Disclaimer: Mandy had a HP tale, an HP tale, an HP tale! Mandy read a JK book and took all the characters away! (To the tune of Mary had a little lamb, hehe [I'm Mandy, by the way; PassionPolice237])

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CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT: The Manifestation of Malfoy

Draco and Hermione woke late the next morning, both exhausted from their near all night vigilance.

"Ace," Hermione began, lying on her back and looking up at Draco, who was sitting beside her. "Do you ever fell like everything is too good and things can only get worse?" she asked, turning to look at him and make sure he was being honest with his answer.

"No, not really. That doesn't really make sense," Draco answered and Hermione frowned a little more.

"Yes it does. It's like the fall of the Roman Empire; it just became so big that it couldn't last and fell apart," she explained and Draco nodded, although he really didn't know what she was talking about.

"Like everything is too good to be true," he agreed and Hermione smiled. "Any particular reason why you feel this way?" Draco asked and was a little surprised to see that her smile didn't drop.

"I don't know; I just have this feeling that something is going to happen. I mean, we really don't have that many problems; with the exception of Snape being weird and worrying about what people will think, which I really don't care about, everything is bland, but fine. I don't know; maybe I'm just so used to being threatened that with no one after me, I feel like something is missing," she suggested and Draco looked almost worried, but then his lips curled into a smart-ass smirk.

"That's rather sadistic," he commented and Hermione smiled.

"Yeah, maybe," she agreed, smiling distantly at the pale boy beside her. Suddenly, a wave of ice engulfed Hermione and she curled quickly into a ball, clutching the blankets. "Vvvv..." she said, her teeth mechanically clicking together.

"Alright there, Mia?" Draco asked, chuckling at her predicament. Hermione didn't say anything for a moment and brought her right foot up, placing the bottom directly on Draco's calf. "Bloody hell!" he exclaimed, jumping. "Your feet are like ice, love," he observed and Hermione laughed.

"Yeah, well... that's what you get for laughing at me, Ace. God, aren't you freezing?" Hermione asked, taking note of the thin white t-shirt he still wore. Draco shrugged; he was sitting almost fully straight, his shoulders against the headboard, blankets pooled and forgotten near his waist.

"No, actually; a little on the warm side," he said, his brows scrunched up as if he were having a deep and confusing thought. "Are you sure you're feeling alright?" Draco asked, very gently.

"Mm, just cold," Hermione repeated, closing her eyes.

"You know, Mia... now that I think about it; I wasn't cold yesterday either and you were shaking in your skin. Maybe we should take you back to Pomfrey," he suggested and Hermione wined.

"No, I don't want to, Ace. The infirmary is REALLY cold, and they make you wear those tacky pajamas," she complained and Draco laughed. "You shouldn't laugh at me, Billy; I'm the one carrying your baby," she said, quoting one of her romance novels, fully expecting Draco to be confused and possibly worried, but he was neither.

"That's not my baby and you know it, Val. I saw you and Allen in the chapel that day," Draco said and Hermione opened her eyes in surprise.

"You've read Candelabra Cortex?" she asked suspiciously and Draco shrugged his shoulders.

"I was curious, so I borrowed it," he explained and Hermione giggled. Draco smiled, but was silent. Then he turned to her. "You're not, are you?"

"Not what?" she asked, still smiling, but no longer pondering Draco's choice of reading material. Draco swallowed and asked, a little nervously,

"C-carrying my baby?" Hermione pondered this for a moment, then smirked a little.

"And what if I am?" she asked smoothly and Draco's eyes nearly popped out of his head. He was in silent shock for a moment, but he answered smartly, hoping to distract her from the obvious emotional overflow.

"Uh," he began, knowing he had to be supportive. "It's fine with me; that's nine months of worry-free sex, right?" Draco said, trying to smirk as convincingly as possible, but Hermione laughed.

"Yes, and I'm sure it will be great fun when my stomach is as big as your ego," she retorted and Draco laughed, momentarily forgetting the seriousness of the topic at hand.

"MY ego? Well Mia, if you're to get that big, we might need a larger bed," he said and Hermione laughed. Then realization hit him again and Draco's smile dropped. Not to a frown, but to nothing; expressionless. "So you really are, then?" he asked again. Hermione looked curiously at him.

"What would you say if I were?" she asked sincerely, enjoying the reaction she was getting out of him, and Draco cracked a bit of a smile.

"I'd say that we are definitely going to see Pomfrey," he said honestly. "All your shaking can't be healthy; especially not this early." Draco turned to stare at nothing, his face a cauldron of emotions, blending to form a dull grey mix that left him looking torn.

"Draco," Hermione said and he turned to her, only the grey shown in his expression. "I'm not pregnant," she told him and he just stared, as if he were reluctant to believe her. "I'm not, I swear," she repeated with a light giggle and Draco gave in and relaxed, bringing a hand to rub at one eye, then slide through his hair.

"Thank god," he said with a smile and Hermione laughed quietly. "You scared me there, Mia," he said nervously and held out his hands. "Look, I'm shaking," Draco pointed out with an amused tone. Hermione moved herself up and closer to him, cuddling up to his chest while he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and held her tight.

"I'm sorry Ace; that was pretty horrible of me. But hey, at least now I know you won't go ditching me if something like that happens," she pointed out and Draco kissed the top of her head.

"Hermione, I swear to you that I would never leave you because of something like that, if I did it. Actually, you know what? I wouldn't leave if someone else did it, unless, of course, you wanted me to... especially if the git was un-loyal and left you. I thought that was obvious, but if you needed reassurance, you could have just ASKED me. There was no need to scare me senseless," he said, obviously wallowing in relief.

"But then I'd be taking your word for it; now I know for sure. And just so you know, all that stuff about not leaving if it were someone else was unneeded, because that's never going to happen," Hermione told him and Draco smiled, then kissed her again.

"Can't say I'm unhappy to hear that," he said and Hermione smiled too.

"Would it really be THAT terrible if we had a baby?" she said, almost sounding like a plea.

"Mia, I'm not saying that I wouldn't love to have a baby, and for it to be OUR baby, but I don't think now is a good time. We are young, unmarried, haven't finished school yet, we still have training, and neither of us really OWN anything. I mean, your car is probably the most important thing you own, right?

"And technically I own half of the Malfoy estate and will own the rest when, god forbid, my mother passes it on to me, but believe me when I say that Malfoy Manor is no place for a child to grow up. Plus, we've only been together for like a month; wouldn't you like some alone time before we start bringing new people into the picture? What about Seattle? And I don't even want to think about what your parents would do to me," Draco said, all fluently and Hermione knew there were a million more reasons. She smiled.

"They wouldn't do anything directly to you. Mum would make a whole bunch of 'Draco Malfoy; wanted dead or alive' posters while downing at least a bag of chocolate chips a day. Dad would get a tattoo across his forearm which read 'Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, by morning find Draco beneath the earth's crust'... and, as for me, I would be locked away until my ovaries shrivel up and disappear, so yeah, you're right." Draco laughed a hearty laugh.

"Bloody hell, Mia... the stuff you say about your parents. So grandchildren are not on the top of their priority list, hm? My mum, actually, would probably be thrilled... at least as soon as she awoke from the shock inflicted coma; but it's better than a tattoo," he said and Hermione giggled.

"But really, you're totally right. I don't want a baby right now either. I'm contented with the unbelievably good way things are," she decided. "I'm sorry I scared you."

"And I'm amazingly sorry I read that book. You say you LIKE that stuff? I really will never understand you, or any other woman for that matter," Draco said and Hermione giggled.

"I don't think you're supposed to," she pointed out, then was struck by a violent shiver. Draco's arm tightened and he pulled her closer, waiting out the spasm.

"Are you okay, Hermione?" he asked, a little more than worried.

"Yes, j-just..." Hermione started, snuggling into her inamorato.

"Cold, I know," he finished for her. Although the muggle born girl was wearing a sweatshirt and heavy pajamas, her skin was ice cold to the touch. "Mia, I really think we should go to Pomfrey, just to make sure you're alright. Please?" he asked, holding her close and trying to warm her a little more.

"Ok-kay," she agreed, still feeling the chilling waves. "But now right now," she decided and Draco did not object; at least he had gotten her to agree to go.

"Alright, you don't have to go now," he agreed and Hermione smiled.

"Ace..." she whispered into his chest and Draco kissed her once more.

* * * * * * * * * *

Half past two that afternoon, Draco walked a shivering Hermione to the hospital wing. She had dressed in as much as she could and walked close to Draco, for his body heat as much as for him. Draco could tell that Hermione didn't want to go, but she wasn't resisting, and that was better than the last time.

The couple walked in silence, Hermione looking somber and Draco frowning because of it. In an attempt to cheer her up a bit, he kissed behind her ear; one of his favorite spots. Hermione smiled up at him for a moment, then went back to looking as if she were walking to the electric chair. Draco sighed and continued to walk with her, now nothing to think about but his worries.

Entering the hospital noiselessly, neither could see the nurse anywhere. Hermione sighed and looked up at Draco.

"Madam Pomfrey?" she called, somewhat reluctantly, still looking at him. Draco gave her an 'I'm sorry' look and Hermione turned away.

"Miss Granger?" a worried cry came from the direction of the nurse's office. A moment later, a flustered medi-witch hustled into the room. Draco pricked up an eyebrow at Pomfrey, who was looking as if she'd had a run in with a professional snogger; rumpled, kissed, and flustered.

"Are you alright, Madam Pomfrey?" Hermione asked, eyeing the nurse suspiciously. Pomfrey hesitated just a moment before she spoke.

"I believe that's a question I should be asking you, Miss Granger. What brings you back, dear?" she asked, sounding concerned.

"Well, I've just been unbelievably cold the past couple days, and you said to come back if I felt strange," Hermione explained, but was still looking suspicious. Pomfrey nodded.

"Yes, I thought that might happen; side-effect of the potion used to cure the side-effect of the curse. Have a seat, I think I have something that might help you," she said and turned away. Hermione moved to the closest bed, but did not sit as requested. Draco stared after Pomfrey, then turned to her.

"Did it look like she'd just been-" he asked suspiciously and Hermione nodded. "I thought so," he said and glanced back toward the medi-witch. "She's coming back." Hermione turned toward the nurse just as she looked up with a smile.

"Here, I have two that could help. Take this one, dear; it should work almost instantly," the nurse said and Hermione took the baby blue potion she offered her. With a sigh, the still shivering brunette drank down the medicine, and was surprised to see that it didn't taste as awful as expected. In fact, it was sweet and reminded her of blueberries. "Just a moment," Pomfrey said, and they all waited.

It hadn't been a minute when Hermione began to hear murmuring. She listened closely for a moment, and the mumble became clearer. Hermione looked up at Draco as she recognized it as his voice, but to her surprise, his lips weren't moving.

^Can you hear me, Hermione? ^ said a voice which sounded like a young Madam Pomfrey. Hermione snapped her head to the nurse, who was looking casually at her nails. The voice laughed, but Pomfrey didn't look fazed. ^I'll take that as a yes. Listen to me, alright? You're not crazy; I'm Madam Pomfrey. I need you to do something for me. First, when I ask if you're any better, say no so I can give you a potion that really will help you,^ the voice said and Hermione stared at the nurse, who was looking as if nothing were happening. Then she sighed and looked to Hermione.

"Are you feeling any different, Miss Granger?" she asked, then the voice spoke up again.

^Say no, Hermione,^ it told her and Hermione obeyed, shaking her head.

"Alright, try this one, then," Pomfrey said and gave her the other potion. Hermione, who had no idea what was happening, decided to comply with both Pomfrey and the voice. Since both were silent at the moment, Draco's private mumbling became clearer. He was evidently thinking primarily about her, but quieter voices said things about his upcoming detention and his hatred of Snape.

Hermione drank the new potion, which was an interestingly fowl tasting pale green and instantly felt a warm wave of shiver relief.

"How's that?" Pomfrey said.

"Much better," Hermione said with a smile as she savored the new warmth.

^Thank god,^ she heard Draco's voice say, quite loudly, and turned to him with a smile. He was looking warmly at her, as if she'd just said the most wonderful thing he'd ever heard.

"Good, good; you may go, then," Pomfrey said, then followed it with a thought.

^Hermione, I really need your help with something. I need you to leave as if nothing were wrong, then wait outside the door. Please, this is very important, ^ she thought. Hermione nodded, but it was thought to be acceptance of her dismissal.

Hermione straitened and grabbed Draco's hand, then walked as casually as possible out the doors. Once outside, Hermione put her ear up to the door as if to hear what was happening inside.

"Mia?" Draco asked, but Hermione held up her hand to silence him.

^Alright, now this is just plain weird behavior. I never thought she'd be one to listen in on people when they're...^ Draco began, but his thought was cut short.

"I'm not, now could you just hush up a minute?" Hermione said, waiting for Pomfrey to start talking to her. Draco looked surprised and held out his hands, palms splayed.

"I didn't say anything!" he said and Hermione sighed.

"I know. Look, I can't explain right now, and I know this sounds absurd, but I need you to stop thinking for a while. It's distracting," she said and Draco's jaw dropped. Most people, when told not to think, would automatically do nothing other, but, lucky for Hermione, Draco was not only speechless, he was also thoughtless.

^Hermione? Oh, please be able to hear me,^ Pomfrey thought to her, then began explaining her frightening predicament. Hermione's eyes widened and she gasped when she heard everything Pomfrey was saying.

Draco simply stood there, looking a bit scared of her. He couldn't help but to subconsciously begin to think again.

^What the hell is going on?^ he wondered, not realizing he had done it.

"Shh," Hermione scolded and continued to listen to Pomfrey.

^Go, Hermione. Get help, he's in here now; please!^ the nurse begged. Hermione wasted not a moment and grabbed Draco's hand, then sped off down the corridor.

"Hermione, are you going to tell me what's going on or am I just supposed to stay in the dark and follow you around?" he asked and Hermione kept walking, taking long strides and moving fast.

"It's Snape," she told him and Draco nodded, still having no idea what was going on.

^Wait, does she mean that Pomfrey and Snape were...^

"Are you telling me that Pomfrey was in there with SNAPE?" Draco asked and Hermione giggled at the irony of his repeating himself.

"Yes, but it's not entirely what you think. She's not exactly enjoying it, if you know what I mean," Hermione explained and turned to go down a staircase. "Shit," she said as it began to move half way through her descent.

"And how do you know this, exactly?" Draco asked, ignoring her remark about the staircases.

"She told me, when I was standing outside the door. That first potion I took let me read her mind and yours, which is why I told you to stop thinking," Hermione said, using the wasted time waiting for the staircase to explain.

"What? I don't believe you," Draco said, looking skeptical. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Yes, Ace. I was totally making all that up, you caught me. Fine; think something and I'll tell you what it was," she said, just as the ground beneath them halted. Taking his hand, she hurried down the stairs.

^Asleep, Hermione Granger is the most gorgeous thing I've ever laid eyes on,^ he thought at her and Hermione blushed before turning to him.

"But not when I'm awake?" she asked and Draco laughed, however a bit nervously.

"Alright, I believe you. So, what was actually going on in there?" he asked, taking slightly elongated strides to keep up with Hermione's hurried pace.

"I don't exactly know; she said that Snape was there and she needed me to get help. She's obviously in trouble or she wouldn't have bothered to make me read her mind when she could have just told me and, judging by the way she looked when she came out of her office, I'm assuming I know what's happening," Hermione said and Draco nodded.

"Okay... so where are we going?"

"Dumbledore; where else?" she answered and turned down the hall which led to Dumbledore's office.

"Ah," Draco said in understanding and stopped with Hermione at the doors of their destination.

"Wait for me?" she asked, smiling at Draco.

"Of course," he answered and Hermione gave him a quick kiss before taking a step up and knocking on the door. A reply was heard from the old man within and Hermione slid into the room, leaving Draco alone outside.

* * * * * * * * * *

Draco leaned against the wall, head down and hands in his pockets. **Alright,** he thought, **Mia can read minds, Pomfrey is possibly being raped or tortured by Snape as we speak, and now we're asking Dumbledore if he'll walk in on them for us. Okay, did that just happen all in like ten minutes?"** he asked himself, shocked by the speed at which everything had hit him. **Does this mean I won't have detention? Wait, what am I saying!? An innocent woman is in potentially serious danger and all I say is 'what about detention?'? That's just wonderful of me,** he thought sadly, forgetting that Hermione could hear every word, then sighed. **I guess the Malfoy gene doesn't die easy.**

Draco didn't have to wait long; Hermione returned with Dumbledore not a moment after this thought and the headmaster started immediately for the hospital wing. Hermione looked to Draco as if she pitied him and Draco pricked up an eyebrow.

"What?" he asked, but Hermione just shook her head and took his hand. She headed toward the hospital wing, but much slower this time. Draco looked curiously at her for a moment, then turned his head to the ground.

"He told me to hang back and let him deal with the, um... situation," she explained, although he hadn't asked. Draco didn't look up, just nodded and kept his eyes on the floor. "Are you alright, Ace?" Draco smiled and looked up at her, then kissed her cheek.

"So, what's the answer to the one question everyone's asking?" Draco asked with a smirk.

"What?" Hermione asked, although she knew. It was hard not to listen to Draco thinking, although she tried. Through this, Hermione also knew that it bothered him when she read his mind, so she played as if she couldn't.

"What's Dumbledore thinking?" he asked and she laughed. Draco smiled, glad he could still make her laugh.

"Actually," Hermione said, "I couldn't hear him. I can hear you and Pomfrey, not Snape... but I think that was because he was too far away. Dumbledore must have taught himself not to think," she said with a bit of a laugh.

"Either that or he has no problems and nothing to think about," Draco said with a slightly sad smile and Hermione put on the same one. She turned back to the floor and took a stuttered breath.

"Draco, I don't want to go back there," she said, holding her eyes closed and his hand tight. Draco turned sharply to her, face confused as well as worried. He stopped them and stepped in front of her.

"It's alright, Mia. You don't have to go if you don't want to," he told her and Hermione embraced him, letting go of his hand and bringing hers up his back to hold him close. Draco was a little worried, feeling completely in the dark, but hugged her back. "We can go back to the common room, love," he suggested gently, softly running a hand up her back.

"Yeah, okay," she said, pulling away and wiping her eyes, although they were devoid of tears. Draco wrapped a comforting arm around her waist and led Hermione in a circle, turning in the direction of the common room. She was quiet, looking thoughtfully at the floor with a frown.

"Do you know all my deepest darkest secrets now?" Draco asked, then looked as if he were annoyed by his own stupidity. Hermione looked up with surprise, ignoring the mental cursing Draco was issuing himself. "I'm sorry," he said, looking down.

"No, that was just unexpected, which is weird. You didn't think that before you said it," Hermione said, looking curious.

"Oh, is that all? I don't see why that's surprising; I say stuff without thinking all the time. If I didn't, you'd never be mad at me," Draco said with a smirk and Hermione smiled.

"In answer to your question, no. I don't know anything unless you're thinking it right now," she said and Draco frowned.

"And knowing that means I'm going to think of every one of them in quick succession," he complained. Hermione giggled.

"Well, sing so I can't hear you," she suggested and Draco took a breath. "In your head, sing in your head," she corrected herself before he could utter a note. Draco exhaled and put on his pouting face. Hermione giggled and placed a hand below his chin. "Now THAT'S attractive," she said mockingly and Draco smirked.

"I try," he said with a shrug. Hermione smiled and kissed him quickly.

"Now, if only you would do that while you sleep," she said pleadingly and Draco smiled.

"I thought I was already attractive when I sleep?" he reminded her and Hermione shrugged.

"A little more couldn't hurt," she said smartly and breathed a cheery sigh. Draco briefly wondered how she could change her mood so quickly. Only minutes ago did she seem scared out of her mind, but now she acted as if everything was wonderful.

^Must be PMS or something,^ he dismissed it and Hermione looked fiercely at him.

"Draco! I heard that! That was very... very..." Hermione scolded, finding herself without words.

^Chauvinistic,^ Draco thought in answer and Hermione nodded.

"Yes, very chauvinistic of you," she agreed and Draco frowned.

"Sorry. I didn't say it though, so you can't be mad at me," he said in defense and Hermione nodded.

"I wouldn't have been anyway, but just know that that thought wasn't appreciated."

"I know. Can I ask you something?" he asked and Hermione nodded, but answered before he could ask the question.

"Because it's degrading. Every time a girl gets pissed off about something, guys automatically blame it on that, as if hormones are the only cause of feelings. It's only natural that we would get defensive," she explained in answer to his unasked question of why girls get upset whenever PMS is mentioned. Draco nodded and turned his face back ahead of him.

* * * * * * * * * *

As they reached the portrait, both Draco and Hermione were surprised to see that there were no adults in their painting. Just the little girl, who's excitement was growing as she saw the two approach.

"Hello Narcissa, where is your father?" Draco asked the girl kindly and Hermione looked adoringly at him. The girl was practically shrieking in excitement.

"Daddy's down the hall with Angie. He said that if I was good he would let me guard the door by myself," she said smiling widely. "Do you want to go in? I'm supposed to ask for the password," she said, then screwed up her face in deep thought.

"The password is popcorn," Hermione jumped in, speaking softly. The little girl's smile brightened and she nodded.

"Yes, it is. This is so much fun, I get to open the door!" she squealed.

"Congratulations, Narcissa," Draco said with a soft smile and Hermione looked to him again. Narcissa opened the door for them and Draco and Hermione entered, hearing the pleasured laughs of the little child behind them.

* * * * * * * * * *

Draco looked to the tiny Hogsmeade mantle clock and sighed. It was five o'clock and they still hadn't heard a word from Dumbledore or Pomfrey. Then he turned to Hermione, who was smiling and looking at him, her book open but lying cover up against her chest.

"What?" he asked with a smile, pulling down his headphones. Hermione shook her head.

"Nothing, just listening to... whatever that was you were listening to. I like it; who are they?" she answered and Draco smiled.

"System of a Down. Can you really hear it or is it another one of those telepathy things?" Draco asked, planning on turning it down if she could hear.

"It's from you head, but only because you're singing along. If you didn't know the songs, I probably wouldn't hear. God, how long is this going to last, anyway? I'm sick of always knowing what you're going to say before you say it. This has totally killed your aura of unpredictability," Hermione complained and Draco frowned.

"Do you really know what I'm going to say before I say it?" Draco asked, but Hermione was already nodding.

"Maybe you need an antidote," they said at the same time. "Okay, that's just creepy," once again in unison. "Hermione, stop!" together was demanded. Draco looked a little angered; annoyed at her ability. "Draco Malfoy is the hottest man I've ever seen." Hermione blushed, but didn't back down.

"I wish that butter delusion would come true," Hermione said, thinking Draco was about to, but he remained smirking and silent. "I can't believe you made me say that!" she yelled, this time speaking alone. Draco laughed.

"I didn't make you say anything, love. If you'd stop saying everything I do, then you wouldn't have had that problem, would you?" he reasoned, annoyed that Hermione was silently mouthing the words as he spoke them. "Alright, that's it," he said, standing up. "We're going to find Dumbledore or Pomfrey or somebody and try and silence your new abilities. You wouldn't believe how annoying it is not to have any privacy at all," Draco said, looking like he meant business. Hermione was almost scared.

Not only was Draco acting hostile, he wasn't rethinking it, and he didn't notice her slight fear. Hermione swallowed.

"Okay," she said, however a bit hesitantly. Hermione stood and moved toward the door, trying to keep her distance. She couldn't deny that she would hate it if Draco could read her mind and anticipate every word she spoke, but he was somewhat scary just now. Before leaving the room, Hermione turned back to him and saw that Draco was indeed following her, the look of seriousness still on her face. It unnerved her that she was absolutely sure that he felt no differently than he had moments before.

Draco took Hermione's hand as he came up to her and she was both pleased and surprised that his touch was as gentle as ever. If Draco had been at all rough just then, Hermione couldn't deny that she would have broken down right then and there.

^It's not her fault,^ she heard Draco repeat over and over to himself and smiled.

Draco pulled her out into the hall and started toward the hospital wing. Hermione sadly looked up at him; seeing how ruthless he looked scared her even more. He looked like the Malfoy she had met in first year, not the Draco she now shared a common room with.

"I'm sorry, Draco," she said quietly; the fact that Draco was pulling her by the wrist and not holding her hand was almost too much for her to take. He turned to her, his face still very Malfoy-like. Hermione was facing the floor, head down and eyes closed, looking very sad and regretful. At Draco's swift head motion, she gasped and looked up, causing Draco to stop dead in his tracks as he finally noticed how she seemed to be scared. He dropped her wrist, then just stood still, a look of horror on his face.

^She's scared. Hermione is afraid of me. Oh, god, what have I done?^ Draco thought after looking away, forgetting again that Hermione could hear each word. ^ I promised... I said I wouldn't be like him... I said I'd never hurt her... This isn't the first time I've broken that promise, is it? But this is the first time she's been afraid. Ever. The first time she's ever given me the look that asks me to spare her. Hermione, the girl I could threaten with my wand to her throat and get a laugh before that look, is afraid.^

Draco kept his eyes off Hermione, and because of it he missed the sight of the fear melting away and becoming something more like pity. Then, when he had finished his thought, Hermione stepped up and put her arms around him, holding her head against his chest. Draco was limp for a moment, but then he roughly embraced her, hugging her as if he would never see her again.

^I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry,^ he thought and Hermione wasn't sure if it had been directed to her or if it were just a thought, but she could care less. Malfoy was gone for the moment, and Draco had returned to her.

"What say you get the fuck out of my head, aye Granger?" Draco asked and they both laughed.

"I totally agree. I don't like this any more than you do, Malfoy," Hermione shot back, making no attempt to break free from his arms.

"I know, it's not your fault... I'm sorry Mia. I'm sorry I scared you; I don't know why I got like that, I just... don't know what to say," Draco said sadly, moving a hand to hold her head to his chest like something precious and valuable.

"I know," Hermione said understandingly.

"Of course you do," he said with a smirk. Hermione looked up with a smile and Draco kissed her. "Hermione, I really am sorry," Draco said with deep honesty, and she nodded.

A/N: Oh, come ON, I HAD to put SOME thing bad like that in! I mean, come one... if that were happening to you, wouldn't you get a little pissed off too? And he's never mad at her; it's about time... she gets mad at him, but he's never mad anymore... which I admit is OOC, but I'm sorry. That's just the way it is. Now he's mad, and for good reason, but he shouldn't have scared her anyway; it's not like it was her fault...but, anyway...

Title: Look guys! For once, no Romeo and Juliet! I was GOING to call it something like 'Poison, I see, hath been his timeless end' because of the potion, but that was a little too overdramatic, because no one died.... although Snape was 'reprimanded'

I know this doesn't fully explain the Snape thing, and I don't get around to spelling it out until later, but basically; he wasn't after Mia, ever. J/fyi.

PRF:

Purplerks: Thanx! I'm glad you finally got caught up! Brothers are jerks! And Draco/Hermione is the ONLY couple in MY world of Harry Potter. I hate that kid. The main characters ALWAYS get ALL the attention...er... lol, duh!

Carla: Hey! You're back! Yippie! Missed ya! Thanx for reviewing, lol, and I'm sorry if there's too much R+J.... there isn't a lot in the story, so don't punish Draco and Hermione! Lol... they don't deserve to die! ::sniff:: haha As for ending? Never. As for disclaimers? I try, hehe. And I changed her birthday because I wanted her to be younger than Draco, but I didn't what him to be 18 yet... hehe

Lirawen: Hey, at least you're not a hypocrite. Ha, man, I can't even say that with a straight face.... haha.

MoshiMoshiQueen: The TOTAL best couple! There IS no OTHER! Lol. Yes, haven't quite decided what to do about that... don't worry; it will come... my muse is being generous lately... hehe! I love that chica!

Arime Setta: Sure, I'll email you! You should be getting the notification for this chapter! Let me know if you don't!

Iris: Haha, my cat's name is Iris... anyway... thanx! I love dem kissers!

Nikki: No... it wasn't Darry, it was Dally. Darry was the older brother of Sodapop and Ponyboy. Dally was that dude who really liked Johnny.

Prantis: THIS chapter! Hehe

Draco's Dragon: Why, thank you!