The Love Really Counts

Summary: When Hermione finds out that Draco likes her, she jumps at the chance to date him, leaving Harry heartbroken. But when Draco's plan is put into action, will a jealous Harry still be there to save her when the love really counts?

It was just an ordinary day when I got an anonymous letter.

My dear Hermione,

Words cannot express the way I feel towards you. I've liked you for a long time, even though it seems wrong. Of course, you don't know who I am, but I can only say that I love you, and even though I seem to dislike you, it is definitely not true. It is pure torture when I insult you. This may give away who I am. Meet me on the Quidditch pitch at 11:30 sharp. I love you more than anything else in the world. Please be there.

Love, Anonymous

Of course, after reading this, I was very curious as to who the anonymous was, however I was scared. I had always been taught never to answer anonymous letters, for it could be someone bad.

But this person seemed really sweet, and I could not let them down like that. At 11:15 pm I snuck out of my dormitory and into Harry's. I was careful not to disturb him as I searched through his trunk for his invisibility cloak. Once I found it, I left the room as quietly as I could.

I tiptoed out of the Gryffindor common room and ran downstairs to the giant oak doors. I put on the cloak and made my way down the hills to the Quidditch pitch. I looked at my watch which told me that it was 11:29. I walked over to a post where I was sure no one would be able to see me from the castle, and took off the cloak.

For the next 5 minutes I just stood in the Quidditch pitch checking my watch every few seconds. I did not hear anyone walking, therefore I jumped about 10 feet into the air when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I whirled around to face who, but Draco Malfoy, in the flesh, standing next to me with his hand still on my shoulder, and a broad smile across his face, which was something no one had ever seen before. I can say that I was definitely shocked.

"Malfoy? Is this some kind of joke? Because I certainly-" I began, but he cut me off by putting his finger to my lips and shushing me. "Listen to me, Hermione. I love you. I've always loved you. Ever since the moment I saw you that day on the train four years ago. I know I'm not the nicest person, but I really don't mean it. This is how I show my emotions. Haven't you ever heard that people pick on you because they like you? Well that's why I pick on you! Please give me another chance. You may totally disregard this meeting, but I wish and hope that you will follow your heart and give me a chance! I must go, but again, I love you. Please...consider what I've said!" Before I could say anything, he gave me a quick kiss and disappeared into the night.

I would have called him back, but my lips were still tingling. "Whoa" was all I could whisper before running at what felt like the speed of light, all the way up to the third floor, where I bumped into none other than...

"Professor Snape!! I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there..." I stammered as my cheeks turned a dark shade of crimson as I stood up and brushed myself off. After Snape stood up, he glared at me. "Miss Granger. What a pleasant surprise. What are you doing out of your dormitory at...12:05 in the morning?"

I felt myself burning under his stare, and instead of thinking of an answer to the question, I bolted. I ran all the way up to the Gryffindor common room and said 'caput draconis' so out of breath that the fat lady did not hear me.

'Wait a minute. She's not there!' I realized, looking long and hard at the portrait where the fat lady in the pink dress should be sitting. "Great. Just great!" I said to myself, and slumped down on the floor, against the wall, and put the invisibility cloak over me.

A/N So...what do you guys think? I'm not sure where I'm going with this story so if you have any ideas, email me at bordercollieluvr01myway.com!!