Hello. Thank you very much to those who have reviewed this story. Sorry about the delay in updating, been busy with work. I've outlined the next five to six chapters so hopefully that will do for better/faster writing. Much love ;)

I do not own any of J.K. Rowling's work, solely the plot to this story.

In an unsettled rage he placed his hand along the wall, storming into the small room and into the bathroom, turning the faucet on cold and splashing his face with the frigid water. He repeated the motion several times, the liquid near freezing but familiar, much like the water back at the manor. Only then did he look up to meet his reflection.

Draco scowled. Silver-gray eyes peered back at him, disconcerted and darting. His cheeks were flushed with the sudden decision to return to the room in such flight and his hair—

"Bloody Granger, of course she was wrong about that too. 'Just wet it and comb it through' ha! I look like a blond version of the Boy Who Wouldn't Die!" He made his way back to the shared room, throwing himself haphazardly onto his assigned bed. For a moment he considered summoning his bottle of Sleazy Gel, but gave a loud 'hmph!' instead.

No use now …damn mudblood. Why does she always have to fall or faint in front of me? She doesn't even give me a choice! Stupid, inconsiderate twit. It's not like I wanted to catch her every time she fell unconscious, or over her own bloody feet, for that matter. Clumsy idiot, probably get's it from Weasley.

He eyed the opposing bed in the room, neatly made with a single book on top. Without knowing why, he summoned it into his hand.

"Magic and Architecture: A History of the Wizarding World's Most Prestigious Locations." He read aloud. Draco sneered whilst throwing the book carelessly onto the floor. Malfoy Manor was undoubtedly in that book. Let the mudblood get a load of that!

All of a sudden Hermione's limp body flashed into memory, the feel of her smooth skin as he held her in his arms, her head thrown back over the crook of his elbow … soft lips melding into mine when I kissed her …

"Aaarggh!"

It's not like I wanted to kiss those disgusting mudblood lips! It was a dare! It just happened! Everything just happened!

Eyelids closed shut, tightly whilst Draco grabbed either side of his pillow and pulled it against his ears, as if shutting out any possible sound from the already silent room. He stayed this way for several moments, waiting for his mind to clear and his pulse to lessen.

Finally, after a deep breath, he opened his eyes.

Ok. Alright. Fine. I'll admit it. I did like kissing her.

In fact, it was the best kiss he'd ever experienced. Which was probably why he'd sought out the second kiss. Malfoys were, after all, a selfish species. Nonetheless, the fact remained that this was Hermione Granger. So no matter how amazing the first kiss had been, or how good her body felt pressed up against his, he would just have to forget it ever happened.

It's only physical after all. Mind over body. It wasn't as if he actually had any real feelings for her, just plain old carnal necessity.

-So now she's a necessity?

Aaah! Not you again!

-Draco, when are you going to get it into your head that you and I are one and the same?

Go away.

-Sorry, old friend. Not an option. So, we've at least established that we like the Gryffindor's body.

There is no we. And I haven't decided anything.

-You just admitted you liked kissing her.

…

-I'm your subconscious, so I know what you're thinking anyway.

Well then why do you even ask?

-Just taking note of any subtle changes.

Meaning what?

-Well, before, you denied any kind of attraction whatsoever. Now you at least admit you have a lustful one.

… Alright, fine. But there's nothing wrong with that. She's just a girl, after all. There's a whole bunch of them. Easily accessible to me.

-Ok, so if you only want that aspect from her, why do you always seem to be saving her?

She doesn't give me a choice!

-There's always a choice.

No, not this time! She bloody fainted on me!

-And you could've just pushed her off. Krum or the Weasel girl could've taken her from there.

Yeah well … that Krum is such an idiot he would've never noticed.

-Which proves you care for her at least a little.

That's it. I'm putting you away.

-And how do you plan on doing that?

Draco dug through his bags swiftly, searching and finding what he'd been looking for. A Sleeping potion. Without considering a second thought, he uncorked the top and took a long swig.

The effect was almost instantaneous. Drunkenly, he placed the potion on the accompanying dresser. Right before he fell asleep, however—

-Oh, very smart, Draco. Denial once more. Don't worry, I'll be here when you wake up.

But before Draco could think anything in reply to his annoying subconscious, he knocked out.

Harry and Ron stood outside the Gryffindor Common Room, arguing in hushed whispers. The Fat Lady had long since attempted to aid; she busied herself with watching the exchange with a tub of popcorn Sir Cadogen had given her in passing.

"You give it to her! She doesn't hate you!"

"No way! Then she'll start stalking me and calling me her little 'merry Harry' or something stupid like that. You have to give it to her."

"But Harry, as soon as I step within a fifty foot radius she's going to attack!"

"Well that's what this is for. Believe me, girls lose all rational thought when it comes to cute things—"

"She has no rationale!"

"Ron, you're being ridiculous."

Ron laughed bitterly. "Yeah, it's not your head that's going to get clawed at."

Harry grinned. "I already have a scar, thanks."

Ron looked at him incredulously. "Harry! That's not even funny and you know it."

Harry shrugged. "Doesn't matter. Seems we were wrong anyway."

Ron looked confused. "Wrong about what?"

"About Lav-Lav. She's not in the Common Room, she's straight ahead. Good luck!" And with that Harry gave a kick to the box at Ron's feet and sprinted away and around the corner.

"Meeooow!"

Ron jumped back in surprise, and then turned angrily towards where Harry had run off to. Before he could say or do anything in return, however, Lavender caught sight of him and the piercing yowl.

"Ron Weasley, what the hell's wrong with you! Do you live to irritate people? And what in bloody hell is that—"

"For you?" Ron closed his eyes and held the gray kitten in front of him as a shield. It was still crying. Harry was wrong, she's going to kill me and the kitty!

But much to his surprise—

"Awwww!"

Lavender snatched the kitten out of his hands and cradled it into her chest, 'oohing' and 'aahing' for the next couple of minutes.

Ron stood by awkwardly, nudging the box they'd had it in forward. But Lavender was too busy speaking to the small animal to notice.

"Oh, you're so cute, yes you are! I'm going to love you and kiss you and—"

"Um, Lavender?"

Lavender looked up in surprise, as if forgetting he was standing there at all. "What?"

"Well," Ron started hesitantly, "I was hoping you might forgive me and—"

"I'm not getting back together with you, Ron Weasley!" she snapped.

Ron looked horrified with the idea. "Oh no! No, that's not what I meant by this. Oh God, no," then noting her narrowing eyes he quickly added, "not that it saddens me, of course. You know, you being a great catch and all …" he faltered, his mind searching for the right words.

Luckily Harry suddenly appeared. "What he means, Lavender, is that he hopes you two can still be friends despite your past er, experiences. And if you'll accept this kitty as a sort of peace offering."

Ron glared at Harry. Harry struggled to contain his snorts.

Lavender pursed her lips. "A peace offering, huh? Hmmm, you do know you hurt me badly, Ron, right?"

Ron looked down guiltily. "Yeah …"

"And that you crushed a small piece of my heart."

"Yeah …"

"And that if you ever try to snog me again I'll personally see to it that you'll never snog or do anything else with another girl so long as I can help it."

Ron gulped. "Uh, ok?"

Lavender looked pensive for a moment, absentmindedly stroking the kitten as she did so. Then with a bright smile, she turned towards them. "Alright, apology accepted."

Harry and Ron looked at each other with identical expressions of satisfaction. Lavender was already climbing into the Common Room. As soon as she disappeared, Ron smacked Harry across the head.

"Ow! What was that—"

"For leaving me alone with her."

Harry grimaced and opened his mouth to retaliate but seemed to think better of it. Instead he grinned. "It was so worth it."

Ron smacked him again.

Voices.

She tried opening her eyes but was met with a bright light that forced her to close them again. She was vaguely aware of her own limbs, as if they were numb, and it smelled as if she were in an … infirmary?

"Look, I think she blinked!"

There was that voice again, though it sounded far away.

"She should be more conscious within several minutes. Have some patience, Ms. Weasley."

Ginny! Ginny was here! Wherever here was … She tried opening one eye, but again shut it tight. It seemed her vision was particularly sensitive. She focused back on her limbs.

"I'm sure she moved this time, look!"

Hermione grimaced, eyes still shut. Her legs felt leaden and her arms ached all over. Without realizing it she took a deep breath—

"She's waking up!"

—and groaned. Her stomach felt like it was on fire!

"Ms. Granger, can you hear me?"

"Hermione!"

"Quiet girl. In fact, maybe it would be best if you wait outside with Mr. Krum."

"But I want to make sure she's—"

"Ginny?" Hermione managed to croak.

Ginny leapt forward to grab the other girl's hand. "Yes! I'm here, Hermione."

Very slowly, she finally opened her eyes, wincing with the blurry images that met her gaze. Too bright. It was too bright.

"What you're experiencing, Ms. Granger, is an after side-effect of the poison you consumed."

Hermione's senses were slowly improving. "P-poison?"

The woman, now coming into focus, nodded her head. "Yes, I'm afraid it was mixed into your food. Luckily Mr. Malfoy caught you and took you out of harms way."

Hermione managed a frown. "Malfoy?" But internally her mind spun. Malfoy had saved her from those horrible Muggle-born haters?

"But why—"

"Ssh. No more talking please. Your vitals seem to be improving with the antidote I administered. Now I need you to rest."

"But I—"

"Not another word. , if you don't mind please say good-bye to your friend. She needs to rest."

Ginny nodded unenthusiastically. "Yes ma'am."

"But Ginny, I want to know—"

"In due time," Ginny smiled. "You rest and when you wake up I'll be here."

Hermione grudgingly nodded. She could already feel sleep pulling at her consciousness anyway. Just as she fell asleep, however, she couldn't help wonder: why did Malfoy help me?

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