Disclaimer: I still don't own Harry Potter, or any of the characters associated to the books. I've been begging JK Rowling to let me have Draco, but she doesn't seem to be too keen on that idea. All I can say is selfish, selfish. I don't necessarily want him forever. Even an hour would be nice. Just imagine what I could do in an hour! *Wink Wink*

Chapter 3

The Way She Could Affect Him

Hermione groggily woke up as she realized something was glaring into her eyes. Rolling over, she faced her window and opened her sleep weary eyes. Her entire room was bathed in bright yellow sunlight streaming through the window. The blizzard had finally stopped some time in the night, leaving Hogwarts covered in piles of fresh white snow.

Laboriously, Hermione dragged herself out of the warm haven of her bed. Pushing the crimson covers to the side, she sat on the edge of the bed and surveyed her room. The mahogany canopied bed stood at the opposite end of the room from the door covered in crimson and gold. As the Head Girl she was given a room all to herself, which was extremely comfortable and spacious. Next to her bed on each side was an end table that matched her bed. In fact, all of the woodwork in the room matched, from the wardrobe to her desk. The desk was situated just beneath the window, which gave her an excellent view of the lake. The wardrobe was on the wall next to the door, and had far more room for clothes than she would ever need. Of course she had a bookcase, that was filled with books on every subject Hermione was interested (which was pretty much everything but Divination). The door led to the common room she shared with the Head Boy. Their rooms were situated along the main corridor.

Distantly, Hermione heard the tower clock chiming in the distance. It was only seven o'clock in the morning. She certainly hadn't slept very long, but there was little chance that she could fall back to sleep now that she was awake. She decided that it would be a perfect time to visit Harry. Most other students wouldn't be up this early on a Saturday morning.

* ~ * ~ *

After having a quick shower and getting dressed, Hermione left her room and entered the common room. It consisted of two comfy leather chairs next to the fireplace, a large sofa towards the center of the room with a coffee table directly in front of it, and a table against one of the walls next to a large window that led out to a small balcony. Her favorite part of the room was the leather chairs by the fireplace. There was no better place to curl up with a good book, provided the Head Boy didn't bother her. He could be such a prat at times. But it was empty now, which she had expected, so she walked across the room towards the exit, which was covered with a portrait of Elladora Vetteridge. She was the witch who discovered the use of Gillyweed when she nearly suffocated after eating some of the plant. She only recovered by sticking her head into a bucket of water. She was by far, one of the nicest portraits in Hogwarts, always very positive, and never pried, unlike the pink lady.

"Good morning Hermione." The portrait called as she exited the hole. "You're certainly up early this morning."

"Morning Elladora. Yeah, I woke up and just couldn't fall back asleep." Hermione responded.

"You certainly had a late night, I would have expected you to sleep till well into the afternoon. Or, at least that's what I would have done. Well, you enjoy your day."

"I'll try. See you later." Hermione called as she made her way down the hall towards the hospital wing.

She didn't really enjoy spending much time in the hospital. It wasn't exactly a happy place. The only reason a person ever went there was if they or someone they knew was hurt. But Harry was more than hurt. He was practically dead. Every time she went to see him, she left crying and feeling guilty for not doing enough to help him. She was convinced there was something else she could be doing, but couldn't think of what it might be. Now with Nutricius gone, she was left with nothing.

Entering the hospital room, she saw Harry lying motionless on the bed. His glasses were placed by the bed on a table. Next to the glasses was a copy of "Quidditch Through the Ages," lying open face down. Obviously, Ron had been reading it to Harry. No one else would have.

Hermione sat in the chair next to Harry's bed and gazed at his face. He appeared to be so relaxed. As though he didn't have a care in the world. His hair was as unruly as ever, sticking up in every direction imaginable. She leaned forward to gently brush the hair off his forehead to reveal the lightning shaped scar. She traced the white line with her index finger several times, just staring at his calm expression.

"I'm sorry Harry." She whispered, lightly holding one of his hands. "I've been trying so hard to help. I don't want to give up hope. But, I just don't know what to do anymore…I don't even know if you can hear me…I miss you so much."

Tears were now spilling over her eyes and down her cheeks, to splash against their entwined hands, but she didn't really notice. She was far too caught up in her grief.

She didn't pay any attention to how long she sat there while she just held his hand, wishing fervently that he would wake up. God! How she hated Voldemort! That he did this to one of her best friends. Why didn't he just die those seventeen years ago? Why did he have to come back? Why didn't he just leave everyone alone? It wasn't fair.

Wiping her tearstained face with the sleeve of her cloak, Hermione stood up to leave. She could hear Madame Pomfrey bustling around in the other room, doing God knows what. Hermione didn't particularly wish to see the woman because every time she did, Madame Pomfrey would give her a pitying glance, making her feel even worse about Harry.

Quickly, trying to make as little noise as possible, Hermione left the hospital wing and made her way downstairs to the Great Hall for breakfast. She chose a seat at the end of the Gryffindor table. She didn't feel particularly hungry, but figured she needed to eat something. Gingerly, she picked up a piece of toast and began to spread marmalade jam on it.

As Hermione was nibbling on her toast, a group of Gryffindors loudly entered the Great Hall. They were all dressed in crimson Quidditch robes, and had just finished an early morning practice. They were led by Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas who were discussing the Puddlemere United Team and the Irish National Team. The rest of the team followed close behind, with the last two being Ron and Ginny.

When the Ministry told them that Harry wouldn't likely wake up, or at least not for a while, the Gryffindor Quidditch Team had to find a replacement. Much to everyone's surprise, it was Ginny who was picked for the team. She was really quite good, but still no comparison to Harry.

The team sat down towards Hermione's end of the table and greedily began shoving food into their mouths. Dean glanced over at Hermione and gave her a smile. She gave a weak smile back before turning back to her food.

"Hey, you guys. Does anyone know why Hermione looks so sad?" Dean asked with genuine concern. Although she had stopped crying, her eyes were still blood shot and her face was rather pale.

"Probably got less than 100% on Flitwick's test yesterday." Ron answered sending a look towards Hermione that said he couldn't care less why she would be unhappy.

It was no secret around the school that Ron and Hermione weren't getting along anymore. After Harry collapsed, Ron began to spend every extra minute he had next to Harry's bed. He even did his homework in the hospital. If Madame Pomfrey allowed him, he would probably sleep there. It was no surprise that he was upset by Harry's condition. They had been best friends since their first year at Hogwarts. However, the school was shocked when Ron stopped speaking to Hermione, and began insulting her far worse than even Malfoy.

Ron was under the impression that Hermione didn't care about Harry. She spent so much time in the library that she only went to visit Harry a couple times a week. Of course she didn't tell Ron that she was looking up information for Nutricius, or that every time she went to see Harry she wound up crying. He interpreted her absence as her not caring. The rest of the school knew Hermione missed him, but for some reason Ron couldn't see that.

"Shut up, Ron!" Ginny cried crossly, sending a sympathetic glance towards Hermione. "Why must you always be such a prat?"

Ginny missed Harry just as much as Ron did, and she understood what Hermione felt. Every time she saw Harry in the hospital, she couldn't help but cry too. Harry and her had just begun dating the last summer. It hadn't been easy for Ginny, especially since she had become Harry's replacement. Often, Ginny would come and sleep in Hermione's room when she was feeling particularly upset.

Having finished eating all that she felt she could manage, Hermione stood up from the table, heading towards her room. She decided to collect some of her books and go to the library. It would probably be almost entirely empty at this time. Not very many people would be doing homework this early on a Saturday.

Having reached Elladora's portrait, Hermione muttered "Frog Spawn". The portrait swung aside to reveal the common room, and Hermione stepped inside.

At first glance, she assumed the room was still empty, but was shocked when she saw a certain blonde Slytherin sitting in one of the large chairs by the fire. He was apparently studying his Transfiguration notes, but had looked up when she had entered the room.

For a moment Hermione was frozen in place, just staring at him in shock. Finally regaining the use of her limbs, she walked across the stone floor and entered her room.

'I don't know why I'm surprised to see him there. He is, after all, the Head Boy and shares the common room.' Hermione thought to herself as she collected her Potions notes and shoved them into her backpack. 'I guess I just expected him to be down at breakfast or doing something else other than studying on a Saturday morning.'

Quickly, she left her room trying not to look at the attractive Slytherin. Over the years, the once pale boy had grown into one of Hogwarts' finest looking male specimens, probably the finest. He had grown considerably, now reaching a height of 6'2". His pale skin wasn't so pale anymore, rather a light tan, which accentuated his silver-blonde hair no longer slicked back with gallons of gel. His body was now rippled in muscles obtained from all the time he spent playing Quidditch.

As she walked across the common room, she couldn't help but notice that he didn't take his eyes off her. Despite herself, she took a glance at him and was surprised by what she saw hidden in the depths of his eyes. Surely she was mistaken, that couldn't be desire she saw directed at her? Turning away from the steel grey eyes, Hermione quickly rushed out of the room without even hearing Elladora call out a good-bye.

'Of all the guys in school that I have to be attracted to, it just has to be Draco Malfoy, doesn't it. Mr. Son of a Death Eater and going to join them, Malfoy. It's just some cruel joke of fate. Why couldn't he have just stayed the same arrogant prick he had always been to her? No, instead I have to become one of the dozens of girls here at Hogwarts who's fallen for him.' Hermione thought to herself as she blindly made her way through the halls.

Hermione had been quite fascinated by the changes she had witnessed in Draco. The majority of the females in the school were obsessed with his incredibly good looks, constantly giggling whenever he walked by. She had gotten a fair share of comments about them sharing quarters.

'No-wait, I haven't fallen for him. I just think he's cute. That's it. There's nothing more. Really there's nothing more…'

'Oh, I wouldn't say that. There's a certain body part you're really interested in…'

'No! Eww gross. I don't think of him like that. You're disgusting.'

'His brain, you idiot. I was talking about his brain. But now that you mention it, you must be interested in that organ to think that I was. I'm you after all.'

'Shut up. Okay, so maybe he's more than cute. After all, his looks didn't make him Head Boy. But it's just a crush. Not really even a crush. I'm just momentarily blinded. For some reason I like him. But that will pass soon enough. Then I'll be back to being normal, crush free, Hermione Granger.'

But despite what she kept telling herself, she couldn't stop thinking about those cold grey eyes that for an instant weren't made of ice. That for one minute could have melted her on the spot.

'It's not fair for any person to look as good as him. It should be a crime…'

"God, Hermione! You have got to stop thinking of him! He's never going to see anything in you, so you're wasting your time fantasizing about him!"

Hermione didn't even realize she had just spoken aloud. She was far to engrossed in attempting to dispel her thoughts that seemed to dwell on a certain blonde Slytherin. Fortunately the hall was empty, so there was no one to witness her odd behavior.

* ~ * ~ *

Draco watched as she exited the common room. He couldn't tear his eyes away from her lithe body. The moment she had entered the room, he could sense her. As though she gave off some sort of signal when she came near. Even now that she was gone the image of her backside didn't leave his thoughts. He could still visualize the sway of her hips, and the exact motion she used to swing her hair over her shoulder.

'You're thinking of her far too often. It's not healthy. Hermione Granger is going to drive you insane, by no fault of her own.' Draco thought to himself, closing his eyes, willing her image away.

'How could fate be so cruel. She's far too pretty for her own good. No she's way beyond pretty…she's gorgeous...a goddess…Athena. Incredibly intelligent yet at the same time strikingly beautiful.'

Over the years, Hermione's once bushy brown hair had tamed itself into gentle curls that fell halfway down her back. Her slender 5'6" frame made her one of the taller girls at Hogwarts, without looking like a giant. She had filled out to have unmistakable feminine curves. Albeit her breasts were not large, but they seemed perfect for her. There was no way any man would suspect her of being a tramp, yet they would all admire her womanly beauty. Ever since their fifth year, the girl who had once been passed over was now seen by all. It was no secret that there were many boys who fancied her, yet she remained oblivious.

Draco, however, had been attracted to her long before their fifth year. It was actually during their first year that his crush began. Of course it took him a while to admit to himself that he had a crush. The son of Lucius Malfoy would never fancy a Mudblood. Especially one who was doing so much better than him in all of their classes. His father used to constantly remind him that her grades were better than his. Not that he gave a shit what Lucius thought anymore. He was dead now, and had no more say in Draco's life. Hermione was a woman to be admired and sought after.

'She might not feel the same way about me.' Draco thought with a smirk. 'But eventually she'll come around. It just might take a little work.'

Draco sat in the chair gazing into the fire yet not seeing the flickering flames. Instead he saw Hermione's smiling face, her bent over her books in the library, her laughing in the Great Hall. Oh, the sound of her laughter. It was like music to his ears. He couldn't help but smile at the sweet sound.

Instantly his fantasies were no longer focused on just watching her. Suddenly he was wrapping his arms around her narrow waist as he lowered his lips to claim hers. Her soft lips crushed against his own. Their breathing coming in ragged.

He could hear her sigh of ecstasy as the kiss deepened from the gentle touch of lips, to a hungry exploration of each other's mouths. Her knees getting weak and her arms clinging to him for support.

Ever so gently he would carry her to his bed and lay her down upon the down bedspread. Her smiling face looking up at him as she pulled him down to her ravenous lips. His hands gently caressing the swell of her breasts…

"Fuck!" Draco groaned to the empty room, glancing down at his lap. His Transfiguration notes had long been forgotten on the floor by the chair.

He sent a furtive glance towards the portrait hole before carefully standing up. 'I shouldn't be surprised it happened. Considering my line of thought. But really, out here in the common room. She could be back any minute. I would have expected more from you.'

Draco made his way towards their shared bathroom, and began running water for a shower. He gave a derisive laugh. God, the way she could effect him.

* ~ * ~ *

Author's Note: Well that was chapter 3. I told you I would have Draco in this chapter, and I did. I know you didn't see much of him, and he didn't even say something, but you did get to hear his thoughts. Next chapter he will speak, and there will actually be some interaction between him and Hermione. I hope you liked it. If not, I'm sorry. Flame me if you want. I really don't care. I like to know what people think of my story. So please review.

I'd like to say thank you to Sex & Diamonds, michelline, HarryPotterWanter, and The Blue Lady. I appreciate all of your reviews.

Sex & Diamonds, you won't find out what Draco has to do with Nutricius until chapter 4.

The Blue Lady, you made me feel so special. I never really thought about how sad my story must seem to begin with. I promise it won't stay this sad.