your common room and ask him how he feels about you. Make him say it. You may have to press a little because he thinks you don't need anymore stress right now, but he'll cave and tell you. Then tell him you have feelings for him. I guarantee you, Draco will take care of the rest." Hermione lifted her head and met his gaze.

"That easy?" He smiled at her.

"That easy. Now I have a question for you." Hermione nodded.

"Does Ginny believe in casual or is she a 'dating' kind of girl? She's fit and I wouldn't mind getting a piece of that, but I don't want to hurt her. She's your friend and I don't want to make either of you miserable." Hermione smiled at him, her mind already running through the scenarios of the situation being presented to her. She took a deep breath and started.

"I know Ginny has been with boys before but she definetly doesn't do casual. The two boys she's been with she dated and had feelings for. On the other side, though, she's hurting from her breakup with Harry. She still loves him and she knows that he broke up with her so he didn't have to feel guilty for finding companionship. I don't know what she would do now. I think you should talk to her and she what she says. If you're respectful, she probably won't hex you." Theo just laughed and nodded.

"You got it. I'll remember that when I talk to her." She gave him a smile as she got to her feet.

"We're going to be late for Ancient Runes and I'm sure Draco is wondering where you went." Theo snorted as he watched her unward and unsilence the door.

"More like he's wondering where you went." Hermione gave him a genuine smile as she left, heading back to the Great Hall to retrieve her satchel.

-O-

Draco waited impatiently for his friend and Hermione to make their way to Ancient Runes. He was already in his usual seat and had all his things out and ready for the lecture. However, he wanted more than anything to make sure that Hermione was alright after Theo had hurt her. Finally, Theo came through the door and took his usual seat next to Draco, small smile on his face. Draco wasted no time leaning over.

"Is Hermione alright? She isn't hurt, is she?" Theo's gaze darkened a little but only for a moment.

"She says she's fine, that the pain is already better. Can't believe I freaked on my sister." Draco gave him a supportive look, one that bordered on being Hufflepuff.

"She understands, I'm sure she does. Haven't you ever noticed that she's the same way? She spooks easy, but she hides it well." Worry clouded Theo's face, but he didn't comment on it. Instead, he gave his friend a smile.

"Make sure you're in your common room alone tonight. Hermione needs to talk to you." Draco's heart leapt at what his friend's words could mean. Before he could speak though, Hermione breezed in, smile on her face and took the seat next to her brother.

Draco didn't get a chance to speak to either of them as Professor Babbling began their three hour long lecture on Greek runes. It was a fascinating class and one of Draco's personal favorites. He took meticulous notes, determined to get an O on his N.E.W.T.s this year.

When Professor Babbling dismissed their class after giving the assignment, Hermione stood and gave a quick excuse of needing a book from the library before she disappeared out the door. However, Draco was determined to get answers from his friend.

"What is she going to tell me? You can't just leave me hanging like that." Theo gave him a smile as he clapped him on the shoulder.

"I can and I'm going to. It's her show and I expect you to be honest with her." Draco wanted to punch his friend in the face but he didn't. He couldn't ask Theo to break Hermione's trust; Draco himself would never break it so why should Theo. He sighed and decided to let it go. However, a herd of stampeding hippogriffs couldn't keep him from his common room tonight.

-O-

Hermione found the book she needed from the library in hardly any time. Her many years of experience of searching in Hogwarts library had finally started to pay off. She rounded the corner outside the library and ran straight into Pansy Parkinson. Hermione just wasn't sure that she could deal with the Slytherin's shite so she muttered a quick apology before she began to make her way around her. Pansy simply sneered in her direction as she spoke.

"I hope you aren't thinking that Draco actually wants you. Everyone sees how he treats you, like you're some sort of porcelain doll who can't do a thing for herself. I just thought you should understand that that is Draco's way of playing you. He does that to all the girls that he's trying to shag. Merlin, that boy made me feel like a princess until I finally gave in. I don't like you, but no girl deserves to get played by him. He'll win your heart and then crush it." Hermione didn't know what to say since she couldn't say for sure or not if Pansy was lying. Not wanting to make a fool of herself when she had no idea what she was talking about, she gave the Slytherin a nod and continued on her way.

Hermione went to the Great Hall and settled into her usual seat by Ginny. She pondered saying something to her friend about Theo, but decided that he was experienced enough in the art of getting women to sleep with him that he didn't need any help. When Ginny told her that he had approached her, she would caution her friend to be careful. Everyone knew Theo didn't date.

Much the same as she had assumed about Draco. Hermione had believed her twin's words about the blond, had believed him when he told her that Draco loved her. Could the blond be tricking her brother about his feelings for her? She knew that Pansy could be lying, that it was a very good possibility, but her leeriness to get hurt made her wary.

As lunch passed, Hermione finally decided to dismiss what Pansy had said and give Draco the benefit of the doubt. He hadn't been terrible or mean to her in any way since she had discovered Theo was her brother. In fact, he had helped her several times through very hard situations.

Hermione rose from her seat as class time drew near. She had Potions next with Theo, Draco, and Neville. Professor Slughorn was still their professor and it was quite apparent that he didn't care how much anyone learned in his class. Sure, he taught the subject, answered any questions, but just let students get away with half-arsed answers that Severus Snape would have scrubbed out with red ink and found "blithering idiot" across the top of their parchment.

Hermione took her usual seat before she looked up and saw that their rotund professor had wrote down pairs for their class that day. She had been placed with Draco and she couldn't have been happier. The Slytherin was extremely gifted at potions and was considering a career in potions after school.

Theo was paired with Parvati Patil which Hermione assumed he would enjoy. She was beautiful and had a body to die for; if anything Theo would enjoy the view, even if the pretty girl completely ruined his potion. Neville was with Pansy Parkinson and Hermione could only feel a spark of sympathy for her friend. He wasn't abysmal at potions anymore, but he still wasn't very good. If he did anything wrong, Pansy would scream at him and tell him he was stupid.

All the students began filing in the room, quickly finding seats with their partners. Hermione chuckled to herself at the look of horror and disgust when Theo saw his name paired with Parvati's. Maybe Hermione had wrongly judged his reaction entirely.

Draco sat next to her with a smile on his face, unloading his bag and getting his parchment and ink ready. Since it was a three hour class, Professor Slughorn usually lectured for the first hour or so and then gave them their instructions for brewing. She leaned over and brushed her hand against his so he would look over at her.

"May I speak with you tonight in the common room? It's important." Draco gave her a solemn look and nodded. It made Hermione wonder what Theo had told him. She hadn't expressly told her brother to keep her words to himself, but she didn't think that he would betray her trust so easily. Hermione smiled back.

"Thank you. Right after dinner." Draco squeezed her hand as he spoke.

"I'll be there, Princess." She squeezed back briefly before she turned from her friend to their professor that had just entered the room. He spoke with his hands, which always made Hermione want to laugh.

"Today, were going to begin the process of brewing veritaserum. I will lecture for thirty minutes before each one of you will sample the potion and be asked questions so you fully understand what the compulsion feels like. Lets begin."

Hermione just wasn't sure how good of an idea it would be for the whole class to be exposed to veritaserum. It definetly had potential for ending in disaster. However, when Professor Slughorn began his lecture, both Hermione and Draco hunkered down and took meticulous notes.

As a general rule, Hermione enjoyed potions; Professor Snape had been more than accurate when he had told them that it was an art, a science, not just simply throwing a bunch of ingredients together. Hermione enjoyed it, excelled at it, but her heart lay in Transfiguration. Everyone had told her she was crazy for years for loving it, but there was no escaping it as the truth.

Promptly thirty minutes after he began, Professor Slughorn finished. As they all tucked their notes and quills back into their satchels, the professor revealed a small vial full of completely clear liquid. Hermione couldn't help the flutter of nervousness as Professor Slughorn began to speak.

"Everyone will answer questions and then be given an antidote. There will be no inappropriate questions or any of extremely personal nature. If someone asks these questions, there will be substantial points loss and detention." The class murmured their understanding as a whole so Professor Slughorn began. He began with Theo and Parvati. Theo looked about as pleased at taking truth serum as she was sure that she did. He waited a few seconds before he turned to Parvati. She gave him a smile when she started.

"How do you like having Hermione as a sister?" He struggled with the compulsion, but finally gritted out an answer.

"I love that Hermione is my sister, she's the most important person in my life." Parvati gave him a satisfied smile before she dropped the standard three drops in her mouth. Theo smirked evily at the Gryffindor.

"Why are you mean to my sister?" Parvati shot him one of her dirtiest looks before she ground out the answer.

"She's so beautiful now, plus she's smart. No man will ever look at me if she's around." Hermione couldn't help but feel a little astounded at the girl's admission.

Hermione let her mind wander to what questions Draco could possibly ask her. She knew exactly what she wanted to ask him and they weren't anything bad. She just hoped that he didn't take advantage of her while she was vulnerable.

When it came time for their turn, Hermione embraced her Gryffindor courage and offered to go first. She dropped the three drops of the clear, tasteless liquid on her tongue and felt the second that it took effect. She had just turned to Draco to let him know that she was ready when a person sitting three feet to the left of her spoke. Pansy.

"How do you feel about Draco Malfoy?" Hermione wanted to cry as she tried to fight the need to answer the question. Finally, she spit the words out even though it was against her will.

"I'm not sure I love him, but I think I very well could. I think he's attractive and caring and I can only hope that someday I'll be good enough for him." Hermione couldn't believe what she heard herself say. She already wanted to melt into floor and then Pansy made it worse.

"Aw, she's got pure blood, but still has problems with worth since she was raised a filthy mudblood." Hermione hated running away, but she hated for people to see her tears even more. As she grabbed her satchel and bolted, she heard Theo stand up and begin speaking. However, she didn't hang around to hear what was said. The last thing she heard was the door slamming after her.

-O-

Draco couldn't believe what he had just witnessed. Never in a million years did he expect Hermione to feel anything for him. Yet, he had just witnessed her say that although she didn't love him yet, she very well could. His attention turned back to the yelling around him and realized that Hermione was gone and Theo was on his feet screaming at Pansy.

"How dare you belittle my sister because someone wants her and nobody wants you! Nobody will ever want you, Pansy, because you're used up. Every guy in Slytherin has fucked you in so many ways, none of them will ever want you as a wife."

After his words, Professor Slughorn stepped in and tried to calm Theo down, who looked positively thunderous when Pansy started laughing at him. The Slytherin began screaming at his Head of House to do something, anything, to Pansy for causing the trouble that she had. It wasn't until Theo hit the Professor where it hurt that he offered to do anything.

"I will make sure my sister, Hermione Granger, knows that her professor did nothing when she was harassed in class. If she doesn't take it to the Headmistress, I guarantee she'll drop this class. She doesn't need your shite teaching to pass her N.E.W.T. anyways." Being a man that prided himself on the important people he had taught that were so fond of him, he turned to Pansy, face hard.

"Your actions appall me, Miss Parkinson. I can't believe that you would terrorize a hero to our world. Fifty points from Slytherin and three nights detention with Mr. Filch." Draco felt little satisfaction at his professor's words. He was even more surprised when the rotund man before them spoke again.

"Class dismissed. Everyone be ready to brew the potion next class period." Draco gathered his things quickly, as did Theo, and made the decision to go find Hermione.

After her confession, he knew she would be hurt and embarrassed. The only way to make her feel even a tiny bit better about herself would require him spilling his feelings of love for her. He wasn't scared now that he knew how she felt, but he was still nervous nonetheless.

He pushed out of the classroom, decidedly determined to find Hermione, when he realized he wasn't alone. Pansy was right behind him, cheshire grin spread across her face.

"That was just the sweetest of confessions, wasn't it, Drakey?" Draco had never wanted to hit a woman so badly in his life. His hands found her shoulders and shoved her up against the wall outside of Potions so he could lean menacingly down in her face.

"You leave Hermione alone. If I hear even one more time of you harassing her, I swear to Salazar himself that you'll regret it." She graced him with a sweet smile.

"Aw, Drakey is in love. That's so sweet." It was in this moment that all went to hell in a handbasket.

Pansy threw her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss. He was so stunned that he wasn't able to pull away for a few moments. However, in the few moments that their lips met, his world was wrecked. He glanced up and saw Hermione standing ten feet down, face frozen in shock with tear stains on her cheeks. Still the consummate Gryffindor, every emotion she had flitted across her features before her face went impassive. Betrayal, hurt, anger. Before Draco could push Pansy away completely, Hermione had turned and disappeared down the corridor. Draco turned to Pansy and shoved her away from him.

"You will never be Lady Malfoy. I will die alone and with no heir before I ever marry you so do yourself a favor and leave me alone."

Draco took off after the girl he loved, but she was gone. He had a feeling that he was even further from happiness with Hermione than ever.

-O-

Theo was trying to find his sister, had been for the last hour. She was definetly skilled when it came to hiding from others. He knew that she had always favored the Room of Requirement, but he didn't think that she had been there this year because of what had happened in it during the Battle.

Therefore, Theo wandered the castle, hoping that he would eventually find her. Slughorn had let them out of class early but that time was gone. It was now time for dinner and his sister still wasn't found. It was a stroke of luck that Theo turned the corner to find Ginny heading straight for him, small smile on her lips and humming slightly. Theo held his hand out to her to stop her.

"Please, Ginny, do you know where Hermione goes when she's upset? Things happened in Potions and now I can't find her." Worry passed over her face before she nodded.

"She always goes to the Owlery. It's always empty and quiet so that's her favorite place. Want me to come with you?" Theo shook his head.

"No, I think I need to make sure she's alright on my own. Thanks, Ginny." Without a second thought, he leaned over and kissed her cheek before he moved on, but not before he noted the pleased look on her face at his actions.

-O-

Hermione knew she was a bloody coward to hide in the Owlery from her friends and brother, but she couldn't make herself care in this moment. She would apologize tomorrow when she felt strong enough to face them.

She knew how stupid she was to believe that Draco had really loved her. Pansy was a bitch, true, but she had told Hermione the truth. He would do whatever he needed to to get what he wanted.

The fact that she had just confessed her feelings in front of a whole room had horrified her. When she came out of the girl's loo and found the object of her affection locking lips with Pansy, it had devastated her. It hadn't been her proudest moment when she had fled to the Owlery.

Now, she knew her eyes were red and her cheeks were stained with tears. She was the epitome of patheticness, she knew that, but she was considering her options. She couldn't face the Great Hall tonight so she was just leaning towards going to her dorms for the rest of the night. Hermione was aware that she had asked Draco to speak with her, but hopefully he would get the hint that she didn't want anything to do with him. It was at this point of her inner monologue that she heard the door open and watched Theo step in.

"Princess, what happened? I know you can't be this upset over telling people how you feel for Draco." Hermione lowered her head, not really wanting to talk about any of it. Theo wasn't having any of that, however. He knelt at her feet and laid both his hands on her knees.

"Tell me, Princess. I can't help if I don't know the problem." Hermione laughed under her breath.

"You can't help me unsee Malfoy pinning Pansy up against the wall and kissing her. Just when I decided to give him a chance. Guess I should be thankful I didn't waste any of my time on him." Theo was clearly surprised at her words. He moved to sit next to her so he could pull her into him.

"Explain." She took a deep breath as she began.

"I was horrified at what I said. Not because I feel them, but because nobody deserved to hear them until Draco had. I had decided to go back to class and brave the whispers and stares so I left the girl's loo. When I came out, I saw Malfoy there, his hands to either side of Pansy's head as he pinned her to the wall. Her arms were around his neck and they were kissing. I turned around and left before they noticed me." Theo was silent for awhile, just stroked a hand up and down her spine while she calmed down. At least five minutes had passed when Theo finally spoke.

"I don't know what the fuck kind of game he's playing, but I know that he loves you. He was drunk most of the summer because he couldn't get over what he allowed to happen to you at his home. I wonder if he was imperioused..." Hermione openly scoffed at his words.

"He wasn't imperioused. More like he didn't want to wait anymore for a boring, uptight, swot like me. Men have needs, or so I've been told by my friends. I knew from the start that I just wasn't equipped to meet his." Theo was silent. He really couldn't say anything because he had no idea what was the truth.

The pair sat there for another hour before Hermione finally rose to her feet.

"I just want to go to my room and forget this whole thing happened. You need to go eat dinner." Theo gave a sigh as he stood.

"Don't worry about me, Princess. Lets get you back to your room." His arm curled around her shoulders and they started out of the Owlery together.

Both were silent as they headed for the Head Dorms, Hermione secretly dreading seeing Draco there. No, not Draco. Malfoy. She would distance herself and not allow herself to be sucked in. All this killed her though. She had truly come to have feelings for him.

The pair entered the common room and Draco was there on the couch. He stood instantly and looked like he was about to speak. Hermione cut him off.

"Sorry, Malfoy, I don't feel so good so I'm not going to be able to speak with you tonight. Good night, boys." Hermione tried to leave Theo there with his friend, but he wouldn't be shaken off. He simply turned with her and followed her into her room. She smiled as he bent and picked up her favorite pajamas and handed them to her.

"I'll turn my back. Get changed." Hermione changed her clothes quickly as Theo stood with his back to her, patiently waiting for her. When she was finished, he gestured for her to get in the bed.

"In you get." Hermione wanted to smile at his version of taking care of her. Completely ridiculous, but insanely sweet. To make him happy, she crawled under the duvet and waited for him to come to her side. When he did, he kissed her forehead.

"I love you, Princess. Maybe things won't seem so bad in the morning." She gave him a small smile as she burrowed down into her pillow.

"I'm not so sure about that, but I appreciate your effort. Thank you, Teddy. I love you too." Hermione watched as he crossed her room and went out her door, leaving her in the silence.

Deciding that she really couldn't handle any more drama today, she rolled to her side and let sleep pull her under.

-O-

Draco had known it would be bad, but he hadn't thought he would be relegated to Malfoy again. That was like a dagger to his heart. He just hoped that Theo listened to him and believed him because he was going to be pissed that his twin sister was hurting. When Theo emerged fifteen minutes later, his face was stone. Draco could pretty much expect to have his arse kicked right now. Theo wasted no time brokering words.

"What the fuck are you doing? My sister has been crying over you since she ran out of that classroom. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't pound your face into nothing." Draco stood, his hands held up in surrender.

"I didn't kiss her, she kissed me. It caught me by surprise and I pushed her off as soon as I was able." Theo chuckled darkly.

"How does that happen when you have her pinned against the wall? That's one of your signature moves." Draco was getting pissed now.

"I pushed her against the wall and told her if she didn't leave Hermione alone, I'd make sure she would regret it. After she kissed me, I told her she would never be Lady Malfoy and I would die alone and without an heir before I married her. Look in my fucking head, Theo." Draco lowered the barriers in his brain that he needed to so his friend, who was rudimentary at legilimency at best, could access his memories.

Draco felt his friend probe into his brain and he helped him by shoving the memory to the forefront of his mind. He felt Theo flick through it several times before he pulled out. Draco immediately erected his barriers once again, distinctly uncomfortable without them. When he met his friend's gaze, his expression was sad.

"She was going to ask you how you felt about her tonight and then confess that she liked you too. I told her you would take care of everything from there and she was so happy. Now, she's trying to tell herself that she should have known better than to fall for you. This is a real piece of shite cake." Draco felt a flood of happiness at his friend's words, but then quickly realized his chances had just went to flat zero. Hermione was an extremely loyal person and she expected the same in return. He wouldn't have a chance in hell with her now. Draco raked his hands through his hair before he sat heavily.

"She'll never believe me. I'll never have her in my arms again." Theo punched him in the arm.

"You will. You apologize and you tell her the truth. Over and over if you have to. Make her believe it." Draco nodded.

"Thanks, man." Theo slapped him in the arm as he stood up.

"You ever hurt her like that again, they won't find your body." Draco knew he was serious so he simply nodded.

He watched his best friend leave and settled back into the couch, determined to think of a way he could get Hermione to forgive him.

A/N- A little drama in this one...hope you liked it! Thanks for all your support, it keeps me motivated! Leave me your thoughts, I love them so.

Love,

A