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Discoveries

"Ron?"

"Hmm, what is it, Lav?" Ron responded.

"Does Harry know about us?" Lavender inquired. "He acted so strange."

Ron grinned and looked deep into her blue eyes. "I told him this morning, should have I waited?" With a pleading look he gave her a soft kiss on the nose.

"No, I was just curious," Lavender said. "And what about Hermione?"

When she mentioned the name, Ron went rigid and pulled away from her.

"Why should I tell her?" He said coldly. "Just to hear her saying, 'Ron, don't you think she'll distract you from your studies'?"

Ron bid her goodbye and went to get his books for class. Lavender watched him go, obviously hurt. Lately he'd react so frigid at any mention of Hermione. What was wrong with him?

Ron climbed up the stairs to his dormitory sullenly. How could he explain to Lavender that he still had feelings for Hermione, feelings beyond friendship? He didn't want to hurt her, but every time someone mentioned Hermione, he went cold and intolerable. Since she'd returned from her holidays, Ron and Hermione had unconsciously kept their distance. And every time he wanted to talk to her, he lost his nerve. Besides, what would he say to her? 'Hermione, I'm in love with you. I think of you all the time'?. No, that would ruin it all, he couldn't risk it. "Damn", he murmured.

***flashback***

Sunday, two weeks ago

Hermione was just returning from a trip to the library, when suddenly someone grasped her by her arm and she was pressed against a wall. Startled she opened her eyes wide. Then she heard a familiar, cold voice.

"What was it with you yesterday, Granger? Wanted to know what it felt like to snog a pure-blood?" Draco asked, in a mocking tone of voice.

Hermione was trapped under his piercing stare. "Malfoy, that had nothing to do with you. And believe me, I wouldn't have kissed you voluntarily. It was just a game!"Hermione said defiantly.

When she said those words, his mouth pressed to a thin white line. His blue-grey narrowed to slits.

"Just a game?" He restated, icily. With that he let go of her arm and stalked down the corridor. He almost seemed to be shacking with suppressed fury.

Was it just her imagination, or had he seemed a little disappointed?

***end of flashback***

The lessons passed by as ever. Apart from Double-Potions with the Slytherins (Couldn't someone change the ruddy timetables?). Everything was quiet relaxed.

Unfortunately, Snape had decided it was necessary for his fifth year students to learn how to make a Polyjuice Potion.

There was a silent "Brilliant" from Ron and Harry in the back of the room, who, thanks to Hermione, already knew how to do it. Hermiones hand shoot up in the air every time Snape asked a question about it.

After a while he was so pissed about it that he was going to take points from her for "'Knowing too much", but Draco, who shocked the whole class, protested, that it would be unfair. Embarrassed to be lectured by his favorite student, Snape let it be.

Hermione thanked Draco for it with a slight smile, which was only meant for him to see. But another person saw it, too, with evil glittering eyes.

"That was too close to comfort, yesterday, hmm?" Draco asked, while he pulled Hermione closer. She was smiling sweetly at him.

They were sitting in the library, as far away from the entrance as possible, so they would be warned in time if somebody would find their way there.

Actually they were here to learn, but somehow they hadn't managed to get around to it.

"Did he hurt you much?" She asked, a worried look in her eyes.

"No," he replied with a grin. "A real Slytherin feels no pain. Nobody can hurt me, Mia." Then he bent over and gave her a gentle kiss.

He was the only one, whom she allowed to call her that. Silently she laughed to herself. But then she eyed him sadly. "I really would like to tell them about us, but how would they react?"

Draco watched her with a questioning look. "Mia, I thought this was the exact reason for keeping it a secret. They wouldn't understand!"

Hermione sighed deeply and looked into his stormy gray eyes. Then she nodded. She decided to switch to a more friendly topic.

"So, where did you get your over large Ego?" Hermione asked, playfully hitting his arm.

"Hey," he complained, "that hurt. Just you wait!" Draco growled, bending down to punish Hermione for her bad behaviour.

('That couldn't have hurt him', Hermione thought)… After a while he loosened himself.

"Where did I get my Ego?" Draco brought a finger to his chin, as if in thought. Then he smirked. "Probably because all the girls at this school are ALWAYS throwing themselves at my feet."

Now it was Hermiones turn to snarl. Draco watched her, smiling. He bent his head again, then whispered into her ear. "Don't worry. I'm only yours."

Just at that moment, someone behind them cleared his throat. Startled they parted themselves hastily.

"What are were you two doing?" Ron asked, his voice like ice.

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This flashback takes place before the first one (where Draco made the offer). I thought I'd just add this in case anyone's confused.

And before a reviewer decides to say, "Snape would never react that way!" I have to remind you that this is MY story, and therefore it is MY Snape, and in my story he reacts like that.

Beta Note: Yeah, don't be a sour puss. Between the two of us I'm sure we could talk Snape into dancing on his desk, in the middle of class wearing nothing but a leopard print speedo if we wish.

Once again thanks to all my reviewers.

@ gamegirl3: Yes, Harry will find out. You wanted them to get cought? Here it is. I think there will be more of Snape, although I don't really like him. But he's a funny character.

@ dracosfallinangel: Hi, it was my first story, but I wrote some more (only in German) and now I decided to translate this one. So I'm no real first time writer. About the swearing: I would like to, but I don't know so much english swear words, only Fuck and Shit. I will suggest it to my beta-reader, though. I know I brought the romance in too quickly, but I can't change it now. If you understand German, than I recommend you my other story (Liebst du mich denn nicht). There I slowed it down. This story here is already complete so I can't make the chapters longer, but believe me, I would like to.

@ Lovely White: It's possible that she forgot to correct a mistake, but I'm not able to check it. And she really tries to correct all of my stupid mistakes, believe me. ^ - ^

@ lord of the potters: I would like to make it longer, but the story is already finished and so I just can't add something. Sorry.

@ DazedPanda: Oh yeah, poor Draco ;)

Also thanks to Hanna, wutever and queen of the clarinets

So, till next time

Bye FRIEDL