Chapter 12

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Hermione felt the dread swooping in agan as she walked towards the Great Hall. She knew Ron would try to kiss her again this evening and for the first time she felt her heart recoil when she thought of it. She knew everything was happening really fast with Draco but she couldn't stop herself from being attracted towards him. How was she to choose? Draco was brilliant and he did his homework with the same fervour as she did. Something she had noticed that very day. Ron on the other hand was well Ron. He hated homework and pretty much everything related to studies. Ron was not much of a gentleman. He never opened doors for Hermione or hold her books for her even. Hermione had never let this thing bother him. She always thought that Ron respected her and therefore did not want to seem superior to her by doing any of thse things. He treated her as an equal. But when she was with Draco she reconsidered all these things. Draco treated her as an equal yes. But he also realised that at the end of the day she was not as strong as the male species! Hermione felt she had the best of both worlds with Draco....he respected her as an individual and simultaneously treated her like a true gentleman.

Her mind was still whirring searching for the differences when she practically walked into Harry who was entering the Great Hall as well."Sorry Harry."

"Its ok 'Mione",he looked at her,"Is something wrong? You look a little odd."

Hermione brushed her hair back from her face as if it would erase the worry from her face,"No Harry I'm just fine. Been a little stressed out thats all."

Harry still looked at her suspiciously but let it drop. Hermione walked in and sat down opposite to Ron next to Harry. She didn't do this intentionally. She just liked to see who all entered the Great Hall and Ron was sitting with his back to the door. She piled her plate with a little of everything and glanced at the door.

"You're really hungry aren't you?",Ron commented looking at her full plate. Hermione shrugged and took a tiny bite and again glanced at the door.

It was almost 15 minutes later when Ron and Harry had started on dessert and Hermione was still only halfway through her meal thanks to the tiny bites she was taking when she looked up and saw Draco entering the Great Hall. He looked at her and winked and Hermione lowered her head to ensure no one could see the blush creeping over her cheeks. Ron was too busy eating chocolate eclairs but Harry noticed this exchange. He turned to ask Hermione about it but she had suddenly started gobbling down her meal. He watched her stunned. When he finally raised his head he saw Malfoy looking straight at her. However when he saw Harry looking at them he sneered and continued eating his lunch.

Hermione finished the remainder of her lunch in record time and waited patiently for Ron to finish. Her eyes kept swivelling past Ron to the Head boy but Draco having already been spotted by Harry kept his head bent over his food. Harry shook his head as he watched Hermione looking at Ron as he ate. He probably misunderstood the wink Draco passed Hermione. Here was Hermione waiting so patiently for Ron......she would never hurt him. With a satisfied smile he got up,"I'll see you in the common room"

Ron nodded and Hermione smiled up at him.

When Ron finished eating he stood up and held Hermione's hand as they walked out. Hermione could feel eyes boring into her and turned to find Draco looking slightly hurt and slightly angry. She sneaked a smile his way and he smiled back.

When Ron and Hermione entered the common room they found Harry and Ginny snogging in a corner. Ron turned to face her with a mischievous smile,"Seems like a nice way to spend the afternon"he wiggled his eyebrows at her. Hermione smiled and swatted him playfully. Ron picked her up and carried her to the loveseat present in the common room. A couple of people catcalled. Ron sat down and put her in his lap. Then he bent his head and kissed her. Hermione stiffened against him. When Ron noticed that she wasn't responding he pulled back to look at her,"Is everything alright Mione?"

"No Ron. Stomach ache"she faked a moan,"Think i ate too much!!" Which was partly true. She was feeling quite light headed and sleepy after eating so much.

Looking concerned Ron put her down. He hugged her tightly. "I need to tell you something Hermione."

Hermione raised her head from where she was resting it against Ron's shoulder,"What is it Ron?"

Ron's ears turned red,"Never mind"he rested his head on top of Hermione's and closed his eyes.

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A/n:I need reviews to know u like it!!