The next morning in the great hall, Hermione walked in and glanced over at the Slytherin table. Draco was laughing along with all of his friends as if he hadn't a care in the world. She stared at his face, hoping to catch his eye. She did but he only allowed her a few seconds before going back to his friends. He just cannot sit there and act like nothing happened. Hermione's mind suddenly jumped to the sound of somebody whistling and the waving hand in front of her face. " Mione, hello...I know that look on your face and you're not giving it to Malfoy," Ron said, obviously annoyed that she wasn't paying attention to them. "Honestly, Ron.. you and Harry can't be the only boys in my life forever. I'm not the only girl in your lives so stop trying to hold me back." "Come on, Mione. You know you'll always be our favorite girl," Harry said reasonably as Parvati Patil walked by and Ron's hand automatically shot out and grabbed her. "Hey!" she squealed. Ron looked very pleased with himself and merely chuckled. Hermione raised her eyebrows at him. "Correction, Harry, Sister-like girl. Sorry, Mione. This isn't really me doing this. My mind tells me no but my body, well, that's another story." "Hey, Harry," Ginny said as she slid into the seat next to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Hey!" Harry said in mock anger, "Is that it?" She grinned and shook her head. He took her face in his hands and they had a very long kiss. When they were done, Hermione had a very nasty look on her face. "What's wrong?" Ginny asked. "No offense, guys, but could you please refrain from all that lovey dovey stuff around me?" Hermione asked, the disgusted look still in place. "Aw, come on," Ron said, a look on his face that Hermione couldn't decipher," you're just jealous because all you could get was Malfoy." "Ronald Arthur Weasley! I am going to curse you right here, right now!" Hermione pulled out her wand but Harry's hand stopped her. "Calm down," Harry said, gently pushing her back to her seat. "I am not going to calm down, Harry! Ron, you are evil to the core!" "Hermione, please, settle down." Reluctantly, she put her wand away but was still trying to burn a hole in Ron's head with her eyes. "Did I miss something?" Ginny asked, looking between Ron and Hermione cautiously. "Yes, you did,Ginny,"Ron said, his anger obviously wanting to get out, "You only missed the fact that last night Hermione kissed Draco Malfoy." "I did not. He kissed me so don't even think about blaming me for what happened." "So you say. Now I understand why you've been acting so funny." "Ron! I am about this close to-" "Well, isn't this a nice scene?" The person of discussion appeared at the Gryffindor table so fast that he could have Apparated. Draco Malfoy looked pleased at the expressions on all their faces. " Malfoy, we were just talking about you," Ron snarled,"and if you value your safety, I suggest you go away." " I don't think I am in any potential danger over here. I feel quite secure actually." " I'll bet you do after that incident last night," Harry said. " Harry,"Hermione said quietly. " You mean with Granger? You told them about that? I can't believe you did. The guilt trip they must have put you on. Kissing a Malfoy. Bad girl," he shook his finger at her. "She didn't enjoy it, in case you were wondering," Ron shot at him. " Oh, really? Are you quite sure? Did you even think to ask her?" Malfoy asked leisurely. They both looked at Hermione, who stood quietly on the side lines. She looked down at the floor upon feeling both their eyes on her. "Hermione?" Ron asked cautiously. " Well, there is only two answers. She either really hated it and doesn't want to hurt my feelings or she really loved it and doesn't want you to pounce on her and end her life," Malfoy said, sarcastically. "I don't think it is wise to answer," Hermione whispered. "Why not? We'll defend you from him and we won't kill you. Whatever makes you happy," Ron said, but the look on his face told Hermione that he was reluctant to say those words. "Yeah, you say that but do you really mean it?" Malfoy crossed his arms and leaned against the table. "Ok, time-out," Ginny came to the conversation, "Malfoy, are you trying to tell us that you have feelings for Hermione?" "It all depends." "On what?" "On her," Malfoy shrugged," If she wants my affection, she can have it. If not, I will leave her alone." Ron could hardly believe his ears. This had to be some bad joke. "Well.....?" Harry began slowly, looking at Hermione meaningfully. "I, uh...have to get to class now. I need to ask McGonagall a question about the essay due next week. Bye." Within the next second, Hermione was gone.