A/N: I'm going to try something a little different this chapter. I'm going to do both Hermione's and Draco's POV so we can all really get inside their heads and so I can be a bit clearer that I haven't made Draco a "softy" lol. He's just realizing his feelings…a little…though he's confused. Thanks to all who reviewed! You guys really notice everything and that's really good! Thanks to: Just Chasing Dreams, Anita Blake (*that quote just came out of nowhere. Glad u like it =)*), Nadine (my girl hehe), Calypso in Love, Fire Goddess, Sucker for Romance, Draco's Angel and Sly for reviewing this story from the beginning…and to giving me a chance to spread my wings with my first HP fiction. I wish I could thank all of you individually but I can't but you know I'm always thinking of ya In this chapter I am also posting the POV's in two different parts because it's taking a little longer than expected with Hermione's POV but I want to update. Thanks again! MaNdAaA3

"You know what… this just isn't working out." I didn't even know if there was even a "this" to begin with.

I pounded my head against the wall several times before taking a deep breath, and exhaling it all out. "Hermione…this just…it's not…I'm not…" I growled in frustration, as did my ceiling when it swirled above me, mimicking my mood as always, in a deep purple blackish color. I stepped away from the wall and sighed aloud as I thought back to why I was even trying to convince myself why I should tell Hermione off. I gripped my head in pain and closed my eyes tightly to sort it all out. But the problem was, I'm not so sure there is something to be sorted.

Everything about her was right, but everything about me was wrong. If the differences between us weren't obvious to her then she would never see it, and that would make this more difficult than it already was.

"I hate you. It's as simple as that. I…hate…you…Hermione." Great progress Draco, you've finally said the words out loud. Now all I need to do is believe them and I'll be on my way. The more I thought about it the more confusing it all seemed. So what, I kissed her. OK, so I kissed her twice.

My temples pulsed to the un-rhythmic beat of my heart, and my head spun around. Think Draco. Think of the name you must upheld. Think of your bloody family. Hermione and I are from two different worlds and we…we…are supposed to hate each other. My heart is not supposed to pound against my ribs when I see her. My head is not supposed to spin with ideas and fantasies I never even know I withheld. And I am DEFINITLY not supposed to feel tingly when I kiss her. That… is a no-no Draco.

Bloody hell I am not even supposed to be thinking these things! There is no sorting out when it comes to thinking about Hermione Granger-Wood, or whatever you call her. This war brought us together, and now it will tear us apart and everything in my head will disappear. She will disappear. And I will find serenity and happiness once I leave, she leaves, and I continue in winning this war! (*A/N: Good ol' Draco. =) *)

Now I will go on my way and tell her, with no problem at all, I feel nothing and whatever I told her was…was the guilt talking.

I snarled when I realized my headache was now returning and my stomach was folding in knots. I remembered than tonight was the meeting that was going to be held in the ballroom. I didn't want to attend but knowing that I was going to have to make a speech and to greet Voldemort. I always hated seeing him…it was like a constant reminder of all the horrible things…

I can't let my mind drift off in those directions though. The important thing was to keep my mind straight and have my thoughts on nothing but tonight and my brief speech.

After taking a quick shower, slicking back my hair, I pulled on my best robes and studied the mirror that was plastered on the huge wall facing the four-poster bed. "Malfoy…Draco Malfoy." I grinned at my reflection and I took notice into how well the robes fit. I pocketed my wand, turned on my heel, and exited my room.

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The hallways were flooded with witches and wizards, all wearing there best robes. All were looking quite nice. I presumed they wanted to impress Lord Voldemort but sadly for them, the individuals do not matter to him. I smirked as I thought about that and realized what an important part of the Dark world I was.

Everyone was chatting loudly and their voices filled with excitement. The meeting was not only for upcoming plans but for awards as well.

I slithered down the stairway, although it took a while. As I made my way over into the ballroom I glanced toward a group of witches who were staring intently and hungrily at me. One of them looked me up and down before smiling and I smirked back. She brushed up against me, purposely pushing her chest against my arm as I passed her and I grinned when I gently pushed her aside. Her eyes widened and gave a look of distaste and humiliation when her friends laughed at her with amusement. I was quite used to women checking me out, but I always win in EVERYTHING.

Finally I reached the door to the ballroom. I clasped my hands together behind my back, waited for the doormen to open the door and entered.

The room looked great, although I could hardly analyze it. I got as far as looking at the fine china set on the burgundy tables when I was attacked by everyone I knew there, all trying to strike up a conversation with me whether it was pointless or not. I avoided the un-important for the most part, but I did encounter a few women who had my attention.

The room began to fill up with more people and I was beginning to sweat underneath two layers of robes. I talked to almost everyone in the room…everyone but one. No matter how hard I tried I searched for Hermione in the crowds, but I didn't see her. I was overwhelmed with everything: the stress, the confusion, and the love.

I guess my emotions were clearly written on my face because General Nicholas looked at me with mild concern.

"Al'right there, Malfoy?" I looked up at him with blank eyes but I did not answer. Nicholas sipped on his champagne and continued to chat about a topic that I was not interested in, not that I would have paid attention anyway because at that very moment something blue and shiny had caught my eye.

Amongst the brightly colored dress robes one stood out and I understood why when I saw who it was.

She was wearing a light blue sparkly robe that fell to the floor, barely touching it. Tiny ringlets of curls were clasped up on top of her head with two curls hanging on either side of her face. The natural make up she had applied merely made her brown eyes jump out and her face shine. The robe accented her curvy body and I shuddered to think of what was underneath that robe. Her hesitant smile and her nervous features made her look even more stunning.

I thought back to what I had wanted to say to her, rather than what I had planned to say to her but luckily I had figured out exactly what to do.