A/N: Hey y'all! Sorry for not updating for a while, my brother was using
the computer! Thanks to all of you guys who left songs and reviews, I love
you!! I used some of the suggestions, but I'm not really sure about the
other ones. Oh yeah, I changed the AHCR to Study Hall because it sounded
weird. Thanks to Yassou for that! Ok, on with the story!
Disclaimer: Hmmm, I'm not blonde, not rich, not married, I don't have kids, haven't been divorced, and I don't own Harry Potter..I guess that means I'm not JK!
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During the weeks following the Autumn Ball, Hermione's life became a bit easier having a new friend to talk to. Her life, however, also became very hectic because of all the planning. She and Draco did pick out the songs for the Ball, and Katie and Roger approved of it. She and Draco had also become very close thanks to their strange truce.
However, things had not become any better with Ron and Harry. In fact, it seemed that they had ignored her even more than usual, which seemed impossible at the time. Hermione just tried to get them out of her mind, but it was hard considering they had been friends for about five years. Technically, Hermione thought, it's more like four years best friends, acquaintances for one year.
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Draco had noticed that whenever Hermione was sitting in the Study Hall, she would glance over at Harry and Ron, who were sitting happily with their girlfriends perched in their laps. He also noted that she wouldn't speak to the two boys until they addressed her for help with homework.
One day, Draco was feeling extremely bored and adventurous, so when he entered the Study Hall, he looked around and spotted Hermione, sitting by herself as usual. He plopped himself next to her and smiled his charming smile at her. She smiled back, confused.
"Hello, Hermione. Do you mind helping me with this Transfiguration homework McGonagall gave us? It's really, really confusing!" Draco said in a cheery voice. He then gave her a small wink.
Hermione, still looking confused, answered, "Sure, which homework is it?" Draco beckoned her closer with his finger then patted the space right next to him. She complied and sat. He showed her a piece of parchment paper, but it was blank. Hermione shot a questioning gaze at Draco, but he shook his head and started to write on the parchment.
(:: Draco:: ;;Hermione ;;)
::Hi::
;;Hi. Where's the homework?;;
::Oh, that? There isn't any. You looked bored by yourself so I decided to help you!::
;; Oh. What are Ron and Harry doing right now?;;
:: Those two? Well, they're looking over here right now, and their girlfriends look a it perturbed. ::
;; Hmmmm, I bet they need help with homework now, since they keep on looking over here. Bitches. ;;
:: How come you guys aren't hanging with each other anymore? :: Draco knew the answer already, but it seemed like the right time to ask her anyway.
;; Umm, I don't think I can tell you on paper. Can we go for a walk? ;; Hermione looked at Draco hopefully, and he nodded. The two got up and walked out.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()() ()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()() {HARRY AND RON'S VIEW}
Harry and Ron both gaped as Hermione got up and sat next to Draco to help him with some homework. The two confused boys turned to each other, mouths hanging open.
"Why did she agree to help Malfoy with his homework? She's not supposed to help other people with their homework! She's supposed to help US with OUR homework!" Harry said, exasperated.
"Calm down, Harry. She's supposed to help people with their homework, she is a prefect after all. Anyway, we can still watch her from here." Ron replied, in a calm voice. "All we have to worry about is if she leaves with Malfoy." As soon as Ron finished this sentence, Hermione and Draco got up and followed each other out of the study hall.
Harry turned slowly to Ron, his eyes wide open. "Now what, Ron! What do we do?"
"Calm down, Harry." Ron said again, his attention back on Lavender. "Hermione's a big girl. Besides, what would she be doing with Malfoy?"
"I'm going to follow her! She might get hurt or something!" Harry replied frantically. He stood up so abruptly that Parvati, who was sitting on his lap, fell on the floor. Harry didn't even say sorry to Parvati, and he ran out of the study hall.
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Hermione and Draco were walking down the hall toward the door in silence. Draco fidgeted uncomfortably, but Hermione appeared not to have noticed. They reached the doors and stepped outside to a beautiful autumn day. The leaves were brown and already falling off of the trees and the sky was purple mixed with light blue and the fluffy white clouds.
Draco followed Hermione to one of the largest and most beautiful tree then sat down. Hermione was about to launch her long story about how she had been ignored for the last year when she heard a familiar voice calling her name. She turned around and saw Harry running and calling out for her.
Hermione stood and yelled, "Harry? What are you doing? Is something wrong?"
Harry caught up to her and said, panting, "Hermione *pant* what *pant* are you *pant* doing out *pant* with Malfoy? *pant *"
"We're discussing the Autumn Ball. Why were you looking for me?" Hermione covered quickly.
"Oh, um, I needed some help with my homework."
Hermione sighed and said, "Harry, I've got to run. I can't help you right now; we've got a prefect meeting to go to. Right, Draco?"
Draco came out of the shadows and nodded, "Yes, Potter. Hermione is correct. We must be going now or we'll be late."
Harry's eyes were wide open in disbelief. 'Perhaps I hadn't heard correctly. Hermione couldn't have called Malfoy Draco, could she?' He then smiled and said, "Hermione? Could I speak with you after your meeting? It's really important."
"Sure, Harry. I'll try to find you, ok?"
Harry nodded and left. Hermione and Draco watched Harry walk away for a bit, then started toward the castle themselves.
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The prefect meeting was as boring as usual. Just Katie reminding them that the ball was coming in three weeks and that they would be opening the ball with a dance. Hermione went in search of Harry, wondering why he wanted to speak to her so badly. She found him in the Gryffindor Common Room, sitting by the fire. She sat next to him and said, "Harry? You wanted to talk to me about something?"
Harry turned to her and said, "Yes, I did. I was wondering why you were with Malfoy?"
Hermione then replied, with a bit of anger in her voice, "I told you, we were talking about the ball."
"Ok then. Why did you call Malfoy Draco?" Harry retorted.
"Katie and Roger made us call each other by our first names, the names our parents gave us."
"Well, I don't want you to be hanging out with him or helping him with his homework. He's trouble, 'Moine, and I don't think you should play with trouble."
"Excuse me?" Hermione asked, offended, "Are you trying to tell me what to do, Harry?" There was definite fire in her voice. "Do you think, that for even one second you could tell me what to do? Guess what, Harry. You do not own me and you cannot tell me what to do! Is that clear?" Hermione was already standing, leering at Harry.
Harry stood also and said, "Actually Hermione, I was just trying to warn you. You know, like a true friend!"
Hermione scoffed, "True friend? You know NOTHING about being a true friend, especially to me!"
"Don't yell at me for being a friend! You haven't been much of a friend either this year!"
"Excuse me! I have been a true friend to you! YOU"RE the one that's just using me for grades! YOU SUCK!!" With those last words, Hermione stormed out of the portrait hole, almost knocking down two first years on her way out.
{IN THE GRYFFINDOR COMMON ROOM}
Harry stood, fuming, as he watched Hermione storm out of the portrait hole. He then turned around and noticed that most of the Gryffindors had been watching his and Hermione's little blowout.
Turning to Ginny, Harry said, "Geez, what did she have for breakfast today? Hot cereal, instant bitch?"
"Harry, don't say that." Ginny said in a soft voice. "She's been going through a lot of stress lately, and I don't think you should bother her about talking to Malfoy."
"Oh, so now EVERYONE"S against me! I just don't want her to get hurt, is that such a bad thing?"
"Er, Harry? She is already sixteen, I'm sure she can watch after herself. Besides, Hermione isn't very trusting of some people. If she trusts someone then you know it's going to be alright. And," Ginny said, unsure, "don't you think you're being just a teensy bit possessive?"
Harry stared at the youngest of the Weasley clan and stood up. He didn't need to hear this crap. He walked out of the portrait hole and made his way to the Great Hall
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Hermione walked all the way to the prefect quarters, tears streaming down her face and gritting her teeth. Glances were coming her way from every person she passed. Hermione knew that they were staring, but somehow she didn't register that in her mind. By the time she got to the prefect dorms, it was already time for the feast. She then walked down to the Great Hall, then stopped when she got in. Hermione surveyed the Gryffindor table, then decided that she wouldn't sit there. She also knew that she would only be welcomed by one person from the Slytherin table, and she didn't feel like having food thrown at her. Her decision finally made, she walked over to the Ravenclaw table and sat next to Padma Patil, who was across from Draco.
As she sat next to Padma, she noted that many whispers were erupting around her, especially from the Gryffindor table. Hermione looked up at the Head Table, and saw Dumbledore nod his head and give her a tiny wink. She smiled and chatted up a storm with Padma. Hermione then looked up at Draco and gave a small wave and a smile. He returned the smile and winked at her.
Draco noted to himself that Hermione's eyes were a bit red and her front was a bit wet. He made a mental note to ask her what was wrong after dinner. The blonde looked at the Gryffindor table and also noticed that Potter was a bit red in the face and he wasn't speaking to anyone.
'Hmmmm, I wonder what happened.' Draco thought, 'I'm guessing it has to do with something concerning me, or Hermione's acting extremely moody.'
Finally, the feast was over and everyone was pushing and shoving to get to their dorms. Draco stayed behind and watched Hermione walk with Ginny Weasley and Padma Patil. She wasn't sad anymore. In fact, she was laughing along with the two other girls. After the Great Hall was fairly empty, Draco sped up and walked behind the three girls. Ginny left the other two and Padma and Hermione kept walking to the prefect dorms.
Draco kept a good amount of feet between him and the other two prefects. He let them enter the dorms and waited a few minutes before going inside himself. Hermione was sitting on the couch, silently crying. Draco bit his lip, unsure of what to do. He knew that she hadn't noticed him, but he wanted to know what was wrong. So he decided on strolling in, pretending to look surprised at seeing Hermione crying, and comfort her but not getting too close.
Draco walked up to her and sat on the couch, preparing himself for more waterworks. He then gave her a slight nudge.
Hermione looked up and was met with a steely gaze. She decided to answer his question before he could ask.
"Nothing's wrong. I just, um, have some allergies. It must be because we went outside earlier today." She said, putting on a fake smile.
Draco looked at her skeptically. "Yeah, sure. Well, can I ask why you weren't sitting with the Gryffindors at dinner today?"
"Well, um, Padma needed me. Something happened and she needed some help. And Dumbledore said it was alright."
"Oh. Hermione, you know that you can tell me anything. You know, because we're not enemies anymore. I guess you can call me a friend now." Draco said, smiling at Hermione.
Hermione smiled, a truly beautiful smile. She then did something that neither she nor Draco had expected. She reached over and hugged Draco as if holding on to him for dear life.
"Thank you so much Draco. You have no idea how much that means to me." Hermione said, still hugging him. She hadn't even noticed that she started crying again.
Draco hadn't expected THAT from Hermione. All he did was hug her back, slightly, and pat her back. He was still waiting for her to let go of him, but they had stayed in that position for what seemed like forever, when it was really five minutes. Finally, Hermione let go of him and smiled her beautiful smile at him again. She then bid him goodnight, hugging him again.
Once in her room, Hermione mused on about what had just happened. She then realized that she had hugged one of her former enemies for five minutes! 'Maybe,' she thought, 'I've wanted to do that for a long time.' This thought made her sit up abruptly in her bed. Malfoy! No way! 'Impossible,' Hermione thought again, 'it must just be because he said that he's my friend. Yes, I have gained a new friend, nothing more than that.'
As Hermione drifted off to sleep, her thoughts were on a certain blonde headed Slytherin.
A/N: So? How was that? It was six pages, seven if you count this A/N. Thanks again to all of you who left songs in your reviews. I really appreciate it. Do you think that their feelings are going too fast? If so, please tell me! Thanks again and please review me! Remember, your reviews inspire me to write more!!!
Disclaimer: Hmmm, I'm not blonde, not rich, not married, I don't have kids, haven't been divorced, and I don't own Harry Potter..I guess that means I'm not JK!
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During the weeks following the Autumn Ball, Hermione's life became a bit easier having a new friend to talk to. Her life, however, also became very hectic because of all the planning. She and Draco did pick out the songs for the Ball, and Katie and Roger approved of it. She and Draco had also become very close thanks to their strange truce.
However, things had not become any better with Ron and Harry. In fact, it seemed that they had ignored her even more than usual, which seemed impossible at the time. Hermione just tried to get them out of her mind, but it was hard considering they had been friends for about five years. Technically, Hermione thought, it's more like four years best friends, acquaintances for one year.
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Draco had noticed that whenever Hermione was sitting in the Study Hall, she would glance over at Harry and Ron, who were sitting happily with their girlfriends perched in their laps. He also noted that she wouldn't speak to the two boys until they addressed her for help with homework.
One day, Draco was feeling extremely bored and adventurous, so when he entered the Study Hall, he looked around and spotted Hermione, sitting by herself as usual. He plopped himself next to her and smiled his charming smile at her. She smiled back, confused.
"Hello, Hermione. Do you mind helping me with this Transfiguration homework McGonagall gave us? It's really, really confusing!" Draco said in a cheery voice. He then gave her a small wink.
Hermione, still looking confused, answered, "Sure, which homework is it?" Draco beckoned her closer with his finger then patted the space right next to him. She complied and sat. He showed her a piece of parchment paper, but it was blank. Hermione shot a questioning gaze at Draco, but he shook his head and started to write on the parchment.
(:: Draco:: ;;Hermione ;;)
::Hi::
;;Hi. Where's the homework?;;
::Oh, that? There isn't any. You looked bored by yourself so I decided to help you!::
;; Oh. What are Ron and Harry doing right now?;;
:: Those two? Well, they're looking over here right now, and their girlfriends look a it perturbed. ::
;; Hmmmm, I bet they need help with homework now, since they keep on looking over here. Bitches. ;;
:: How come you guys aren't hanging with each other anymore? :: Draco knew the answer already, but it seemed like the right time to ask her anyway.
;; Umm, I don't think I can tell you on paper. Can we go for a walk? ;; Hermione looked at Draco hopefully, and he nodded. The two got up and walked out.
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Harry and Ron both gaped as Hermione got up and sat next to Draco to help him with some homework. The two confused boys turned to each other, mouths hanging open.
"Why did she agree to help Malfoy with his homework? She's not supposed to help other people with their homework! She's supposed to help US with OUR homework!" Harry said, exasperated.
"Calm down, Harry. She's supposed to help people with their homework, she is a prefect after all. Anyway, we can still watch her from here." Ron replied, in a calm voice. "All we have to worry about is if she leaves with Malfoy." As soon as Ron finished this sentence, Hermione and Draco got up and followed each other out of the study hall.
Harry turned slowly to Ron, his eyes wide open. "Now what, Ron! What do we do?"
"Calm down, Harry." Ron said again, his attention back on Lavender. "Hermione's a big girl. Besides, what would she be doing with Malfoy?"
"I'm going to follow her! She might get hurt or something!" Harry replied frantically. He stood up so abruptly that Parvati, who was sitting on his lap, fell on the floor. Harry didn't even say sorry to Parvati, and he ran out of the study hall.
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Hermione and Draco were walking down the hall toward the door in silence. Draco fidgeted uncomfortably, but Hermione appeared not to have noticed. They reached the doors and stepped outside to a beautiful autumn day. The leaves were brown and already falling off of the trees and the sky was purple mixed with light blue and the fluffy white clouds.
Draco followed Hermione to one of the largest and most beautiful tree then sat down. Hermione was about to launch her long story about how she had been ignored for the last year when she heard a familiar voice calling her name. She turned around and saw Harry running and calling out for her.
Hermione stood and yelled, "Harry? What are you doing? Is something wrong?"
Harry caught up to her and said, panting, "Hermione *pant* what *pant* are you *pant* doing out *pant* with Malfoy? *pant *"
"We're discussing the Autumn Ball. Why were you looking for me?" Hermione covered quickly.
"Oh, um, I needed some help with my homework."
Hermione sighed and said, "Harry, I've got to run. I can't help you right now; we've got a prefect meeting to go to. Right, Draco?"
Draco came out of the shadows and nodded, "Yes, Potter. Hermione is correct. We must be going now or we'll be late."
Harry's eyes were wide open in disbelief. 'Perhaps I hadn't heard correctly. Hermione couldn't have called Malfoy Draco, could she?' He then smiled and said, "Hermione? Could I speak with you after your meeting? It's really important."
"Sure, Harry. I'll try to find you, ok?"
Harry nodded and left. Hermione and Draco watched Harry walk away for a bit, then started toward the castle themselves.
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The prefect meeting was as boring as usual. Just Katie reminding them that the ball was coming in three weeks and that they would be opening the ball with a dance. Hermione went in search of Harry, wondering why he wanted to speak to her so badly. She found him in the Gryffindor Common Room, sitting by the fire. She sat next to him and said, "Harry? You wanted to talk to me about something?"
Harry turned to her and said, "Yes, I did. I was wondering why you were with Malfoy?"
Hermione then replied, with a bit of anger in her voice, "I told you, we were talking about the ball."
"Ok then. Why did you call Malfoy Draco?" Harry retorted.
"Katie and Roger made us call each other by our first names, the names our parents gave us."
"Well, I don't want you to be hanging out with him or helping him with his homework. He's trouble, 'Moine, and I don't think you should play with trouble."
"Excuse me?" Hermione asked, offended, "Are you trying to tell me what to do, Harry?" There was definite fire in her voice. "Do you think, that for even one second you could tell me what to do? Guess what, Harry. You do not own me and you cannot tell me what to do! Is that clear?" Hermione was already standing, leering at Harry.
Harry stood also and said, "Actually Hermione, I was just trying to warn you. You know, like a true friend!"
Hermione scoffed, "True friend? You know NOTHING about being a true friend, especially to me!"
"Don't yell at me for being a friend! You haven't been much of a friend either this year!"
"Excuse me! I have been a true friend to you! YOU"RE the one that's just using me for grades! YOU SUCK!!" With those last words, Hermione stormed out of the portrait hole, almost knocking down two first years on her way out.
{IN THE GRYFFINDOR COMMON ROOM}
Harry stood, fuming, as he watched Hermione storm out of the portrait hole. He then turned around and noticed that most of the Gryffindors had been watching his and Hermione's little blowout.
Turning to Ginny, Harry said, "Geez, what did she have for breakfast today? Hot cereal, instant bitch?"
"Harry, don't say that." Ginny said in a soft voice. "She's been going through a lot of stress lately, and I don't think you should bother her about talking to Malfoy."
"Oh, so now EVERYONE"S against me! I just don't want her to get hurt, is that such a bad thing?"
"Er, Harry? She is already sixteen, I'm sure she can watch after herself. Besides, Hermione isn't very trusting of some people. If she trusts someone then you know it's going to be alright. And," Ginny said, unsure, "don't you think you're being just a teensy bit possessive?"
Harry stared at the youngest of the Weasley clan and stood up. He didn't need to hear this crap. He walked out of the portrait hole and made his way to the Great Hall
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Hermione walked all the way to the prefect quarters, tears streaming down her face and gritting her teeth. Glances were coming her way from every person she passed. Hermione knew that they were staring, but somehow she didn't register that in her mind. By the time she got to the prefect dorms, it was already time for the feast. She then walked down to the Great Hall, then stopped when she got in. Hermione surveyed the Gryffindor table, then decided that she wouldn't sit there. She also knew that she would only be welcomed by one person from the Slytherin table, and she didn't feel like having food thrown at her. Her decision finally made, she walked over to the Ravenclaw table and sat next to Padma Patil, who was across from Draco.
As she sat next to Padma, she noted that many whispers were erupting around her, especially from the Gryffindor table. Hermione looked up at the Head Table, and saw Dumbledore nod his head and give her a tiny wink. She smiled and chatted up a storm with Padma. Hermione then looked up at Draco and gave a small wave and a smile. He returned the smile and winked at her.
Draco noted to himself that Hermione's eyes were a bit red and her front was a bit wet. He made a mental note to ask her what was wrong after dinner. The blonde looked at the Gryffindor table and also noticed that Potter was a bit red in the face and he wasn't speaking to anyone.
'Hmmmm, I wonder what happened.' Draco thought, 'I'm guessing it has to do with something concerning me, or Hermione's acting extremely moody.'
Finally, the feast was over and everyone was pushing and shoving to get to their dorms. Draco stayed behind and watched Hermione walk with Ginny Weasley and Padma Patil. She wasn't sad anymore. In fact, she was laughing along with the two other girls. After the Great Hall was fairly empty, Draco sped up and walked behind the three girls. Ginny left the other two and Padma and Hermione kept walking to the prefect dorms.
Draco kept a good amount of feet between him and the other two prefects. He let them enter the dorms and waited a few minutes before going inside himself. Hermione was sitting on the couch, silently crying. Draco bit his lip, unsure of what to do. He knew that she hadn't noticed him, but he wanted to know what was wrong. So he decided on strolling in, pretending to look surprised at seeing Hermione crying, and comfort her but not getting too close.
Draco walked up to her and sat on the couch, preparing himself for more waterworks. He then gave her a slight nudge.
Hermione looked up and was met with a steely gaze. She decided to answer his question before he could ask.
"Nothing's wrong. I just, um, have some allergies. It must be because we went outside earlier today." She said, putting on a fake smile.
Draco looked at her skeptically. "Yeah, sure. Well, can I ask why you weren't sitting with the Gryffindors at dinner today?"
"Well, um, Padma needed me. Something happened and she needed some help. And Dumbledore said it was alright."
"Oh. Hermione, you know that you can tell me anything. You know, because we're not enemies anymore. I guess you can call me a friend now." Draco said, smiling at Hermione.
Hermione smiled, a truly beautiful smile. She then did something that neither she nor Draco had expected. She reached over and hugged Draco as if holding on to him for dear life.
"Thank you so much Draco. You have no idea how much that means to me." Hermione said, still hugging him. She hadn't even noticed that she started crying again.
Draco hadn't expected THAT from Hermione. All he did was hug her back, slightly, and pat her back. He was still waiting for her to let go of him, but they had stayed in that position for what seemed like forever, when it was really five minutes. Finally, Hermione let go of him and smiled her beautiful smile at him again. She then bid him goodnight, hugging him again.
Once in her room, Hermione mused on about what had just happened. She then realized that she had hugged one of her former enemies for five minutes! 'Maybe,' she thought, 'I've wanted to do that for a long time.' This thought made her sit up abruptly in her bed. Malfoy! No way! 'Impossible,' Hermione thought again, 'it must just be because he said that he's my friend. Yes, I have gained a new friend, nothing more than that.'
As Hermione drifted off to sleep, her thoughts were on a certain blonde headed Slytherin.
A/N: So? How was that? It was six pages, seven if you count this A/N. Thanks again to all of you who left songs in your reviews. I really appreciate it. Do you think that their feelings are going too fast? If so, please tell me! Thanks again and please review me! Remember, your reviews inspire me to write more!!!