Disclaimer: Now 3 characters in this fic belongs to me as well as the plot...the rest aren't mine!

Author's Note: I was excited after finishing the last chapter that here I am again starting out the next chappie and hopefully I get it posted before I go to bed. Thank you all for being patient with me and just enjoy the fic! Oh yeah, those of you who pointed out my inconsistency with the tenses--THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! I know that's my numero uno flaw! Can't seem to keep the tenses up, but I do try to keep everything written under the same tenses! *lol* Just keep those constructive criticism coming guys, they're mighty helpful, you just have no idea! ;p

Summary: Hermione & Draco received a nasty blow to the head when an out of control bludger careened towards where they stood bickering during a Quidditch practice. They woke up in the hospital wing not knowing each other--but they know everyone else--and an instant attraction towards each other soon formed.

Setting: 6th year

Pairings: Draco & Hermione

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

XII. Can't Take the Words Back

Hermione ran at break-neck speed, nearly bulldozing a few students as she made a mad escape up to Gryffindor Tower and hide herself from everyone else. Did she just say what she thought she just said to Draco? Damn hormones! Why couldn't she just keep her mouth clamped shut and enjoy the kiss while it lasted? But no, she had to open her big, fat mouth and say something that dispelled the romance in the air.

She couldn't take those words back anymore, no matter how much she wanted to.

Now you've done it, Granger. You let it slip and you managed to put some more distance between you and Draco. Hell, you even managed to complicate things. Now you made it easy for him to make you his conquest! her mind kept on scolding her.

A light knock from the door followed by Ginny's small voice calling out Hermione's name made Hermione lift her head up from her pillow, tears streaming down her cheeks. She found Ginny's head poking through the door.

"Oh Hermione..." she cooed and without waiting for her to say so she went into the room and sat on Hermione's bed. She gathered her crying friend in her arms and let the poor darling sob until she was all sobbed-out.

~*~

Draco stayed out late--way too late as it seemed since by the time he found his way back to the Slytherin dungeon daylight was already breaking outside. He didn't mind. He was out all night thinking and replaying what just happened out by the lake when he and Hermione were dancing, then he kissed her, then she told him she love him, then she ran away from him.

She loves me. his mind kept on repeating over and over as he stalked back and forth by the lakeside, his hands tucked deep in his trouser pockets. He didn't mind the cold wind much, he remained outside by the lake thinking of what just happened.

Hell! She said she love him and what did he do?

Nothing!

Yeah, very smart, Malfoy. his conscience sneered, Finally the girl of your dreams announced to you that she is in love with you and you clamed-up. Very smooth.

Draco frowned in irritation. He didn't want her to fall for him. By Merlin he didn't even ask her to fall for him!

And you didn't ask to fall in love with her too. his conscience pointed out a matter of factly.

Draco's steps faltered after the truth hit him.

He loves Hermione?

Impossible!

But the truth has been staring him in the face for a few weeks now. She was always in his mind and her lovely face managed to manifest itself in his thoughts at the most inopportune time.

"Merlin's teeth! I'm in love with Hermione Granger." he said out loud to himself, nearly staggering down the stone steps leading towards their dormitory.

~*~*~*~*~

A/N: I think I better stop here because I am running out of ideas as to how much further Draco and Hermione could both dwell on their inner turmoils. I know, I know, it's a short one, but after the previous chapter I think I can get away with writing another short chappie--or not, hehehehe :p Jeez, if you ask me I think this chapter sucked! *lol* Anyways, keep those reviews coming, I so totally live for 'em!

Queen Li: thanks for liking the last couple of chapters posted. And yeah, I love that Bryan Adams song so much! I was listening to it while I was typing up Ch11 and I know I just have to include it in the fic somehow! *lol*

CrystallineLily, The Auditor: thanks for pointing that out. I think most of the comments I receive so far from this fic are about my tenses and I swear I'm working hard on keeping 'em straight! Just be patient with me, I know I'll be able to have these damn tenses down path right

melbel: chapter 11 was posted today--a few hours before I posted this chapter! hehehehe, check it out, hope you like it...and thanks for leaving your mark!

elijahsbaby1981: LOOK! Here's the next chapter! *lol* enjoy

Jubilations: thanks for your review, glad you're liking the fic so far