To Campy Capybara: It's not every day that I receive a comment that actually positively criticizes my story. I hardly get reviews from people whose aim is to help the writer improve. Thank you for expressing your likes and dislikes about the story. I know that the Ron/Lavender thing is sort of cliché already, but do not worry… it will somewhat turn out quite differently from others. I promise that. ^__^

And to the rest of my reviewers, thank you for reviewing. And to my readers, I sincerely hope that you have enjoyed all the previous chapters. Look forward to the future chapters!

Thanks! Here's chapter ten!

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Chapter Ten

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There they were, right in front of her eyes.

Ron Weasley and Lavender Brown.

There they were inside the Three Broomsticks, snuggled up with each other, with Ron's arm around Hermione's so-called friend. Though his expression was nonchalant, it was nevertheless obvious that he did not mind having another girl beside him.

Hermione's eyes moistened as she backed away from the misty window. How could he? She thought with pain. How could he do this to me?

A tear slid down her pale face.

What have I done wrong?

~

Plop.

Plop.

Plop.

Plop went the small pebbles as Draco threw them one by one in the pond. They disturbed the stillness of the water when they created small ripples in it, and he did not pay attention to what he was doing. His mind was filled with thoughts of Hermione again… but then, all he thought of nowadays was always her.

Hermione.

Never anyone or anything else.

Draco sighed, pausing to look up at the sky. It had already turned dark hours ago, and countless of stars were out. He realized it was late, and yet he didn't care.

Besides, he knew seventh years were allowed to go back late to the castle every Hogsmeade visit.

A cricket made a small sound.

And there was another sound, only this time, Draco knew that it was from something different. He swiftly turned around, holding his wand out like a sword and muttered, "Lumos." A small dim light emitted from its tip and brightened up his dark surroundings.

"What are you pointing that stick at me for, Malfoy?" A high and giggly voice spoke from the shadows. "It's only me, Mudblood Granger!" And in no less time, a petite figure emerged, holding something that resembled a bottle of butterbeer. Draco lowered his wand, realizing that it was her.

Hermione. The apple of his two eyes.

Hermione giggled as she swung the bottle of butterbeer and toppled over a tree's trunk. Draco caught her, and once again, she laughed out loud. "Are you drunk?" he asked her, as he helped her stand upright.

"I guess so…"

"But butterbeer doesn't have that effect on humans."

"I'm thinking someone's slipped me something stronger in the Hog's Head."

"Why in the first place were you there?"

"Oh… to drink all my problems away."

"I'm taking you back to the castle right away." Draco caught her by the arm and led her out of the dark clearing. But Hermione resisted.

"I'm capable of going back there myself, thank you very much."

"You're drunk, Hermione." He said in an oddly stern voice as he still held on to her tightly.

And Hermione stopped. She looked at him, and Draco blinked back at her. Her cheeks were flushed pink, and she flashed him a small smile. "I like it when you use my first name."

Draco smiled back. "That's because I like your name." He led her out of wherever they were and Hermione tripped once again. Draco caught her once again in time, and said, "Maybe I should just carry you."

And he did, not waiting anymore for Hermione's reaction.

~

Fortunately, there were a few carriages left in the station. Draco climbed into one of them with Hermione in his arms and laid her down on the seat. He closed the door shut and sat down beside her.

The carriage began to move and set on its way back to Hogwarts. Hermione kept silent, and Draco watched her, his gray eyes scanning her expression. He sighed, and looked out of the window.

"Why do people betray other people?"

Draco glanced back at Hermione whose gaze was focused on the dark countryside. "It's a natural instinct," he replied.

"Do those people you love count as betrayers?"

"I don't know."

Silence enveloped the inside of the carriage. Draco leaned closer to the girl beside him, and turned her face to his. "Hermione?"

Her face was streaked with quiet tears. She now wore a pained expression, and her lip trembled as she bit it.

And Draco realized what had happened.

Ron Weasley had hurt her deeply. She was emotionally wounded to the extent that she forced herself to drink to forget everything. He pulled her closer to him, and placed his hand on her head. Hermione quivered now and then, and whimpered as she cried.

~

And they stayed like that for so long. Hermione stopped crying and was on the verge of falling asleep. Draco stroked her hair gently, and she laid her head on her shoulder.

"Draco…" she whispered quietly.

"Hmm?"

"Thank you."

Draco tightened his hold on her, not replying to what she said. The castle loomed over them as they neared it, and they were still in each other's arms.

Hermione snuggled closer to him, her eyes already closed. She wore a small smile and, as she clutched on his cloak, she spoke to him in a small voice a short sentence that Draco never desired to hear.

"I just wish you were Ron."

And he dropped his arm on her side as she finally fell asleep.

~

Author's Note: Another chapter done. Hope you enjoyed it.