Chapter Twenty-Four:

(A/M. Thanks everyone! I can't believe I have so many reviews! Thanks to everyone who apologized about the Malfoy/Granger mix up and I'm so glad that you guys liked that chapter. Well for anyone who'd like to know I handed in my Science Essay and I think I did well. Now I have to write a History Essay but it's not due for a while, so YEAH! Anyways this is my favorite chapter so far! Draco and Hermione go to Diagon Alley and guess who they bump into? Dun da dun! Heehee. I remind readers that I would like no flames to be posted since this is my first story and I don't think I can handle it. If you REALLY feel the need you can email it to me. Sniff. I hope nobody does…Okay, read on!)

The next day Hermione awoke slowly. She frowned, she didn't remember having fallen asleep. She stretched and noticed she still wore the same clothes she had worn the day before. Her confusion deepened, her father had back problems, and therefore he couldn't carry Hermione up the stairs. Her mother was too weak that left…

"Draco." Hermione whispered. She smiled into her pillow. She took a shower and dressed quickly. Draco emerged from his bedroom at the same time she did. She flashed him a bright smile and hurried downstairs to make breakfast. Draco sat at the table while she worked.

"Thanks for taking me upstairs, Draco." She said. He smiled lazily and gave a slow shrug.

"It was my pleasure. You look like an angel when you sleep." He said. She blushed and turned away.

"Thank you." She mumbled. She broke three eggs over the frying pan and took out  a fork to scramble them.

"Where are your parent's?"

"At work." She replied. He nodded. She glanced over at Draco sitting slumped at the breakfast table. "Will you set the table?" She asked with a small glare. He sighed and then his face turned into his usual smirk.

"Accio plates." He said with a wave of his wand. Two plates flew out of the cupboard toward him. He caught them easily and set them on the tablemats. He repeated the spell for the silver ware, napkins and cups. Hermione scowled at him.

"I do believe that we're not allowed to use magic over the summer." She chided. He grinned at her.

"My father got me special permission from the Ministry and I know for a fact that Dumbledore extended that permission for you as well." He said. She blushed and stuck out her tongue making him laugh. They ate their breakfast in pleasant silence, joking and telling short stories every once in a while. They cleaned up half an hour later and went over to the fireplace. Hermione opened a small box and took out a handful of the glittering green powder. She tossed it into the fire and the flames turned green.

"Diagon Alley." She said clearly. The flames roared up and she disappeared into them. Draco grabbed the powder and followed. As soon as Draco got to Diagon Alley he dusted himself off.

"I think we should split up." Hermione said looking at her watch. Draco fell to his knees and clutched his heart, his face contorted in pain.

"Oh, Hermione! How could you do this to me?" He demanded in mock pain. She caught on and realized what she had said. Hermione rolled her eyes and slapped Draco's shoulder as he stood up. He smirked at her. "Careful with those smacks, Mione, you leave bloody red stinging marks whenever you hit."

"You deserved them." She said with mock haughtiness. Draco laughed. "Okay, let's meet back here in two hours. Is that okay?" Hermione said. Draco saluted her mockingly and walked away. He stuffed his slender hands into his pockets and walked down the large alley. Lucius had refilled his moneybag when they were at the manor so he didn't have to go into Gringotts just yet. He took out his list of supplies and went into the first store, Flourish and Blotts. He came back out a few minutes later, a large bag filled with heavy books in hand. He went to get some new school robes, then to the Apothecary. After he was finished with all his school supplies he went in search of a perfect birthday present for Hermione. He wandered through numerous shops but he just couldn't find something that he liked. Suddenly an idea struck him and he knew just what to give Hermione. He came out of Gringotts twenty minutes later his money bag refilled and carrying a small package in his hand. The two hours had passed and Draco was late. He was running back to meet Hermione when he crashed into someone. He glanced over at whom he had knocked over and he groaned inwardly. Outwardly his eyed narrowed while his face remained impassive.

"Scarhead, this is a most unpleasant surprise." Draco growled. The boy's face contorted into a hateful mask.

"Piss off, Malfoy." Harry Potter snarled, standing up. Draco followed and laughed inwardly. Over the years Draco had outgrown the-boy-who-lived and he was almost a full head taller than him.

"Oh, I'd so like to, Potter, but you see you're so fun to annoy." Draco said his usual smirk in place. He glanced behind Harry to the window of a shop and saw, in the reflection, Ron sneaking up on him from behind. He ducked the last minute and Ron's hard punch hit Harry in the face. Harry was cursing loudly as blood flowed down through his fingers which were clutching his face. With a small grin Draco turned and walked away from the two Gryffindors. He knew that somebody was following him as he turned into the Alley where he could see Hermione waiting. He stopped and turned. Ron almost crashed into him.

"Yes, Weasley? What do you want?" Draco drawled. Ron's hands clenched. Draco was taller than Ron as well but Ron was a beater, and much bulkier than Draco.

"Where's Hermione?" Ron demanded. Draco almost laughed; this boy was chasing him around just for that?

"Couldn't you have called? No? Well, she's over there." Draco said motioning behind him. "Granger, you have a visitor." He called back. When he glanced back Hermione was looking confused at his tone. Draco stepped aside and allowed her the full view of Ron. She nodded almost imperceptibly. Ron's face broke out into a huge grin and he ran down the alley and embraced Hermione. Draco felt jealousy rear its ugly head and turned away so he could control the feeling. When he was able to master the feeling he walked down the alley casually.

"Ready to go, Granger?" He growled. Hermione nodded. She gave Ron a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. She tossed some Floo powder into the flames, muttered a word, and disappeared. Draco caught the loving look Ron sent her and the blush that had crept over his cheeks. "Got a crush, Weasel?" Draco snarled. Ron blushed even more.

"What's it to you, Malfoy?" Ron demanded angrily. Draco's eyes narrowed. He grabbed some Floo powder and tossed it into the flames. He collected his bags and walked over to the fireplace.

"More than you know." He muttered as he stepped into the flames. With a word the scenery faded in a swirl and he found himself in the Granger's living room. Draco stepped out and walked up the stairs to his room. He left the packets and came back downstairs to find Hermione reading in the kitchen, a glass of water in front of her.

"Did you get everything you needed at Diagon Alley?" She asked, not looking up at him.

"What is there between you and Ron?" He asked sitting down beside her. She looked up and frowned.

"Nothing. Why?"

"I saw they way he looks at you, Hermione. Don't tell me you haven't noticed." He said bitterly.

"No, Draco, I haven't noticed. Enlighten me." She snapped. He glared at her and stood up.

"The same way I do."

"And how is that?"

"With more than friendly feelings, Hermione!" He shouted angrily, disturbed by her calm. "With lo…" He trailed off and turned away. "Forget it." He said and walked away. He glided up the stairs to his room and flopped onto the twin bed. He stared up at the ceiling. He couldn't understand the feelings raging inside him. He had never felt this way about anyone. What was happening to him? He could usually make girls swoon at his feet, going all misty-eyed every time he glanced their way. Now he was having trouble telling a girl how he felt. But that was the problem, he'd never told anyone how he truly felt. He sighed and closed his eyes, letting sleep take him.