Over the next to weeks, things started looking up for Hermione. She had been doing her homework in the library and sleeping in the Room of Requirement to escape Pansy, who took every chance she got to make Hermione do something for her. The last time Pansy caught Hermione in their dormitories, she made her scrub the floor for an hour before Blaise got suspicious and came to her rescue. Blaise then 'let slip' to Malfoy what Pansy had been doing to Hermione and Malfoy got really angry and reprimanded Pansy. When Hermione inquired as to why Malfoy would care about her well being, Blaise explained to her that Malfoy had been getting annoyed at Pansy for trying to get him to tell her what his mission for the Dark Lord is.

But Pansy wasn't the only one who wanted to know what Malfoy was up to. Hermione was burning with curiosity. She knew that she had to tell Harry about it. If there was one person who would find out, it was Harry. He had a knack for eavesdropping and following people.

So Pansy backed off of Hermione as far as telling her what to do, but still shot her angry glares whenever she could. Hermione didn't care though, as long as she wasn't scrubbing the floor.

Things had gotten more intimate with Hermione and Blaise. They often curled up on the leather couch together and read. He would run his fingers up and down her arm and she would rest her head on his shoulder.

Fall was turning into winter fast and Hogsmeade trips were being scheduled. The Friday before the first trip, they were snuggled on the couch and Blaise spoke.

"Are you going to Hogsmeade?" he asked casually.

"Of course! I haven't had butterbeer in the longest time. I need to get a few sugar quills too. Oh, and I have to get Harry and Ron Christmas presents. I'll probably just get them candy from Honeydukes, or maybe I should get them something for Quidditch, seeing as they both play."

Blaise looked uneasy.

"What's the matter?" inquired Hermione. Blaise shrugged.

"I just...well…"

"Didn't think I'd get them presents?"

"No…I"

"It's alright, Blaise. I understand why it would be strange for you to hear that. Just keep in mind that Harry and Ron have been my best friends for the past five years. Not getting them presents for Christmas would be like saying that I didn't want to be friends with them anymore."

"You're right, I'm sorry. Of course you'll be getting them gifts, and you know what, so will I."

Hermione raised her eyebrows. "You are going to get them Christmas presents?"

"Sure. Why not? If you're friends with them, they must be good people who deserve one extra present on Christmas morning."

Hermione kissed Blaise on the cheek. "You're too sweet."

"That's what they tell me."

Professor Slughorn, a round, boisterous old man teaching potions this year had taken extreme interest in Hermione's intelligence. Although Harry's skills in potion-making this year seemed suspiciously amazing, she got praise for her good potions as well. She even got an invitation to his Christmas party. She thought it would be a good time to chat with Harry since Malfoy wouldn't be there and Blaise had no interest in being interrogated again about his mother and her husbands again, so he decided not to go and let Hermione have a night to catch up with old friends.

She arrived at the party and met a huge crowd of people. Not just students and professors, but important looking people and a…vampire? She weaved through the crowd of mingling people and finally spotted Harry with Luna, Slughorn, a man who was talking about an autobiography, and the vampire, who was eyeing a group of girl hungrily.

Harry glanced her way and looked grateful. "I'm sorry, I've just seen a friend of mine" he said and hurried over to her.

"Hey Hermione" he said, giving her a quick hug.

"Hi Harry, it's so nice to see you"

"Is Blaise here?" asked Harry, looking around dangerously.

"No, he's not feeling well. He's alright, you know, he's a good guy."

Harry's expression softened. "Okay, I just don't want you dating some wanker."

Hermione laughed. "Thanks for the concern, but he's not."

"So you really like him?"

"Yeah, I do"

At this, Harry's face fell a little.

"What's wrong?"

"It's just that, well, Ron…"

"Yeah, it's been on my mind a lot. In the bathroom last time we spoke, we kissed." Harry didn't look surprised. "And I guess I've always had feelings for him, but…"

"You don't want to ruin your friendship?" guessed Harry.

"Yes, something like that. And I really do like Blaise. At first I thought he was going to be this horrible Slytherin like Malfoy, but it turns out he's just putting on an act. He's actually sweet deep down."

"You don't think he might be just trying to gain your trust until he gets the chance betray you?"

"I've thought about it, yes, but I've spent too much time with him to believe that."

Harry smiled. "Okay, but I'll keep my eyes and ears out just in case-"

"Actually, Harry, I need to talk to you about doing just that."

Hermione led him to a corner and explained everything about Malfoy sneaking off with Crabbe and Goyle and about him crying in Myrtle's bathroom.

"This isn't just boasting, Harry. I think Malfoy is actually doing something bad and quite possibly on Voldemort's orders."

"I think you're on to something, Hermione. I'll keep a look out for-"

Just then, Filch entered the party dragging Malfoy by the ear. Malfoy admitted to trying to crash the party, but Hermione was skeptical and by the look on Harry's face, so was he. Snape seemed furious about it too, and took Malfoy out of the room immediately.

"Speaking of which" said Harry, and he darted out of the room. Hermione felt a familiar rush of adrenaline flow through her and her heart panged. This was what she had longed for; she and Harry figuring something out, then him doing something impulsive and adventurous. She felt part of the adventure again, and it felt great.