Chapter Six- Bedrooms, Flavas and Muscles

Hermione slowly opened the door back into the reunion room.  She slipped through the crack and entered the brightly lit room.  People were still sitting on the floor in a circle, telling embarrassing stories.

Hermione looked around the room for the telling white-blonde hair.  She saw brown, red, and dirty blonde, but no Malfoy hair.

Thank God!  I don't know what I'm going to do… There is no way that I can take him up on that offer… The embarrassment…

"Hermione?"

Hermione startled and looked around.  Ginny was looking at her curiously.  Her forehead was wrinkled in a look of concern. 

"What's up, Mione? You alright?"

"Yeah, thanks Gin.  Just a little tired," Hermione answered, a bit lamely, as she sat down next to the red-haired girl.

"I guess it is getting kind of late.  It's been a long day.  Fun though.  It's great to catch up with all the Hogwarts gang.  Can you believe that Neville's married?" Ginny questioned with a giggle.

"You're kidding!" Harry joined in on the conversation. "Where'd you hear that, Gin?"

"Read it in the Prophet."

"I read it too, Harry.  Really, you should try to read the paper more often.  It's good for your-"

"Knowledge of the wizarding world" finished Harry and Ginny together.  Hermione blushed; it was one of her favorite sayings.

"So Mione, where did you go a little while ago?" Ron asked Hermione, sitting down next to her.  "I saw you go through that door over there."

Uh-oh…

"Oh, just looking for the bathroom," Hermione lied.

"Don't you mean THE JOHN?" Harry asked, raising his voice on the last two words.  He looked around hopefully.

"Harry!  You know that it has to be in context.  You just can't say American words," scolded Hermione.

"Well, I sure would like a CUP OF JOE," Harry said again, the same look on his face.  "And maybe you could MOVE IT."

Hermione and Ginny sighed, "Boys."

Harry's attempts to win house points were interrupted by a loud voice.

"Alright, everyone, welcome to the Manor," Malfoy was standing in the middle of the room, looking extremely bored.  "It's a pleasure to have you all here."

"Yeah right," whispered Ron.

"Since it's getting late, I figure that this is a good time to talk about sleeping arrangements.  There are four wings in the Manor, one for each house.  In each wing are seven floors, one for each year.  The most recent graduates will be sleeping on the 7th story, the next youngest on the 6th and so on.  On each floor, there are two hallways, one for girls, one for boys.  Now, how many of you are married?"

Malfoy looked around and saw about half the hands raised.  He smirked, "Well, you will have to live without each other for a night.  I'm sure you can deal with it."

Hermione looked around to see the people's reactions.  Most of them looked insulted, not about sleeping alone, but at the tone Draco was using.  He is such a jerk… If he had just asked nicely I'm sure that everyone would have complied willingly… But when you force them…

"In each hallway there is one bathroom and three bedrooms, two doubles and a single if everyone could come.  You're bags are already in your room.  See one of the house elves to help you find your room.  If you have any questions, they will be delighted to help you.  A reminder, the professors are arriving tomorrow morning, so you might not want to wander around in your night clothes.  Again, I hope that you have fun at this reunion.  Thank you."  With that, he walked out of the room, through the door that Hermione had ventured through earlier. 

"Well, that was an oh-so-very interesting speech," Harry grinned.

"Harry, he is holding three hundred people in his house, he's allowed to be a little rude," Ginny told him.

"Hell," Ron added, "I had no idea his house was that large!  Three hundred people?  That's a lot!"

"Nice observation, Ron" Hermione broke in.  "I think he's right about one thing though.  It is getting pretty late… I think I'll head off to bed."

"Hermione!  You can't go to bed yet!  It's not even that late!" Ron protested.  He looked at Harry and Ginny.  "We don't want you to go to bed yet, right?"

Elbow. "Right!"

Elbow. "Right!"

Hermione grinned at her three best friends, two of whom were glaring at the third for getting an elbow in the stomach.  "Alright, I guess sleep can wait."

"Atta-girl!  Come have another drink!"

*   *   *   *   *

"Ron, I'm tired, I'm going to bed," Hermione finally gave up trying to please her friend.  "It's midnight, Ron!  You should be going to bed too."

Hermione looked around at the fifty or so people milling around.  There are still so many people up!  At midnight, honestly… Today was such a long day… I'm so tired I can hardly think straight… Not that I have been thinking about anything but Malfoy anyway… Oh god… What am I going to do? Hermione was reminded suddenly of her problem.  I think everything will be clearer in the morning… Ginny was lucky to go to bed when she did… I can't believe I let Ron convince me to stay up… Damn him…

"Alright, Mione," Ron murmured, looking pretty tired himself.  "I'm just going to stay up for a while longer."

Hermione stood up, set down her drink, and kissed his cheek. "Night, Ron."

She walked over to a female house elf standing in the corner with one lone bag.  Had Hermione been more awake, she would have recognized the bag as her own.  "Excuse me, I need some help finding my room.  I'm Hermione Granger."

The house elf looked at the list in her hands.  "Hm, what was your name?"

"Hermione Granger.  I was in Gryffindor," Hermione answered, biting back a yawn.

"Well, Ms. Granger, you don't appear to be on the list," the house elf answered, looking a bit frightened.  "Let's go find Master Malfoy to see what we should do." With that, the house elf ran to the door that Malfoy had disappeared into.  She held the door open for Hermione and led the way down the hall.

Oh no… Why do things like this always happen to me…It's always Embarrassment Time for Hermione Granger…  I can't believe this… It must be because I sent my owl in late!  Oh god…

Hermione followed the house elf into the library where she had met Malfoy earlier.  He was sitting at the desk, pouring over some old scroll.  He kept his head down, apparently not having heard the door opening.

"Well, what's wrong, Raldy?" he asked, almost sounding amused.  He looked up from his scroll.

The house elf jumped to attention.  "Master Malfoy, this is Hermione Granger and she is not on the list of guests.  Where shall I send her to sleep?" Raldy asked this very quickly, as though trying to get it over with. 

Malfoy leaned back in his chair and looked at Hermione.  She stared right back at him.  They looked at each other for a moment before he looked away.

Haa… I scared him…Take that Pureblood… Alright… I'm officially lame… Getting excited for making my enemy look away from my face…

"Raldy, take Miss Granger's items to my room," Malfoy stated. 

Hermione started with the words.  His room?  As in his bedroom?  No Mione… As in his bathroom… Of course his bedroom!  Oh god… His bedroom?

"I'm sorry, did you just say your bedroom?" Hermione asked, trying to clarify her confusion.

"Actually, I believe I said 'my room', but 'my bedroom' will also work.  I assure you, Granger, they are the same place."

"Oh, yes.  Well, I don't really think that is necessary.  I mean, I could just kip in Ginny's room.  Ginny Weasley," Hermione said, attempting to get out of staying in Malfoy's room. 

"Miss Granger, Miss Virginia Weasley has a single room.  There would be no where for you to sleep," broke in Raldy, looking apologetic.

"I insist, Granger," said Malfoy, reminded Hermione that he, too, was in the room.

"Um, well then where are you going to sleep?" Hermione asked, desperately.

"There is a single room free in the Slytherin that I can take," he answered evenly.

"Oh, well, why don't I just take that room and you can stay in your own!" Hermione nearly shouted, ecstatic about having a solution.

"Well, number one, you are a Gryffindor.  The room is in the Slytherin wing.  Number two, you are a female.  Seeing at this room is in a male hallway, with a male bathroom, I don't think that would be very appropriate, would it?" Draco asked, smirking at Hermione obvious discomfort.

"Um, I guess not," Hermione answered, giving up all hope. 

"Well then, Raldy, you may now take Miss Granger's things to my room," Draco leaned back over his scroll.  

"Yes, Master Malfoy."  Raldy looked up to Hermione and motioned towards the door.  Hermione took one last look at the blonde man, sitting alone in a dusty, old room.

"Good night, Malfoy," she said quietly.

Draco showed no signs of hearing her, so she followed the house elf and left the room.

*   *   *   *   *

"Oh my…"  Hermione looked around. "Are you sure you have the right room?  I mean, is this my room?  It looks like… Raldy, are you sure you got this right?  I'm supposed to stay here?"

"Yes, Miss Granger.  Is it not to your liking?  If you find it unsatisfactory I could-"

'Raldy, it's beautiful!" Hermione interrupted.  "This is where I am supposed to sleep?  Because if you aren't sure then I can just move and-"

"This is your room," Raldy stated.  "Miss Granger, I must be going to the kitchens, if you need anything, please don't hesitate to call."

"Thanks, Raldy," Hermione called after the retreating elf's back. 

She looked around the room again, not daring to believe anything so magnificent could exist.  The room had two straight walls and one curved, forming a room the shape of a quarter of a circle.  The curved wall was all glass.  Looking out, Hermione could see the darkened form of the countryside, stretching out for miles.  During the day I bet this view is gorgeous… Not much to see during the night though… Directly in front of the windows were hundreds of pillows, covering about a meter and a half (Wait… around 4 ½ feet to be American) of the floor.  They looked very comfortable, perfect for lying on while admiring the landscape.

In the middle of the room was another circular fireplace.  I bet during the winter that thing runs all day long… All night long too… I would imagine that a place like this would get pretty cold during winter, especially at night…There was a dark-blue chaise lounge sitting in between the fireplace and the windows.  Sitting on it, one could see both the flames and the countryside.

In the corner opposite the windows stood a huge bed.  It was very odd shaped; it was like a quarter of a circle, so that it was the same shape as the whole room but smaller.  Midnight-blue hangings covered the four posters, made of the most luxurious velvet fabric.  Hermione walked over to the bed and sat down.  Instead of being soft, the bed was rather firm, too firm for her liking.  Well… It's not my bed… What do I expect… I wonder what used to hang above the bed…  The wall is faded except for that one spot… Hermione lay back on the bed.  She stared at the ceiling, also midnight blue.  That's kind of odd… The whole room is blue… And silver… Malfoy must like the colors… Malfoy!

Hermione leaped from the bed as though she had been burned.  She looked at the bed with a horrified expression. 

"Oh god… This is Malfoy's bed!  And sense it's the master suite, it was probably Lucius's bed!  I mean, there can be that many odd shaped beds, can there?  Oh god, is this where he died?" Hermione stopped talking suddenly.  She stared at the bed and decided she just didn't want to know.

I think I'll just get ready for bed…

Hermione walked over to her bag and began to unpack.  She pulled out the clothes that Ginny had given her and placed neatly them on the floor.  When she was finished, she grabbed her toiletries and made to walk through the door that she supposed led to the bathroom. 

Where are my pajamas?

Hermione rummaged through her bag again.

Where did I put my pajamas?

Hermione looked at the clothes on the ground.

Did I forget my pajamas?

Hermione sat down on the floor.

Hell, I forgot my pajamas… I guess I'll go ask Ginny if I can borrow some… I can't believe I forgot my pajamas… Of all the things to forget… At least I didn't forget a toothbrush or something like that…

Hermione opened the door into the hallway and looked around.  She turned left and walked a few steps.  She then turned around and walked past her door and another few steps.  She paused.  Where the hell is Ginny's room?  How am I supposed to get some pajamas and go to bed if I can't find her room?  Dammit… I hate Malfoy… It's all his fault…

"Can I help you, Miss?" came a voice about waist high.  Hermione looked down and saw a house elf staring at her. 
"Oh, yes, thank you!  I'm looking for Gin's room.  Can you help me?"

The house elf watched her blankly.

"Right, um, I'm looking for Virginia Weasley's room.  Can you help me find it?  She was in Gryffindor," Hermione explained.

"Yes, ma'am.  Follow me, I know the way to the Gryffindor wing.  They have a register there with the room assignments," responded the elf, already happily leading the way down the corridor.

Right, Mione… Just tell an elf you're looking for someone they don't know… Smart move… I think I'll just bash my head into the wall now and get this weekend over with…

The elf led Hermione down numerous halls, weaving in and out of rooms that, had Hermione the time to stop and look, would have taken her breath away.  Just as she was admiring a giant red and blue painting, the house elf came to an abrupt halt.  "Here you are, Miss.  This is Miss Virginia Wealsey's room.  Can you find your way back?"

"Um, yes, I think so.  Thank you so much for your help…" Hermione told the elf.  The elf bowed and walked down yet another hallway.

Hermione turned back to the door and knocked.  "Gin?  Are you still awake?" she whispered, not wanting to wake anyone with the Weasley temperament.  No answer.  "Gin?"

Hermione slowly opened the door…

And was nearly blown over by the volume of the music playing inside.  She hurriedly entered the room and shut the door.  She turned around to see what was happening.

"Gin?"

Ginny Weasley and another older girl were too busy singing and dancing to hear Hermione.

"Gin?"

Ginny jumped onto her bed and sang, very off-key, into her wand "I've had to work much harder than this for something I want, don't try to resist me!"

The other girl joined Ginny on the bed and took over the singing into her wand, also very off-key, "Open your heart to me!  Baby, I hold the lock and you hold the key!  Open your heart to me!"

The two girls joined together, "I'll give you love if you, if you turn the key!"

"GIN!" Hermione shrieked, finally making herself heard.

Ginny looked over and saw her friend.  "Mione!  Did you come to join the party?" She had to scream to be heard over the music.

"No, Gin, I came to borrow some pajamas?"

"You want to furrow your jam-as?"

"No! I want to borrow some pajamas!"

"You want to go to the Bahamas?"

"No! I want to- oh this is ridiculous!" Hermione stopped screaming and pulled out her wand.  She muttered "quietus" and the pounding music ended suddenly. 

Ginny stopped jumping on her bed and frowned down at Hermione.  "What did you do that for?"

"Ginny, your music was too loud for you to hear me.  What are you doing listening to that?"

"It was my idea" volunteered the other girl in the room.  "I'm sorry, I don't think we've met.  I'm Val Emerson." Hermione looked at her blankly.  "I'm George's girlfriend…"

"Right!  I think he mentioned your name.  I'm Hermione Granger.  You were a Gryffindor too?"  Hermione asked, feeling guilty as George had definitely mentioned that he was dating someone.

"Actually, I was in Ravenclaw.  I'm just over here visiting Gin, checking up on my favorite Weasley!"

"I'm totally going to tell me brother you said that, Val!" grinned Ginny.

"You do that, he needs someone to bring him down," Val told her, smiling softly. 

"You really like George?" Hermione asked, sort of skeptical that George could make anyone grin in that way.  God, is that a loving smile?  George?  What's wrong with this girl?  Then again, she looks just like a Weasley… Auburn hair… Freckles… She's even built like a Weasley… But George?

"Yeah.  Don't worry, I'm not insane.  Not yet anyway!" Val assured Hermione.

"Right…  So, Gin, I actually came over here so that I could borrow some pajamas.  I must have left mine at home," Hermione said.

"Hey, where are you staying?  If you have to come 'over here', I mean…" Ginny asked, going through her stuffed trunk. 

"Actually, my owl was late and they didn't have a room for me!" Hermione told the two girls.

"No!  So where are you staying?" Val questioned, looking interested.

"The master suite, actually.  Draco's room," she answered. 

"Wow, nice!"

"What's it like?"

"Oh, it's gorgeous!  All done in midnight blue and silver.  A little cold, but it's just beautiful…" Hermione proceeded to describe the room in more detail.

"It sounds amazing!  Maybe I should have sent my owl in late!" joked Ginny.  She looked down at the pajamas in her hands.  "Here you go."

"Thanks.  So you guys are just having a little party in here?" Hermione asked, feeling slightly hurt that Ginny hadn't asked her to come. 

"No, it was more like I came over to harass Gin, put on some music, and then started to have fun.  Don't worry, it was a spur of the moment thing…" Val assured Hermione, obviously picking up on Hermione's disappointment. 

"Right," Hermione said, placated by Val's words.

"We're probably going to continue the party, want to stay?" Ginny asked Hermione.

"No, I think I'll go back to bed," Hermione answered.

"Hey, in case you decide to have your own party," Val conjured a piece of paper from the air and handed it to Hermione, "this is my favorite dance-party song.  The lyrics are pretty funny and its got a good beat."

Hermione stared at the paper.  She must be kidding me… With that kind of title I don't think I want to hear the song… It sounds like a cupcake commercial jingle… "Hot fudge sauce on the soles of my"… What?

"Believe me!  It's a good song!" Val caught the look on Hermione's face.  "Have faith, I wouldn't steer you wrong here.  I love music and dancing.  This is the best mix of the two."

"Well, I'll try it if I ever want to have a dance party…" Hermione trailed off, letting the words hang in the air.

"That's all I ask!" Val smiled.

"Alright, well, I'm going to bed.  It was great to meet you, Val!  I know that George just loves you!  Gin, I'll talk to you tomorrow, thanks for the pajamas," Hermione turned around and started the long walk back to her room.

*   *   *   *   *

Hermione awoke the next morning to a bright stream of light, right in her eyes.  She shielded her face from the light and tried to wake up.  She rubbed her eyes and sat up in the bed.  She stretched and got up to look out the window.

I was right… The view is amazing… Look at all the countryside… I bet Ron and Harry would love to fly out there… The sky looks beautiful… Crystal blue with a bright yellow sun… Hermione walked into the bathroom and got ready for the day.  After her usual routine, plus a few extra charms, she strode back into her room, dressed and prepared for the rest of the reunion.

Hermione sat on the bed, staring at the piece of paper in her hand.  She furrowed her brow and looked around quickly, making sure that no one was hiding in the dark corners.  She didn't see anyone.

I have a while until breakfast will be ready… No one is here… Really… What harm would it do… It's not like anyone is here besides me…

Making up her mind, Hermione grabbed her wand and muttered a brief incantation.  Music suddenly sounded all around her.  She performed a silencing spell, so as not to wake up anyone who might be sleeping in rooms around her.  She listened to the song a few times, getting accustomed to the lyrics and the beats.  She bobbed her head up and down in time with the music.  Val was right… Lame lyrics but an awesome beat…

Hermione stood up once she had the lyrics memorized.  She moved her hips to the beat and began to sing into her wand, "What's your flava, tell me what's your flava! What's your flava, tell me what's your flava!  What's your flava, tell me what's your flava!  What's your flava, tell me what's your flava!"

Hermione proceeded to get really into the music, dancing her heart out.  "You're what I want, you're what I need, I wanna taste you, take you home with me!"

She closed her eyes and rocked her head around, making her hair stream from side to side. "You look so good, good enough to eat!  I wonder if I could peel your wrapping, I could be your fantasy?"

She leaped onto the bed and jumped up and down, wand clamped tightly in her small hand.  She shook her shoulders and rolled her hips, trying to keep her dancing up to the tempo of the music.  She was very involved in the song and sang and danced until the very last, "what's your flava?"

"I think I'm a vanilla."

Oh… my… god…

There was no mistaking that voice.  Hermione turned around slowly, eyes closed shut.  Please let me be mistaken… Please let me wake up in bed… Please let that be anyone but-

Draco Malfoy stood in the door, an amused look on his face.  "Well, Granger, what would your flavor be?"

Oh god… He wants to know my flavor…

"Uh, rainbow sherbet."

"Interesting choice.  Now if you'd excuse me, I need to get some clothes," Draco smirked.

It was at these words that Hermione realized what Draco was wearing.  Oh my god… He's wearing a towel… That's it… A towel around his waist… Oh god… I should look away… But see those muscles?

Draco knowingly watched Hermione eyes focus on his middle.  He lifted his arms to the ceiling in a stretch.  Hermione's eyes widened as his taut abdomen stretched and then flexed as he brought his arms down.  She brought her eyes up to meet his.  Brown met gray.

"Well, I'll just, um, go into the bathroom.  Yes, that sounds like a good plan.  Bathroom," Hermione chocked out.  She practically ran into the silver bathroom and leaned up against the sink.  She could hear Draco rummaging though the wardrobe in his bedroom.  Her breathing was labored.

Oh god… First he catches me jumping up and down on his bed singing a very… um… different song… then he asks me what my flavor is… then I practically sexually assault his stomach with my eyes… Why does this always happen to me… How the hell is he so muscular?  That stomach… It should be illegal… Oh god…

The rummaging sounds stopped, Draco had obviously found what he was looking for.  "Thanks, Granger.  I'm done now." 

Hermione walked back into the bedroom.  Malfoy was still there, standing near the door.  "Better be careful, Granger.  You never know who can come in here," he sniggered and walked into the hallway.

Hermione ran over to the door, peeked her head out into the hallway and watched Draco walk.  The muscles in his back rippled pleasantly as he turned the corner and was gone.

Alright… That is the last time I ever do that… What a disaster…

*   *   *   *   *

Before Hermione knew it, it was time to get ready for dinner.  She had spent the day catching up with old friends and even making some new ones.  Everyone was friendlier after they had graduated from Hogwarts.  They were more willing to talk to people younger, or older, than themselves, and people from different houses.  Hermione even saw Marcus Flint and Cho Chang talking in a corner.

Hermione and Ginny were in Hermione's room, beautifying themselves.  Ginny stood in the bathroom, Muggle products spread all over the sink.  Hermione was dressing in the bedroom.

"Mione, relax.  It's not like you were naked or something.  Now that would have been bad," Ginny shouted from the bathroom.

"Yeah, but Gin!  Draco Malfoy!" Hermione shouted back.

"Yes, Draco Malfoy.  It could have been… I don't know… Professor McGonagall or someone like that," Ginny said, walking into the bedroom.  "You better hurry up, Mione.  We don't have that much time left."

Hermione turned around to face Ginny, a hopeful look on her face.  "Well, what do you think?"  She turned around slowly, letting Ginny see her outfit from all angles.  She was wearing a beige knee-length dress.  The bodice was tight, with straps that hung off her shoulders.  She pulled on the straps.  "Are you sure these are supposed to be off my shoulders, Gin?"

"Mione, you look beautiful.  And yes, they are supposed to hang off your shoulders, why else would they sew them on like that?" Ginny answered, raising her eyebrows.

"Um, to… I guess they are supposed to hang." Hermione turned back to look in the mirror.  The dress clung to her until her waist, where it became looser.  She was wearing beige high heels that tied around her ankles.

"You look perfect.  Now, come into the bathroom so we can fix your, do you call this hair?" Ginny grinned.

"Oh shut up," Hermione snapped at her friend.

"Mione, I was just joking," Ginny replied, looking hurt.

Hermione hung her head for a moment.  "I know, Gin.  I just have a lot on my mind, I'm sorry."

Yeah… A lot of my mind… Try one person… Three guesses to who it is… A blonde man… An infuriating blonde man… Draco?  As if I could think of anything else… I don't care about the money… There is absolutely no way in Hell I will agree to his "proposition"… I'd rather… Go hungry I guess…

"Well, whatever it is, you better snap out of it, Mione," Ginny said in a soothing voice.  "You already look amazing and when I am done with your makeup, you'll need your wits about you to fend off all the men," she laughed, but then narrowed her eyes dangerously.  "If you touch Harry, you are a dead woman."

"Ginny, I would never touch Harry.  He is all yours," Hermione said quickly.

"I would hope so.  Ok, enough.  You can't avoid it anymore.  Let's go do your hair and makeup," Ginny led a laughing Hermione into the bathroom.

*   *   *   *   *

Hermione walked through the door, looked around, and smiled.  It was obviously supposed to be the Great Hall transferred to the Malfoy Manner.  There were five tables, four parallel to each other for the different houses, and one in the front for the teachers.  Hermione glanced at the ceiling and saw it too was charmed to look like the sky.  She could see stars forming constellations that she did not know.  She had never found time to study the stars.  They were too far from home to be of any importance to her.

Well, they have all the banners just like the Great Hall did… And the set up of the Great Hall… It's actually quite frightening how similar this looks to the Great Hall… Everything is right except for one thing…

Hermione sat down at the Gryffindor table, across from Ron and Harry, just like old times.  She was among the last to arrive at the banquet; as she sat down, the head of Hogwarts stood up.

"Thank you for coming everyone.  Especially thank you to Draco Malfoy, in whose home we are gathered.  It is a pleasure to see all of you again.  Before we start, I would like to propose a toast.  Please lift your glasses in memory," Headmistress McGonagall said, "to Albus Dumbledore."

Everyone lifted their glasses and spoke their old headmaster's name.  Yes, this is the one thing that is not right here…

"I am sure that he would have loved to be here," McGonagall continued, looking sad.  "However, I am also sure that he would not want us to spend our time together in sorrow.  So, let us rejoice and eat."

The tables were suddenly laden with food and everything seemed to be back to the normal school state.  Ron and Harry discussed their opposing views of Quidditch, as always.  Ginny and Hermione laughed their way through the meal. 

"Oi, Ginny!  Do you remember when we went into Diagon Alley by ourselves for the first time?"

"Yeah, I thought you were going to faint when someone wanted to take your picture!" Ginny grinned.

"Hey Gin, you would have been freaked out too!  That guy looked way to creepy to work for the Prophet.  How was I supposed to know that?" Hermione shrugged.

"Poor guy probably had a black eye for two weeks after you punched him.  Thinking back, you punched quite a few people, didn't you?  I mean, the Daily Prophet guy, Ron, back when you guys were dating, which was a total disaster, and at graduation when you punched Ma-"

"Ginny, I thought that we agreed not to discuss what happened on graduation," Hermione replied, glaring at her friend.

"Relax, Mione.  I was just kidding.  That's only three people you punched during school.  Hell, I probably slapped about ten while I was there.  You were a model student!" Ginny commented.

"Yeah, Mione," Ron broke in.  "You were Little Miss Perfect at Hogwarts."

"Really," Harry added, Ron having abandoned their conversation.  "I don't think there was anyone who followed the rules more than you did."

"Except maybe Percy," Ginny said.

"Did I hear my lovely brother's name mentioned?" asked George, who was sitting next to Ron.

"Yeah, George.  We were just assuring Hermione that she was probably the most boring student Hogwarts ever saw," Ron explained.

"You've got that right!" George exclaimed.  "Never did anything wrong, our Hermione."

"Alright, you guys!  Are you trying to make me feel better or worse?  I broke the rules right along with you!" Hermione protested, hurt by her friends comments.

"Oh really, Mione.  We are just kidding, right guys?" Ginny smiled at her friend.  "Really, Mione.  Don't get shirty, we are just playing."

"Alright…"

"Are you sure you're okay, Hermione?  You have been acting kind of odd ever since last night…" Ginny looked at Hermione with concern.

Yes I am fine… Sure… I'm just trying to get over the utter humiliation of this morning… Malfoy kept shooting looks at me today… Ha-Ha-Ha-Let's-All-Laugh-At-Hermione-Granger-Also-Known-As-Mudblood looks… Right… I'm absolutely fine!

"I'm fine, Ginny," Hermione caught the look on her friend's face.  "Really, I am.  It's been a draining week… What with work and everything…"

"Oh yeah, I keep forgetting about that," stated Ginny.  "How much longer?"

"A little more than two weeks," replied Hermione.

"Wait, am I missing something here?" asked Harry. 

"What's wrong with your work, Mione?" questioned Ron.

Hermione blushed and explained her work predicament. 

"Oh.  Well what are you going to do during your two weeks left?" Ron inquired.  "You can come to the Burrow if you'd like.  I'm sure Mum would love to have you around."

"Thanks, Ron.  I'm not sure what I'll do," Hermione answered.  I know one thing I will not be doing though…

"Granger."

Hermione looked up into the gray eyes of Draco Malfoy.

"Are you finished?" he asked.

"Yeah," Hermione responded.  She got up from the table, ignoring the questioning looks from everyone seated around her.  She followed Malfoy out of the Great Hall look-alike.  He led her down a series of hallways, finishing in the den that Hermione had seen twice before.

He shut the door, turned around and stared at her.  "Well, have you made your decision?"

"Yes, and I really don't think th-" Hermione started.

"Wait, let me just go over the terms again," Draco interrupted.  "You would stay here until your boss returns from vacation.  You would eat here, sleep here, and work here.  Your task would be to help me rid the Manor of any and all dark objects."

"Right, and I really don't think that…" Hermione paused, looking into Draco's eyes.  She saw arrogance and pride, mixed with conceit.  But she also saw a bit of uncertainty and humility.  He needs my help…

"I really don't think that… That I… That I will be able to…" she stopped.

"Granger, yes or no?" Malfoy demanded, grabbing her arms and shaking her softly. 

She stared into his eyes, surprised again by the emotions present.

"Yes.  Yes, I'll help you."

*   *   *   *   *

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

Author's Notes:

Yay!  Another long chapter!  You guys seem to like the long ones, so I hope that you enjoyed this one too :)  I promised to you guys that I would have Hermione give Draco her answer by the end of this chapter.  For a while there I didn't think I would make it!

You may have noticed that instead of a ball, there was a banquet.  I thought that a ball would be too cliché.  I went back and changed it.  Author's privileges!  Another author's privilege is to put herself in the story.  So can you guys guess who I put in as myself in these last couple chapters?  I'll say this, I am either Annie, Erica, or Val.  Guess everyone!  I'll tell you in the ANs of the next chapter.

I just wanted to apologize that this chapter took so long to come out.  I was just in a big recital that took up all my time.  Also my finals start tomorrow and finish next Monday, so I don't know when I will get chapter 7 up.  It may be one of those things where I want an outlet so I'll write, or it may be one of those things where I am so exhausted I will be too tired to write.  I don't know yet!  Eeeep!

And the two songs were:

"Open Your Heart" Madonna

"What's Your Flava" Craig David

Alright, just a quick shoutout to all my reviewers!  You guys are the best and inspire me to write.  An especially BIG shoutout to Vix, who was my first reviewer EVER! Yay Vix!  Reviews make me happy!  Ya'll rock my world!  Ok, so be a sweetheart and review, alright?  Draco candies to everyone that does (hee hee hee).  Anyone have ideas for dark objects?  I need suggestions here!

Love,

MOLLY

Blah blah blah, I don't own Harry Potter by the way.  But if I owned Draco… Well I wouldn't have *time* to write!  *evil grin*  Use your imagination!