A/N: originally I was just going to skip to the Monday, but as always, I had more issues with how to progress the story and why it took so long for me to update... I want to say that I can't wait until I get to what you all want (relationship goodness) but I don't want to just jump to it either. Of course, when that happens, I really hope those chapters will be easier to write and the updates more frequent. Enjoy and thanks for your patience.

Chapter 12

Prefect's Bathroom, Saturday Evening

Her bath was just as she hoped for; hot and extremely relaxing. The warmth soaked through all her sore muscles, Hermione felt like she was floating on a cloud. She rested her head upon the small pillow and sighed.

Sure agreeing to let Malfoy kiss her seemed like the logical choice at the time as it was only supposed to last a few seconds. Although Malfoy didn't just kiss her on the lips, as she hoped he would. She could still feel those soft, gentle, butterfly kisses all along her neck.

"No, don't think about it..." she said, as she watched her hand brush off all the excess suds from her skin.

"It was just a kiss! It wasn't anything special...it was just for show"

She went on about her bathing, trying to keep her mind completely blank in the process. "All for show..." she repeated, hoping that if she said it enough times she would start to believe it. It was no use. No matter what Hermione did, her mind was completely fixated on that one kiss.

"Ugh," she muttered with a shudder, "Get over yourself Hermione, you are better than this!" Once she started to feel warm and flush, she knew immediately she had been in the tub for long enough, and tip-toed out to get redressed.

After spell drying her hair, she used her wand to dispel the blocks she put on the door. Slowly, she walked about the corridors, feeling more anxious with each step.

The Great Hall. The one room where every student is going to be. Where he is going to be was just steps ahead.

"You can do this..." she said to herself, hoping to ensure more confidence in herself, "Just be...calm" she exhaled the word with a smile. "Do not give him the upper hand that what happened effected you in any way! It was just a kiss..."

"There you are Hermione!"

Hermione jumped in the spot with a squeak. 'Oh no!' She whirled around to face, the one person she didn't expect, Harry. 'Great, just what I need right now...Harry yelling at me about what happened...'

"Harry!" she said quickly, "Merlin, you scared me!" she gave him a gentle shove in the shoulder.

"Sorry, it's just...I've been looking for you everywhere..."

'Can't imagine why...' she gave him the once over, "Well? Are you going to say anything about it or are you just going to stare at me?"

'If looks could kill...' he thought, swallowing tightly, "Actually, I was hoping...well, I wanted to apologize to you for being a prat the other day"

Hermione snorted, "Don't lie to me, Harry. I know what you really want to say. So just get on with it. I'm really hungry..."

Harry grimaced, he really didn't want to, just hearing about it from the gossiping students was bad enough. No, he felt it was more important to patch things up with his best friend. After all, there was only so much of Ron he could take.

"I did. I really want to fix my mistake..."

He braved a few steps forward and took a hold of her hand, to his surprise, she didn't flinch away.

"I'm sorry Hermione. Truly. I had no regard for your feelings because I was annoyed and angry. Annoyed that you didn't allow yourself to really heal, and angry because...well, of all the people..."

"I know Harry," she grunted, as she yanked her arm from his grasp, "you believe it's sudden and...completely insane!" She ran a hand through her hair and then folded her arms across her chest then shrugged, "But as I've told Ginny, and you, it's nothing serious. Malfoy...he was just...there. It just happened. Okay? And as far as my healing goes? I'm fine. Truly. Haven't cried in days"

Harry's lips twitched in a half a smile as he scratched his nose, before adjusting his glasses. "Right, of course..." he watched her as she paced around the corridor.

Hermione watched him through narrowed eyes, "Well can't say I expect for you to understand. You'll believe whatever you want to believe. I can't change that."

"No Hermione, you're getting ahead of yourself. I only meant...well actually I don't know what I meant. But it wasn't about disbelieving you..."

"No I guess it's more about what happened today with Malfoy and me, isn't it?"

Harry shook his head, "Look, you're with him, it was bound to happen sooner or later..." he held out his hand, "I can't really say anything about it, there's no point"

Hermione raised an eyebrow, "Really? That's a first"

"Yes, look, I'm owning up to my mistake Hermione. I never should have said those things to you, but I am not sorry for punching the git. Now come on, I'll walk with you to dinner,"

For a moment she didn't do anything, she just stood staring at him. She had to admit, he was right; what can he say to change what happened?

Hermione sighed, and then placed her hand within his, "You know that was a pretty mean punch"

Harry dismissed her with a shrug, "Not at good as yours though, you actually broke his nose!"

Hermione's eyes twinkled at the memory back in Third Year, "Oh...that's right, I did" she looked back to Harry and gave him a playful nudge, "Thanks for understanding Harry, and for not making a big scene about it..."

He dropped her hand to wrap his arm around her shoulders, "You're my best-friend Hermione. Sure I might not agree with your choices, but I really do care what happens to you. And I want to know, that if Malfoy does hurt you, I will do much more than just punch him,"

"Oh don't I know that"

She felt a wave of happiness run through her system, as she was glad to have Harry back on her side.

Great Hall, Evening Meal

"Well mate, I must say I am pleasantly surprised..." Blaise said as he helped himself to some dinner. "I for sure thought you didn't have the guts to snog Granger..."

Draco glared at his house-mate, but said nothing, for he had grown tired of retaliating to such comments. Blaise smirked, his eyes trailing over to the Gryffindor table, seeing that a certain girl was missing. He paid no mind to the whispers echoing around them and just went on eating.

"You should've seen Pansy, though" he grinned in between chews. "Damn girl nearly tore my arm off for trying to get to you..."

Draco scoffed, unable to keep quiet. "Don't you have anything better to talk about? Your jealously is really grating"

Blaise scowled, "Oh hell Draco, don't start-"

"You're the one who brought her up. Instead of complaining, just do something about it." just then his eyes caught sight of Granger. She was walking alongside Potter chatting.

'Potter...' his lips curled into a snarl.

He watched as they strolled over to the Gryffindor table before taking a seat beside each other. They seemed to be such at ease with each other. Talking and laughing, like they always do. There was no pretending on their part, it was just natural.

If only things were that simple with him. Sure she was a fair participant to this afternoon's activities; she had kissed him, yes, but not soon after did she run for her life out of fear. Scared that she might've overstepped the boundary.

'Leave it to Granger to get all emotional over something so minor...'

It was obvious that Granger didn't trust him. Or if she did, she was ashamed of it. Draco couldn't help but feel agitated; he needed a new approach. Something to make her trust him, to make her want to be around him...

He heard a snort from his side and immediately turned to see Blaise grinning away, "What the hell are you smiling about?" Draco sneered, shoving his friend in the side. Annoyed that his friend broke his train of thought.

Blaise just laughed at his house-mate's tone of voice, "There's that look again. Mate, just go and claim her already."

"Funny, I thought with what you've promised me, you wouldn't want me near her? In fact, I am surprised you haven't thought of some tactic to hinder my chances of winning..."

Blaise sniffed with disdain. Of course he had thought on more than one occasion to thwart Draco's plans of bedding the Head Girl, as he had most often did when they made bets, but for what? Draco had no more than twenty Galleons sitting in his vault! At least this way they can humiliate the Gryffindor Princess. And that kind of thing was worth every Galleon in the world. No, he would have to bow out of interfering this time.

"Naw, tainting yourself with the Mudblood is more than enough. Even if the price is more than ridiculous..." he spat the word bitterly.

Draco made no expression, "What you want me to pay you after I get it all back? Would that make you less whiney?"

"What?" Blaise muttered disbelieving. This wasn't how bets go. There's a winner and then a loser. Sure he was more than annoyed to give him a year's salary, but he was a man of his word. Not to mention he was just too proud. A deal is a deal.

"Then shut up." Draco groaned, his eyes flickering over to where Granger and Potter were. "I'm tired of hearing you complain. Do you hear me bitching like some girl about not having a house? You think it makes me feel good asking for your help?"

Blaise sighed patting his friend on the back, "Ah mate-"

"Don't." he hissed, shrugging his friend's hand from him. "Just leave me alone"

Soon after Theo and Pansy joined the two of them, which did nothing to improve Draco's mood.

After dinner and the students were excused, Hermione parted her ways with Harry and other Gryffindors. She waited, just outside of the Great Hall, hoping to speak with Ginny, as she had spotted the young redhead speaking with Dean during the evening meal.

'About time!' she had a small smile playing on her lips as she watched Ginny reluctantly follow Dean; refusing to hold his hand, but followed him nonetheless. Seamus and Neville went their separate ways, as Ron too preoccupied with Lavender to even notice her presence.

'What did I ever see in that idiot?'

Just then, she felt a hand snake around her middle making her jump on the spot; a sharp intake of breath emitting from her lips. She heard a soft chuckle in her ear.

"So jumpy...surely you would've been used to me touching you by now?"

'Malfoy...' She felt the chills run down her spine, tickling the hairs on her neck from his breath. She whirled around to face him, watching as he raised his other hand to brush away the hair from her face.

Hermione watched as the passing students shot them odd glances before she braved a glance at the man before her. It was their first discussion since abandoned him in Hogsmeade...

"I was...distracted..." her voice was soft as she studied his expression. His eyes were glazed and his mouth had the smallest hint of a smile. She felt the heat from his hand on her lower back, where he was playing with the hem of her shirt.

"Been thinking about me, have you?"

'As if!' she internally snorted.

Tentatively Hermione raised her hand and placed it upon Draco's shoulder. She used gentle force to step back away from him.

"I think it's time we say good-night..." she wanted to curse at sounding so unhinged. Her heart pounding at feeling the taut muscles underneath her palm. She managed to get him full foot away before his hand tightened its hold on her.

Draco could see the blush slowly spreading across her cheeks; his nose caught the faint scent of some kind of melon as he played with her hair some more.

"You know, I should have you pay for leaving me..." he shifted his hand from her back to her hip and then slipped it underneath her shirt.

Her reaction was imminent. She leapt from his grasp and stumbled backward awkwardly.

"Don't even think about it," she snarled, holding her hand up as a way to prevent him from approaching her.

Draco chewed his lip as she became even more flushed than she was before. He looked around, seeing that all the students had returned to their respective houses, that they were now by themselves.

"What's it to you? No one is around so there's no reason to be embarrassed"

Hermione fidgeted from hearing the word, "Because," she said in a firm tone, now pointing a finger at him. "I said, no! Only an absolute arse will disobey a girl"

With quick reflexes, Draco snatched her wrist and pulled her back toward him; Hermione nearly tripped from being moved so suddenly.

"You're not in a position to tell me what to do..." he said, as he stroked her waist, watching her tremble, "Even though your feistiness is an unbelievable turn on." His eyes widened the slightest bit as her hand landed on his chest again.

Hermione grunted as she tried to shove herself away, "Ugh, Malfoy, the date is over! You can stop with the comments now"

"And what, miss seeing you blush?"

"I am not-" she broke off from the sudden jolt in her heart, as Malfoy tightened his grip on her waist. "I mean..." her voice was now uncharacteristically high.

"What?" he said quietly, releasing her wrist to graze his finger along her cheek, "I can see it right here,"

Hermione halted her actions; staring at him with the utter most loathing, "Don't-"

"Don't what?" he dropped his gaze to her slightly panting mouth, as his hand, in turn, cupped the side of her face. "Touch you? Believe me, I get no thrill in doing such a thing..." he mutters, ignoring the tingly sensation in his fingertips. "But I see you do." he grazed his thumb over her lips. He was once again reminded of their softness.

She shut her eyes from the sensation, and inadvertently pushed her jaw forward. Draco felt the tug on his lips from watching her, "Would you like me to kiss you as well?"

Hermione opened her eyes and stepped back from him, "What?"

Draco tightened his grip on her waist as he continued to stare at her, "You heard me. Do you want me to kiss you again?"

Confused of his action, Hermione could only stare; watching as he licked his lips. Her throat dried up, making it difficult for her to answer.

Draco found her reaction to be amusing, "Well you see, as memory serves me correctly, you enjoyed that too."

Her cheeks flushed even darker. Never mind her answer, he had to kiss her again, he needed her to want him, to think of him. And like a magnetic pull, he bent down and kissed her.

Hermione stumbled slightly as her hand inched upward to latch onto his shoulder for support; her thumb curled around his shirt collar as she loosely fisted the fabric. She felt the familiar shivers in her body, 'Oh not again...' as her other hand grasped the area just above his hips.

Draco removed the hand that was on her waist, grazing it up her body, to cup the other side of her face, then deepened the kiss. Much like he did the first time, he slightly brushed his tongue through her lips then pivoted his head to the other side.

Hermione felt another shudder rush through her body at feeling his fingers grazing her neck. 'More...just a little more...' she told herself as she feverishly tried to match his kisses; her heart now pounding in her throat. Yet before it could get anymore heavy, Draco pulled back.

He took notice of her ragged breathing, as well as the position of her hands on his body. One on his chest, and the other at his waist. He watched as she slowly opened her eyes, seeing that the once amber coloured eyes were covered by her pupils.

"Hmm, that was better than the first time," he said with a wink.

A new wave of embarrassment flushed through her system as she caught sight of the position of her hands.

"Ah!" she jumped back and turned her back to him. 'Oh my god...' she placed a hand to her mouth, 'did I really just let Malfoy kiss me again?'

Draco ran a hand over his lips, "I'll see you around, Granger," and with that, he strolled off.

Hermione cautiously looked over her shoulder, spotting his white-blond head disappear around the corner. She released the breath she had no idea she was holding. "Oh bollocks"

Sunday had been an unproductive day for Hermione. She spent it mostly in her Head Girl room studying, as several other Gryffindor's brought her up some food. Well trying to study, as her mind was set on Malfoy and the kiss.

It had been different than the first one, mainly because no one was around; it was just her and him alone in the corridor. The other reason was that it was more sensual than intense; her whole body would quiver from the memory. 'Stop, you're doing it again!'

She magicked her window to open and rubbed her eyes. She really had to get her Charms work done as she had patrolling duties with Ernie tomorrow and the class was on Tuesday. Now wasn't the time to be thinking about why Malfoy or why he decided to kiss her.

'He's just trying to mess with me,' she reasoned, as the cool autumn air brushed across her face. 'It wasn't anything serious...really'

This went on for another couple of hours until it was dark, and a knock came to her door.

Crookshanks stretched and mewed before he trotted over to the door, staring up at it expectantly.

"It's open," Hermione called, not bothering to look up from her books.

The door creaked open, and in slid Ginny.

"Hey," Ginny said softly, crouching down to pet the ginger cat slinking around her ankles in a figure eight.

Hermione perked her head up at the voice she hadn't heard in a day. 'Let's hope this goes smoothly...'

"Ginny..." she said with a small smile.

Ginny gave Crookshanks one final stroke before she shuffled over to Hermione, and sat herself down on the bed.

There was a moment of silence, as neither girl made an effort to speak. There was another moment before Hermione made the first move. "Um Ginny? Not to sound rude or anything, but um...why are you here? I do have a lot of work to get done..."

Ginny shook her head, "This...this won't take long. I just wanted to say...I'm sorry. Sorry for getting upset at you about the whole Dean thing..."

Surprised, Hermione shifted herself to get more comfortable, "Oh?" 'Wow, that was quick'

"I mean, not that you had any business meddling in my personal affairs...but...with my pride aside, I'm glad you did. We were able to talk and...sort things out."

Hermione's eyes shot wide, "Wait...what? Does this mean...?"

Ginny raised her hand, "Friends. Dean and I, are just trying as friends first. I mean we still have that whole, trust thing to sort out."

'Oh...well that's better than nothing!'

Hermione reached over to place a hand atop of Ginny's, "That's...great Ginny. Really. This makes me so happy"

Ginny smiled and then threw herself at Hermione for a hug, "Thanks Hermione," she pushed back and ran a hand through her hair.

"Now that's out of the way, I can ask you something..."

Hermione scoffed, 'Figures...' Just like everyone else in the damn school, who wasn't in Hogsmeade, they all wanted to know if she really snogged Draco Malfoy.

"Go right ahead, Ginny...I'm waiting" Hermione mumbled, as she returned her focus back to her parchment.

"Why...in the world have you locked yourself up in your room?! Hermione, didn't you learn from the last time you avoided Malfoy?"

"Who says I'm avoiding Malfoy?! Sunday's are usually the only days I can get my work done!"

"Oh don't give me that crap! You snogged the man! Now you can't bare the sight of him because you missy, are embarrassed!"

Hermione rolled her eyes, "I have you know, I was in the Great Hall for dinner yesterday. That is a far cry from a person who is embarrassed." she signed off on her parchment before rolling it up and sealing it. She glanced over at her friend to see her grinning like the Cheshire Cat.

"Now what?"

Ginny just giggled, "I meant the snog after dinner..."

Hermione felt all the blood drain from her face. 'How did she know?'

Ginny hid her laugh behind her hand, "I had to use the loo you see, emotions and stuff from talking to Dean, and well...after I came back out..." she leant over and poked Hermione in the shoulder, "What do I see, but you and Malfoy alone...snogging away against the door!"

Hermione tsk'd as she turned her back to her friend, "Yes, yes just laugh it up!"

"Well actually, this is a rather serious matter...and what I really wanted to ask you."

Hermione sighed, 'I think I know what it is too...'

Ginny scooted closer to her friend, "Are...are you sure it is all for pretend? I mean...it did look quite real to me. And you were by yourselves..."

"Of course it's all for pretend, Ginny!" Hermione said with more force than she wanted. "I mean, it's just Malfoy trying to mess with me, as usual! He doesn't like me like that. But, like I said before, I wasn't trying to avoid him. It just...happened"

Ginny just nodded, then she watched as Crookshanks leapt onto the bed, landing himself in between the two of them, before she started to stroke his back.

"Okay. Well that's all I wanted to hound you about."

Hermione smirked, 'Funny how after a simple apology, everything goes back to normal...' she then joined in on petting Crookshanks; his purrs getting louder by the second.

"Oh ya you love this don't you?" Ginny said scratching under the cat's chin, "Getting attention by two girls?"

Hermione twirled her hand around his tail, "Yes, my Crooks the ladies man,"

Crookshanks nuzzled his head against Ginny's hand making it more difficult for her to scratch his chin.

"What a suck," Ginny said now cupping the cat's face in her grasp, "Pet me, love me...makes me wish I had a cat. Oh well, whatever." She got up from the bed and pushed her hair to the side, "Good night 'Mione, and good luck with Malfoy tomorrow!" she finished with a wink.

Hermione stuck her tongue out, "Oh shut up!"

E/N: I had a brief moment where I was going to have Blaise try to interfere, but it didn't seem to work out for future chapters...so I opted out. And there was a little glimmer of Draco showing a little feelings...it's happening folks...baby steps but he's getting there...hmm what will the next chapter entail, I wonder? thanks for reading!