Surprise! Next chapter! I thought, since I was terribly late last time that I'd update this early. Thank you so much for the reviews. There weren't as many as last time but I suppose it's my own fault _ But anyway, I would appreciate if more people reviewed and let me know what they think, even if it's something bad. I do my best to reply to every review (signed at least) and in this way address any confusion/comments as well get the chance to go back and fix something that I might've missed. Also, at the end of this chapter will be a very lengthy Author's Note, if you don't mind reading it lol. I will address some questions/comments that have been reiterated, as well as some other general info concerning this story. Again, thank you all so much! Enjoy!

Just a quick note that I meant to mention about two-three chapters ago. Reviewer fallenhero57 actually got to meet Tom Felton a few weeks ago … Tom-freaking-Felton! I mean, he's soooo gorgeous! I already told her this in a PM but … I'm so jealous! Lol, so congrats ;)

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

The rest of the night seemed, in comparison, uneventful, with the exception of Draco's brash suggestions. Granted, it was only about an hour and a half longer that they had to spend time within close vicinity of each other, but it was enough for Hermione to immerse herself in a dome of ultimate regret. She was at a complete loss with how to respond to Draco's comments. For the most part, she ignored him, focusing on the task at hand—the real task! However, there were several times she just couldn't seem to help herself, in which she would respond back cattily.

Oh gods, he's rubbing off on me … But that wasn't even the worst of it.

"Ms. Granger. Mr. Malfoy. I must applaud you on another successful event. And on your seemingly cooperative manner, as well."

"But we didn't put this event together—"

"But you did, Ms. Granger! If you hadn't begun the dance, I'm afraid Professsor McGonagall and I might've been forced to tango alone all night. And you did this despite your many differences. You both have come a long way, and I'm very proud."

The worst of it was that it was true, in a twisted sort of way. Because despite the fact that they still continued to bicker, it was as if a new factor had been introduced that changed their status of 'mortal enemies' to … well, something not quite.

Yeah, you two want each other in a very different way now… Stop it!

And with this new contribution, there was a tension in the air that seemed to draw them together, like two magnets, and so their bickering was actually more like—

"—flirting with me, Granger."

"I'm doing no such thing; you're the one who doesn't seem to know the meaning of 'shut the hell up'."

"So ignore me. You usually do. Or are you so caught up in my eyes you simply can't resist?"

Hermione stopped, took off her heels-at which Draco winced, thinking they were going to be thrown directly at him-and began walking even faster.

Draco simply lengthened his stride. They were almost to the separation point and he was determined to get more of a response from her. More of a real response, that was. "Come on, Granger. Quit being such a bloody prude and let's take a little detour."

When they were almost to the stairs and she had yet to say a word, however—

"Ah. Speechless, I take it? That's alright. If you must know, I'm still having qualms accepting the fact. Maybe your bookworming little brain needs to go to the library to verify your position in this. I think I can help you with that if you don't mind doing a bit of physical activity. How flexible are—"

Hermione had enough. She spun around, causing Draco to reach out towards the wall to avoid walking right into her. "And what is your position on this, Malfoy, hmmm? Are you just antagonizing me again? Is that it? Tell me, I'm very interested."

Draco smirked. "I suppose considering I hate you, enjoy watching you suffer, and find an immense gratification in your utter humiliation, that would make me … a masochist."

Hermione made to respond back heatedly—masochist indeed!—but before she could a familiar voice came from the stairs not a few meters away.

"Malfoy, bugger off. Hermione, we need you upstairs. Something … happened."

Hermione's brow furrowed immediately with the concerned expression on Harry's face. "What? Is everyone alright? Are Ron and Gin—"

"They're both fine. But …" He cast a narrowed glance at the Slytherin who stood a ways back from Hermione. "Shouldn't you be somewhere else? Like rotting away in your precious little dungeon?"

"Ouch, Potter. That really hurts after the seven hundredth time. Your brain really is shrinking then?"

"Stupid git, we're in the middle of something important and you're wasting our time!"

"I'm Head Boy. If it's important then I might be able to help."

"Hermione's Head Girl, we don't any more help. And much less from a cretin like you."

Draco's eyes darkened significantly, he took a step forward, withdrawing his wand at the same time. "Listen up, Potter, I—"

"That's enough! Both of you!"

They looked at her, and much to Harry's surprise, Draco put his wand down.

"Harry, he's right. He could prove helpful if the situation requires it. What's going on?"

With another glance at Draco, Harry crossed his arms and replied coolly. "It's personal."

"Let me guess, Weasel-boy got his ass stuck in the toilet again?"

"That's it, I'm kicking your a—"

"Expelliarmus!"

Hermione pocketed the two wands, wincing slightly when the action brought up another memory. How ironic this is happening again … She quickly shoved it out of mind and said authoritatively: "We're wasting time so I suggest we get going."

"Well if Potter here weren't being such an overprotective pansy concerning his pathetic boyfri—"

"Draco, shut up."

Harry's mind was reeling. Did Hermione just call him 'Draco'? He didn't have time to think it over, however.

"I take it this happened in our Common Room, right?"

Harry nodded, his eyes still flickering untrustingly towards Draco. Hermione pretended not to notice.

"Alright then. Let's get moving."

After another moment of hesitation, Harry finally strode to the front, leaving Hermione and Draco to follow a good distance behind.

Draco caught up to her side easily. "Ugh, you know I was joking about having been in your disgusting Common Room before, right?"

"I don't care."

"Well obviously. It's where people like you actually sleep. Imagine that, a total pigsty … I, on the other hand—"

"Are you coming or not?" she snapped.

Draco shrugged. "A chance to laugh at something the Weasel idiot probably did? I wouldn't miss it for the world."

She glared at him.

Draco sighed. "Alright, alright. I'll be nice … but you owe me a full hour of groping after—oof!"

Hermione snickered, eyeing his shocked expression with a sweet smile. "Hurry up, ferret, you're lagging."

Draco doubled over and emitted short gasps. He couldn't find the breath to speak.

Lucius listened intently as the professor-like old man explained the effects of the poison, or rather, the virus. At first he'd been skeptical. How could a mundane illness from the muggle world be so effective? Nonetheless, he couldn't deny that he was impressed. He hadn't expected the old fool to come up with anything remotely efficient, and certainly not as discrete as this 'virus' he described. It could very well work. I suppose muggles have to have their share in their demise too. Seems he's keeping his end of the deal … too bad I'm not. His mouth curled into a cruel sneer with the reminder of his most recent order. It seemed almost idiotic, killing a mere animal as a means of warning, but Narcissa had made a good point: why kill the girl, or anyone really, now? It would be better to wait for Kielm's completion of the formula, otherwise the old man might change his mind about cooperating.

Perhaps I'm being too impatient about things … Christmas was around the corner and they had yet to put anything into action. Plans he had, it was the doing of these plans that seemed to be on hiatus. Lucius sighed, his eyes narrowing when the old wizard suddenly leaned back against a countertop to wipe away at his sweaty brow. He was about to make a remark concerning too much idle time when—

"Lucius, fireplace."

He turned around, gray eyes livid with the interruption. Narcissa knew very well not to interrupt him while he was working, a fact he had already told her not but recently.

As if knowing what that look foretold, she hurriedly continued. "It's someone from Durmstrang."

Ah, well that changes things. Lucius smiled. Perhaps things were already proceeding after all …

Ron was uncomfortable. Very uncomfortable. When Ginny had shown up at their dorm with a sobbing Lavender clinging to her shoulder, the first idea that came to mind was: slam the door and suffer vengeful sister's wrath later.

However, before Ron could close the door, vengeful sister stuck her vengeful redhead inside and used her inexplicable evil powers to bring forth his best friend to the door. And Harry didn't stand a chance when it came to Ginny.

Which was the reason Ginny, Lavender, and himself now all sat in the Common Room at nearly 1:30 in the morning, waiting for Hermione to arrive from her Head duties. Unfortunately for Ron, though, Lavender chose his arm—and the rest of his upper body—to 'seek comfort' considering her complete misery concerning Mr. Button's unprecedented murder.

Mr. Button … what kind of name was that anyway? No wonder they killed it—

The portrait door swung open and a head of black, disheveled hair popped into the room, followed by a slightly more disheveled mane of brown curls that were very much obviously out of their previous style—I thought she was on patrol? Was she actually dancing? With who—and then suddenly Ron stood up angrily, causing Lavender to fall sideways onto the couch.

"What the hell is he doing here?" He demanded.

Draco sneered in return. "Oh? So I see you managed to get your fat head unstuck then."

"Draco." Hermione shot sharply.

Ron's jaw just about fell off. He stared at Hermione. For a second it seemed he was incapable of words. He sputtered, and finally settled with: "I'm sorry, but since when are you two on a first name basis?"

"Since she can't get enough of my sexy—"

"Shut it, Malfoy, or you're gone." Hermione snapped, her gaze settling back onto Ron.

He appraised her with the same mistrust, which she ignored and continued. "Harry said something about a murder, and as Heads Malfoy and I both need to investigate. If we can avoid going to Dumbledore for something as trivial as a dead cat, then we are going to avoid it. He has enough on his plate with … well with other things."

There was a moment of silence as different people glared at each other before Lavender suddenly got up from her place on the couch.

And her eyes were focused on only Hermione. "As trivial as a dead cat? Go figure you don't care at all, Hermione. I bet if it was your stupid furball you'd be crying all over Ron's shoulder right now."

"Lavender, this isn't about—"

"Oh but I think it is, Ronald. I think she's just trying to crap on my kitty's death the way she did when she stole you from me! Especially since you gave him to me!"

Hermione looked at her incredulously. "Stole him from you? You really think—you know what, never mind. That's not important right now. I need to know everything that happened, what you saw, if they left anything—"

"Don't run from the truth, Granger. You can't stand anything Ron does that doesn't involve you, him loving anyone else—"

"Um, Lav, maybe we can talk about that some other time, yeah? Right now Hermione needs to—"

"Don't you Lav me! I don't know what kind of cuckoo spell she has you under but she needs to hear this! Just because she's little-miss-know-it-all doesn't mean she gets to have everything!"

Ginny looked hesitantly at Hermione, who was suddenly glaring back at Lavender.

"Hermione?" she asked, but Hermione ignored her. Instead she crossed her arms and shot back: "Well apparently that isn't all you don't know."

Lavender gasped. "Are you calling me stupid?"

"If the shoe fits."

"How dare you!"

"Um, Hermione? The dead cat, remember? Maybe you and Malfoy should—"

"In a minute, Ginny. This has gone on for too long." She took a menacing step towards Lavender. "You want to do this now? Well then fine! The only reason Ron even set eyes on you in the first place was because your slutty mouth …"

The Common Room noise rose significantly as the two girls began arguing vehemently. Ginny stayed relatively close to Hermione whilst Ron stood behind Lavender, both silently agreeing to grab hold of them should either one of them decide to jump at the other's throat.

It was a strange sight, Hogwart's top student spouting out obscenities, a brother and sister getting along, and two absolute enemies standing within five feet of each other, watching the scene and actually making … what appeared to be somewhat idle conversation.

Draco and Harry surveyed the scene, one with exasperation, the other with amusement. They both stood with their arms crossed and heads tilted, an almost mirror of each other, black and white.

"You know, Potter, where I come from, this would definitely count as wasting time."

"I know that," Harry snapped, then in a lower voice, "but just give them a few minutes. It needs to be let out; otherwise we're going to get nowhere."

Draco eyed Harry for a moment, a mix of suspicion and pensiveness. Then he chuckled. "I can't believe I'm saying this but … you're right. An investigation, as small as it may be, will prove fruitless with two angry girls involved. Especially Gryffindor girls, too much bloody bravado and all that crap."

Harry laughed bitterly. "It would be much worse if they were Slytherins."

Draco made to remark back nastily but, after thinking it over, he simply grinned. "Wow, two in one day, Potter. That must be a record for you. You're right, we would all be running for our dear lives if it were two Slytherins. Though you have to admit, it would also be much more entertaining."

"Get over yourself, Malfoy."

"I've tried. It's impossible."

They remained quiet for another short while, in which Ginny had effectively snatched Hermione's wand away from her and Ron was struggling with an uncooperative Lavender.

"Damn. You Gryffindors really are barbaric. And to think, all because of that stupid, incompetent Weasel. He isn't even a real man. I would've never thought it possible that someone like Granger might want someone like him."

The comment startled Harry and he turned, wide-eyed at the other. Is he actually complime—no, impossible. He just hates Ron more than Hermione. "Ron's a hell of a lot more man than you'll ever be, Malfoy."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "You would know, wouldn't you?"

The implication didn't make sense at first, but then Harry flushed. "Don't be an idiot, you know that's not what I meant."

Draco shrugged. "Hey, to each his own, I guess. Though I got to say, even you could do so much better." He paused. "Actually, maybe not. And now that I think about it, maybe you should say something, it would stop them from wanting to rip out each other's throats and we could all get a move on."

"Say what exactly?"

"That no one snogs your precious Weasel but you, of course."

"Fuck you."

"Oh? So you're not together? Shame, you two would make such a cute couple."

"So would you and Crabbe. Too bad he chose Goyle over you."

"Nah, I told him I wasn't interested and he had to settle. You know how it is, not my type, too stupid and not nearly as attractive."

Harry gave him a disgusted look.

Draco sighed. "Geez, well you're no fun. Fine then. Let them fight. I do enjoy a good girl brawl. Though I can't say much about that Brown witch, at least we'll get a glimpse of Granger's legs, eh?"

Harry immediately turned on him. "Don't talk about her like that!"

Draco raised his hands up in feinted surrender. "Relax, Potter. It was a compliment."

"I've had enough of your compliments." Harry snarled back. He strode forward and aimed a spell at Lavender. She went limp in Ron's grasp.

Hermione, whose hair was ten times messier by this point and whose dress was hanging dangerously low off of her other shoulder—she was too mad to notice—blinked.

Harry gave her a tight-lipped grimace. "That's enough, Herm."

Her face flushed a deep pink and she looked away ashamedly. "I'm sorry, but it had to be said."

Ron shook his head in disbelief. "You women are unbelievable! Lavender, I expected, but you, Hermione?"

Hermione shot him a cold glare, but before she could say anything, Ginny intervened.

"Sometimes it's best to let these things vent, Ron. And this is, actually, all your fault so I would shut up if I were you." Ginny spat back. She glanced over Hermione and then handed over her wand.

"Thanks, Gin."

"Don't mention it. And just for the record, if we didn't have business to attend to, I would've totally helped you kick her ass."

"Ginny!"

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Please, Harry. She's been asking for it for like, forever."

He shook his head but gave her a tired smile nonetheless. Behind them Draco exhaled loudly and rolled his eyes.

"No wonder nothing ever gets done around here. Are you all going to just stand there ogling each other or are we going to go look at the dead cat?"

Hermione whirled around with his voice. For a second she'd forgotten Draco was in the room, and now that she realized he was she shut her eyes and groaned. Great, now he's going to throw an entire world of girl-fighting crap at me … Nonetheless, she cleared her throat and addressed the rest of them. "I agree. Let's go."

"What about Lavender?"

She pursed her lips. "Did she tell you what happened?"

Ginny nodded. "Yes. She told Luna and myself, but-"

"What was Luna doing in your dorms so late?"

Ginny rolled her eyes but answered anyway. "She asked me if she could conduct an experiment in there. Her roommates wouldn't let her do it in their room so I said yes. But anyway, I thought, considering the threats sort of involve Lavender that maybe she should be let in on everything that's goin—"

"We can clue her in later. Ron, stay here in case she comes to. The rest of you, come with me."

"But I don't want—"

"Oh for goodness sake, Ron! We'll be right back." Ginny slapped the back of his head.

With one more glare in Draco's direction, Ron grudgingly settled on the far end of the couch, away from Lavender.

Hermione led the way, followed by Ginny, and then Harry and Draco. The two somehow managed to climb the stairs next to each other without shoving the other back down.

"You know, I can definitely see why you chose the Weaslette instead of her idiot brother."

"Don't even start—"

"Just saying. She's a vixen, that one."

"Say one more thing about her and I swear I'm going to—"

"I'll hex you both if you don't shut up right now." Ginny threatened.

And with that, they filed up into the girls dormitories.

As promised, this chapter was a bit longer than previous chapters. My usual word count is about 2000, this one was about 3100, and that's not including the Author's Notes. I hope you enjoyed it ;)

So … here's the part where I ask you all amazing readers/reviewers for some advice. Hopefully most of you read this and review so I know what to do lol. First off, as you can see, the plot isn't exactly lining up with the summary anymore at this point, and here's why: originally, this was supposed to be some sort of oneshot, however, at some point while writing the first chapter—or perhaps it was the number of reviews lol—something suspiciously involving a plot began to form in my head. And now here we are. And even though, technically, it wouldn't really change anything within the story, I'm wondering whether or not I should change the summary. What do you think? I guess this would pertain mostly to people who haven't read this story, considering you all know there's obviously something else going on besides Hermione and Draco getting together lol. So again, what do you think?

On another note, some comments/ answers regarding this story and reviews: Many reviewers have asked whether a certain chapter is the 'last' chapter and when/ whether I'm going to update. I have to admit, the 'last' chapter question confuses me (it's been asked several times), but no, we are not even close to the end of this story. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't even say we are halfway. This is going to be a long multi-chapter story, and it might very well have a sequel if it gets too long, so … well I hope you can bear with me and stay along for the ride. As for updates, I have been trying for once a week. However, as you have witnessed, such is not always the case. If I am late, I aim for the following week, but again, not 100 percent consistent. I apologize for my inconsistency, but the truth is I'm in the middle of trying to find a job and with this economy it's very, very hard. But do not worry about me ever leaving this story, it won't happen. For now, count on weekly updates, if not biweekly. It's come to my attention, also, that I'm not as 'personal' with my readers in this story as I was while writing my first story ever (The Moon is Mine), and well … Again, I need your feedback here. In my first story, I used to write lengthy Author's Notes almost every other chapter, if not more, and when I began this one I was determined to have more content/focus in the story than in the Author's Note. Make sense? I still reply to every signed review, and I do so as thoroughly as possible, but just so there's no misunderstanding, I really do adore you all for supporting me and my writing, and if longer, more personal Author's Notes is what you want, then just let me know lol. I'm a sucker for random stuff and I enjoy a huge variety of things (interested? Just ask lol). If not, we can continue as is, and I'll simply throw in one of these epic ANs every once in a while and/or where need be. Let me know ;)

In addition, I have some answers to give to some anonymous reviewers. As I mentioned before, I try responding to every review but of course, when the reviewer has no account, it's a bit difficult. I respect your wishes to remain anonymous, of course, but in case you ever feel the need to ask me anything and would like a response, or if you just would like to talk please feel free to PM me by clicking on my profile hyperlink and visiting my profile page. I also have an MSN Instant Messaging account (also found on my profile), just add me and we can talk Dramione all you want. I recently got a LiveJournal also but I have yet to post it on my profile. However, if you would like to visit that, just visit www (dot) livejournal (dot) com and search tookkia. It's pretty bland at the moment but I plan to change that very, very soon. Well anyway, here is my first attempt in responding to you beautiful John/Jane Doe people, and please don't feel bad if I miss anyone, these are just some of the most recent anonymous reviewers who have had a question(s).

anonymous reviewer 6/30 for ch 17: You said something about making Draco and Hermione sound more mature when they bicker, particularly Draco considering he's a quick-witted fellow and doesn't need to say much. Here's the truth: I'm very sensitive about characterization, and character dynamics, so your comment has really stuck with me since I read it. I do my best to keep the characters in check, and in particular Draco simply because I love him so much. There are times when I do find some of their banter a bit juvenile, but you must remember that, quick-witted or not, they are only seventeen at this point, and even the most sarcastic, witty individuals can act childish at some points. In no way am I saying you're wrong, on the contrary, if you have any specific suggestions, please do tell! Since this comment I've been making an extra effort to make their bickering a bit more mature. Thank you for your review.

korra1sg: You asked 'what is a loins' lol. Well, this is mostly in case anyone else is wondering the same question (since you and I already had this discussion hehe), but loins are, anatomically, the sides between the lower ribs and the pelvis, however, because of their reputation in the region, the term is also a euphemism for human genitals, and thus the innuendo for sexual implications. Thank you for your reviews.

Binotaurs: I actually have thought about writing my own book, in fact it has always been my lifelong ambition to be a successful fiction author. I do have a story in the works, however … well let's just say it needs a lot of work for the time being. But I won't give up on it! And you all would be the first to know, of course. Thank you for your reviews.

Jar: (or iUknown? Is this you too?) First of all, no, as I said above this isn't the last chapter (neither is the one before lol), and I'm thinking the reason you didn't find the chapter up last time (two days ago, you say?) was because I posted that chapter on Wednesday night. I don't know what the time difference may be between us but chances are you probably barely missed it. And also, feel free to hunt me down haha. I'm currently Unplottable so it would make for a good chase, especially considering I just received a Firebolt 3000 as an early birthday gift ;) Thank you for your reviews.

As I said before, feel free to write to me with anything you may want to talk about concerning my stories, or the characters, or even Pokemon lol. Get my drift? I'm always eager to hear what you have to say.

Oh! And one more thing: what did you think of the Harry/Draco interaction? Believe it or not, but these two are one of my favorite pairings (yes, romantically as well…sorry if I offend anyone with my yaoi demons; again, if you're interested, ask ;), no worries in this story though, it will remain strictly Dramione. But I would like to know what you thought of their interaction, I have so much I could say on what I think their relationship could be (strictly as friends, I mean), because they are so much like core opposites yet share so many things as well … lol, please review and let me know what you think, about anything! I'm anxious to know. Love you all! Thank you :)