CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The potions class was coming to a close. Hermione took her vial up to Snape's desk to be marked and started to clear her area up, hoping for once that they wouldn't be given any more homework. However, as the bell went, the potion's master called out over the noise. "I want a 15 inch essay on the following. Moonlight affects the brewing of potions. Discuss. To be handed in next lesson."

Hermione's groan joined that of most of the class. Since the start of school, a mere three days ago, the teachers had been piling on the homework more than ever before, suddenly aware of the closeness of the final exams. Even Hermione was starting to wish it was the holidays still.

Hermione caught up to Harry and Ron and chatted soberly to them. As they rounded the corner, they came across a large group of 6th years, all laughing. Hermione noticed Diego in the thick and gave him a small smile. Instantly, he detached himself from the group and made his way over to Hermione and the boys.

"Hey Hermione! Potter, Weasley! How were your holidays?" He said flashing Hermione a charming smile.

"Uh... good," Ron said, a look of disgust on his face. "Um... we'll see you later, Hermione," he said and turned, Harry following, an equally repulsive look on his face.

Diego did not seem to notice. "Hermione, you're looking very beautiful today. May I ask as to the occasion?" he said running a hand through his golden hair.

Hermione blushed despite the cheesiness of the comment. "No, there's no occasion," she mumbled. "How was your Christmas?"

"Oh, splendid. Now I was just wanting to ask you something."

"Yeah...?"

"Well...um... Do you think I should owl or speak face to face to someone if I like her?"

Hermione blinked. This was the people person Diego after all asking the bookworm...

"Well surely you would know better than I! You must have done that sort of thing before."

"Uh... well... not entirely. You see, I would like this to be more than just a date, touch kiss thing. But I know that if I tell her, I'll stuff it up."

Hermione tried not to blush at the image that came to mind. "Well, I suppose if you're shy, then a letter is quite romantic... I wouldn't really know..."

She trailed off. Victor had been pretty blunt in asking her to the ball and Ron... well Ron never really talked about them at all. However, this apparently was the right answer as Diego grinned, his confidence back. "Thanks Hermione. I'll catch you around eh?" He smiled warmly and disappeared, leaving Hermione staring after him slightly bewildered.



After dinner, Hermione was found in the middle of her common room, books and paper spread around her. She was writing frantically and was mildly pleased that Ron and Harry weren't around to ask her to check their work. On top of her school work, there was a large list of things to sort out as head girl, not to mention the fact that Malfoy hadn't touched the things needed to be done for Valentines yet.

The door opened and Blaise popped his head around. "Hey, Hermione! Can I come in?"
Hermione blushed and nodded quickly looking at her work. "Malfoy's in his dorm. He said not to disturb him. But then that might have been aimed at me."
"Ah well, best not anger him. Have you done the potions essay yet?"

"No. I was about to start that sometime..."

While Hermione kept stressing about her workload, and Blaise turned every now and then to glance up at Malfoy's door, the two worked in a comfortable silence side by side. It was only about ten when Malfoy came down to start his duty that their silence was interrupted.

"What on earth have you been doing, Malfoy? You do realise all that pile over there is things for you to do?"

Hermione was on her feet, half in anguish, half out of habit of trying to annoy the blond. Typically Malfoy would sarcastically reply or at least leer evily at her, but instead he sighed. "Yeah, I know. I'll do it sometime, Granger just..."
"Theo wants to know if you are going to give him back his book," Blaise started.

Malfoy however, moved towards the door. "Yeah... I'll catch you guys later I... yeah..."

The door closed and Hermione turned to look at Blaise. "He's been like that since Monday," she said, trying to keep the worry out of her voice.

"Yeah, I know. I wonder what happened over Christmas," Blaise said softly.

Hermione glanced at Blaise sharply and then sat back down to finish her sentence. She pushed her completed essay away and pulled over some of Malfoy's pile of Head Boy duties. There was a faint sound and Hermione turned to find Blaise watching her, his dark eyes expressive.

"What?" she said defensively.

"Nothing. Just watching you get yourself concerned about homework and duty and Draco and his duty. It's such a Hermione thing to do."
"I er..."

Blaise leaned over and pushed some hair away from Hermione's face. "Maybe that's why I like you."
Hermione's lips were dry. "Blaise?"
"Yes Hermione?"

"Can I... can I kiss you?"

Blaise gave a small smile. "As long as you promise not to make my nose bleed again."
Hermione blushed. When Blaise had kissed her in the courtyard, she had been so surprised she had 

inadvertently jerked her head back, knocking her chin on Blaise's nose hard. It had taken all of three attempts with her wand to stop the flow of blood.

Blaise noticed Hermione's hesitation and smiled, letting his hand dance across her cheek. He lent forward and closed his eyes, rubbing his nose against hers and breathing gently into her face. Hermione hesitated further, but then took the plunge, skimming Blaise's lips with her own. She blushed again upon feeling his warmth and slight stubble, but Blaise soon took control, which Hermione was only too happy to give up, this time around. He pressed his mouth more firmly to hers and carefully parted her lips to deepen the kiss. Hermione had been kissed before, but never so sweetly. Her hand glided up Blaise's back and gingerly touched his dark hair. After a moment, Blaise pulled away and smiled warmly. He brushed the strand of hair that persistently fell into Hermione's face back again and lent forward once more. Nuzzling the side of her face, he spoke deeply. "Shall we start on that potions essay then?"

A/N: Hehe Hope you are all enjoying :) I have officially planned out the final few chapters now so this story is heading in a definite direction now! (Probably should have sorted that out before I started!) Will post again soon :)