Disclaimer: I don't even own the laptop I'm typing on. Seriously.

A/N: Ok, so my internet is shot, so I'm sorry I couldn't update sooner. But alas! I'm using my daddy's laptop, but that also means I'm retyping everything I have already written. So hopefully this works. Thanks for reviewing! Italic passage is a dream.

Halloween and Getting Caught

For the next three mornings, Hermione would always wake up with flashes of a dream she had had. It seemed to be plagued with blonde hair and a certain set of grey eyes. What Hermione couldn't understand, however, was the fact that in the dream Draco was saving her from some unknown force. At this point the prefect would promptly wake up and didn't get to find out what would happen next. On Saturday, the morning of Halloween, the brunette finally got fed up.

"Honestly! This is ridiculous. It's bad enough I have to see him everyday in person I really don't need him perusing through my dreams as well!" Hermione said to herself as she wrapped a robe around her. She walked out of the sixth years' dormitory and went to Ginny's room. Hermione went over to her nightstand and picked up her Divination book. Luckily, no one was in the room because it wouldn't do if someone found her looking through a book on such an imprecise branch of magic. What would people think? The brunette quickly turned to the chapter on dreams. She flipped to the section on recurring dreams and then looked for the theme in the dream.

"Well," she said to herself. "Malfoy is saving me…what the hell does that mean?" Almost immediately Hermione's eyes fell on the passage title "Saving or Being Saved." She quickly read through it and then gasped. According to the book, the fact that she was being saved by Draco meant that she was starting to trust him. "Me? Trust…him?" At this thought, the prefect started laughing. In fact, she was laughing so hard that she developed tears in her eyes. "Oh, that's rich. Me trusting ferret-boy," she continued to chuckle at as she made her way down to the Great Hall for breakfast.

6.6.6.6

"What are you laughing about?" Ron asked as he sat down at the Gryffindor table.

Hermione looked up and realized that if she told him the whole truth, he'd probably blow a gasket, so she opted for the next best thing. "Oh, it's just something I read in this book." "There," she thought. "A fib. Let them try to send me to the fiery inferno. A.k.a the Malfoy Realm."

"Oh, really?" Ron interjected. "What book?"

"Crap," Hermione thought. "An unexpected obstacle. Ok, just stay calm." Out loud she responded, "It's called The Collected Works of Mark Twain." Ron got a glazed look in his blue eyes, which was exactly what the prefect had hoped for. But, as to not look suspicious, she elaborated with, "It's a Muggle book." This seemed to clear it up for him, or he simply lost interest, because he turned and promptly began devouring everything within reach.

Hermione then returned to admiring the décor of the Great Hall. This year, Hagrid had not only supplied the room with four massive pumpkins that could easily fit three men, but also managed to procure several ghouls to flit about each one. But, of course, most of the decorations wouldn't be up until later tonight at the feast, when Dumbledore would finally reveal what he had been planning for the shindig. Every year, the school managed to outdo itself, and Hermione was sure this year would be no exception.

The brunette had just moved on to contemplating the meaning of life when she felt someone looking at her. She glanced up and saw Malfoy staring at her in a pensive way, his eyes holding an expression she couldn't place. Hermione, quite frankly, didn't know what to do or think, but luckily her thoughts, or lack thereof, were interrupted by Ron.

"Is Malfoy bothering you again, Hermione? 'Cause I swear, I'll deliver him a nice flogging. Just say the word," he said as he punched one fist into his other hand.

"No," Hermione voiced as she turned to her boyfriend. "We've come to a sort of understanding. I don't think he'll be bothering me anymore. Thanks though." Ron didn't seem to be convinced, but he turned away and continued eating nevertheless. Hermione, however, was still thinking about the way Malfoy had looked at her. "Maybe things do change, after all," she thought to herself before being distracted once again by another train of thought.

6.6.6.6

"BOO!" Ginny screamed as she jumped up from behind the chair Hermione was sitting in. The latter jumped about six feet, pulled out her wand, and looked around for the obvious danger. Upon seeing the redhead rolling on the floor in mirth, Hermione's face fell, disappointed that she wouldn't have the pleasure of cursing someone into oblivion. Preferably, a supremely evil bad guy, but any wrongdoer would suffice. Some people dreamed of being a great doctor, she just wanted to hex the living daylights out of someone.

"Wow. You should—have seen—the—the look on your face!" Ginny shrieked between her infectious giggles. "You looked like some sort of warrior woman."

"Ginny!" Hermione finally said. "You shouldn't sneak up on people like that. It could get you in a lot of trouble one day! Now say what to say before I get really angry!"

The brunette sounded a lot like a drill sergeant, so Ginny simply saluted with an "Aye, aye Captain!" which really didn't make any sense if she would have taken the time to think about it. "Just wanted to see what you were thinking about, my dear. You had that far away look again."

"Oh," Hermione replied softly. "Well…" In truth, the brown-eyed girl had been thinking about Malfoy, much to her dismay. "It's not my fault that he is so confusing and so evil. Yes, evil. That has to be it…right?" she tried to convince herself as she stared out into space. She continued in this fashion for a few more minutes until Ginny snapped her fingers in the prefects face.

"Hello? Earth to Hermione!" she practically screamed.

"Oh, sorry Ginny. I was just…" she began.

"Thinking again," Ginny finished for the brunette. "But what, pray tell, are you thinking about? I've never seen you stare off into space so many times in one day. Are you feeling ok?" she said as she put a hand to Hermione's forehead.

The prefect was silent for a moment but then got exasperated. "I'm perfectly fine Ginny. I've just got a lot on my mind…you know with the N.E.W.T.s coming up next year and all," she replied, hoping the redhead would accept this.

Ginny stared at Hermione, then shaking her head she replied, "Hermione, those aren't until next year! You really should stop worrying so much. Now come on, the feast is starting in ten minutes and I don't want to miss the big surprise." With this the youngest Weasley linked arms with Hermione and then strode out of the common room in the general direction of the Great Hall. The brunette simply walked along, feeling bad for lying to Ginny, but knowing the truth would have been worse. "What is the matter with me?"

6.6.6.6

"RAR!" the door handle roared as Draco Malfoy reached out to pull the door open. "Childish," the Slytherin remarked as he looked around. Many of the other students had jumped and screamed. "But effective." He finally pulled the door wide and was met with the sight of a thousand live bats flitting about the enchanted ceiling, which took on the look of a cloud ridden sky with matching flashes of lightning and thunder claps of the sky outside. Spiders hung from the ceiling rafters and silver blood dripped down the walls and into puddles on the floor. "Nice," Draco commented as he made his way over to the Slytherin table. Only a few candles floated over the tables, giving the room an ominous feel. He looked across the hall until his grey eyes met the now familiar sight of a certain brown-eyed Gryffindor.

"What is the matter with me?" Draco thought to himself as he watched Hermione talk animatedly with Ginny. "Why can't I stop staring at her? I mean, Malfoys never stare. It simply doesn't happen. I mean, she's even in my dreams. I'm always saving her, whatever the hell that means. Too bad I can't figure out what happens next, maybe then I would be able to forget about it," he thought morosely. Draco then noticed that Hermione was staring right back at him, so he lifted his goblet of pumpkin juice to her as if in salute. She simply nodded and smiled, then went back to her conversation with Ginny.

6.6.6.6

Hermione raised her glass to Draco's before she went back to talking with Ginny. Or at least trying to do so; she really couldn't concentrate, owing to the fact that she didn't know why the blonde boy's eyes always seemed to find hers in a crowd. "Maybe I was wrong about Malfoy," she thought to herself. "Maybe he is trying to change, but I'm just trying to convince myself that he is in the wrong." Now, this thought was somewhat of a breakthrough for Hermione Granger. It took a lot for her to admit she was wrong, simply because she was never wrong. It was just one of those things that didn't happen in the organized life of Hermione. At this moment, Dumbledore's voice broke her reverie.

"Ladies and Gentleman, if I could have your attention please," he said, and of course, everyone immediately fell silent and say at rapt attention. "I know you have all been anxiously awaiting the reveal of the 'something special' I have planned for you all. Well, it really takes place in two parts—one involving translucent beings, and the other involving some good-natured fun. So without further ado, I'll get on with the first part," he waved his hand and a curtain that surrounded what seemed to be a small stage fell away. "I present to the Hogwarts ghosts with dramatic reenactments of their deaths."

Everyone "Oooh'ed" and then turned their attention to the small stage where Nearly Headless Nick was running from a band of soldiers. Hermione and the fellow Gryffindors watched in turmoil as Nick got caught and placed on a chopping block. They endured the gruesome sight as a particularly stupid soldier tried to chop of Sir Nicolas' head, and doing a very poor job of it indeed. Finally, the ghost stood with his head hanging on by an inch of flesh, bowed deeply, and said, "And this is how I became known as Nearly Headless Nick." With this, the ghost tipped his head back on his shoulders and moved into the crowd of clapping students as the Fat Friar stepped onto the stage.

"Oh, Nick that was horrible!" Hermione cried as the ghost sat down at the table near her. "I mean, the acting of it was wonderful, but the actual experience must have been absolutely dreadful!"

"Yes," Nearly Headless Nick replied. "It was." The conversation was then left at that as Nick turned to talk to a fifth year Hermione didn't know. The prefect tried to concentrate on the Fat Friar's performance, but she suddenly felt claustrophobic. She could feel Malfoy's eyes on her again and everyone else just seemed overly cheery.

"I need some air," she said to no one in particular before walking out of the Great Hall and onto the front doorstep. Hermione sat there for awhile, thinking of course. "I wish he would just stop looking at me like that…like he's trying to figure me out or something…" she muttered to herself. The brunette was just about to give up and go back inside when a voice came from behind her.

"Talking about someone I know?" Draco said as he sat down by Hermione. She looked at him in a disbelieving way and then turned back to the storm. The Slytherin decided to clarify. "Well, I saw you walk out of the Hall rather abruptly, and when the Weasel didn't follow, I figure I would take it upon myself to see if you were okay."

Hermione regarded him through narrowed eyes, but then finally decided he was telling something near to the truth. "Well that was very nice of you Malfoy, but I'm fine. I was just about to go back inside," she said as she made her way back to the Hall. "Are you coming?"

"No," Draco replied. "I think I'll just stay out here for awhile."

"Okay." Hermione said over her shoulder before walking through the doors. When she walked in, the Bloody Baron was on the stage reenacting a dramatic swordfight with just him against five other people. But Hermione wasn't paying attention to this. She was more concerned with what Ron was doing. Her gaze fell upon none other than Allison Morell talking with a certain redhead—one that already had a girlfriend. "Well, this just won't do," Hermione muttered to herself. She walked over to the table and tapped Allison on the shoulder.

"Did you lose your way, dear?" she said in a condescending tone. "The Ravenclaw table is over there." Allison blinked at her a few times, but then seemed to regain her composure.

"There's no need to get your knickers in a twist," Allison replied. "I was just talking to Ron about the upcoming Quidditch match between the Cannons and the Wasps. It turns out that we both are hopeless fans of the Cannons. But if this bothers you that much then I'll leave," and with that she walked off towards the Ravenclaw table just as the Bloody Baron was finishing up.

"Hermione!" Ron cried in strained voice. "I was just talking to her! I mean I let you go off with Malfoy without saying anything,"

"That's different Ron! That's for school and you know it!" Hermione interrupted, speaking in hushed tones.

"Okay, well Allison and I are just friends. Why can't you accept that? Just because we're interested in the same things doesn't mean I'm going to go run off with her." Ron continued his voice much calmer now.

"You're right," Hermione said as she admitted defeat. "I'm sorry, Ron. I'm just afraid that I'm going to lose you or something."

"I'm not going anywhere, so stop worrying." Ron said as she kissed her temple. Just then, Dumbledore began speaking for the second time that night.

"Alright, thank you to the Hogwarts ghosts for their wonderful performances! Now, onto the second part of the surprise. We have Fred and George Weasley here and they've brought a care package for each of you filled with their new joke products!" At that moment, Fred and George, looking very snazzy indeed, strode into the Great Hall with crates and crates of packages full of joke products.

"Hello everyone!" Fred greeted them.

"We've brought just a few things for you," George continued. With a flick of his wand, the crates opened and brightly colored packages flew out to everyone in the room.

Fred piped up saying, "Inside you'll find Skiving Snackboxes, including Fainting Fancies, Puking Pastilles and Nosebleed Nougat." Next George spoke, making it obvious they were talking alternatively, and that they had planned it.

"You'll also find our patented Canary Creams and Delectable Dyes."

"Some of our new products include Hexing Honey, just put it in someone's tea and they're hit with an assortment of jinxes and hexes, Backward Bifocals, which turn everything upside down and Tarantella Turnovers, which are self-explanatory."

"All compliments of Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes, located in Diagon Alley. Thank you everyone and have a Happy Halloween!" George finished up before going to the Head Table with Fred to speak with Dumbledore.

"Well, it certainly seems they're doing well for themselves," Hermione commented as she put on the Backward Bifocals. Everything was immediately thrown in reverse. Even so, she could still tell that Draco had returned the Great Hall and was once again looking at her in a pensive way. "I wish I knew what he was thinking…this is too weird," she thought to herself. "And moreover, why can't I stop thinking about him? I mean, I have everything I should want. I have a boyfriend that cares a lot about me, great friends and good grades. It's perfect…Right?" Suddenly, Hermione had the strange feeling that her world was about to be thrown upside down—and it didn't have anything to do with the glasses.

6.6.6.6

That night Hermione lay in her bed, once again thinking about Draco. "This is crazy!" she thought to herself as she tossed and turned. Finally, she fell into an uneasy sleep. Soon she was back in the same dream.

Hermione was found herself hurtling through the Forbidden Forest, running away from something she couldn't quite see. She ran into a clearing and was about to go further when two strong arms caught her. "Get off me!" she yelled as she tried to break free.

"Hermione, it's me," Draco's voice floated over her. "Calm down, you're okay now."  Recognizing it was him, Hermione stopped struggling and let herself collapse into the boy's arms. Somehow she knew that what he was saying was true, and that the unknown thing wasn't going to get to her now.

"Thank you, Draco," Hermione said in a muffled voice, owing to the fact that she was buried in the Slytherin's chest. After a few moments, the girl looked up into his grey eyes and saw something new there: comfort; security. Hermione reached up and ran her fingers through his blonde hair, finding it as soft as it looked. Then she clasped her fingers behind his neck as he put his arms around her waist. Finally, they moved closer until…

Hermione's eyes snapped open, an incessant buzzing tearing at her eardrums. She looked up to see her hands poised on her headboard as if she had been stroking it and her face inches from her pillow. "Grr," she mumbled as she threw her bewitched alarm clock across the room, a death glare following it as it sailed through the air and landed peacefully on a pile of clothes. Quickly blinking out the throes of sleep from her chocolate brown eyes, Hermione tumbled out of bed and landed rather haphazardly on the floor. "Ouch," she said to no one in particular. "And what do you think you're looking at?" she added acidly to the innocent bunny slippers that laid next to her.

The prefect picked herself up off the floor and sat back down on her bed. She laid there for a moment, cursing the morning sunlight, when bolted upright again. "Holy crap!" she said as she remembered her dream. "I almost kissed Malfoy! There must be some sort of logical explanation to this." The brunette thought for a moment and then muttered, "I must be under some sort of spell. Maybe the Imperious Curse or a dream invasion spell." Feeling that this must be the answer, Hermione made a mental note to research it at the library and then got ready for the day. She did her usual routine of checking up on Betty, who was still growing, and then she spent the rest of her day curled up in an armchair with her present book and an uneasy mind.

6.6.6.6

Hermione spent the next few days falling back into her usual routine of avoiding Draco and keeping herself busy. She was convinced that he had cast some sort of spell on her that made her think about him constantly and dream about him too. After that night, however, the dream never returned and the prefect found it at least a bit easier to get rest at night. She spent a lot of time with Ron, fearing again that she could lose him at any moment, and with Harry, who had been having a hard time since Sirius' death and with worrying about the upcoming battle with Voldemort. Ginny could also be seen with Harry quite a bit, which Hermione was grateful for—Ginny always seemed to have a knack with making people feel better.

This routine found her sitting by the fire one day during the second week of November. She was sitting in her favorite armchair, studying for an upcoming Potions exam in a comfortable silence with Harry and Ginny. Ron had gone to the library to study—something she was proud to see him do a lot more lately. Suddenly, Hermione shut her book and fell back on an old train of thought. "Everything is going great for me right now, so why can't I get that stupid git of a man out of my head? Seriously, it's not as if he even has a lot going for him. I mean, sure he is not bad looking, and he can have nice moments, but that's about it. He tortured me for six years, so forgetting about him should be easy. Shouldn't it?" Hermione then stood and started to walk out of the common room, feeling very confused indeed. She muttered a quick, "Going for some air" to Harry and Ginny before got out of the portrait hole and letting her feet carry her.

Not surprisingly, ten minutes later, Hermione found herself in front of the library doors. The room had always allowed the girl to clear her head, so she walked in. Figuring a talk with Ron would make her feel better; she went in search of the redhead. She found him at a table near the back with none other than Allison Morell, and they seemed to be in deep conversation. Hermione quickly ducked behind a bookshelf and spied on them, silently fuming. Sure, she felt bad for invading his privacy, but her jealousy got the better of her. She watched them talk for a few more minutes and was just about to leave when Allison suddenly leaned in and kissed Ron on the lips. When he didn't pull back, Hermione had had enough and burst out from behind the shelf.

"Just friends my big toe!" she screamed as she shot both the girl and Ron a death glare. She paused long enough to see Allison look appropriately embarrassed and a bit shocked from what she had just done. "Good, let her feel sorry for what she did to me," Hermione thought as she stormed back out of the library, in an even worse mood then what she came in with.

"'Mione, wait!" Ron called after her, but she was already half way down the corridor. She kept running, thinking this day could not get any worse, when she ran, once again, into something like a brick wall. She fell backwards and landed with a loud thump. She looked up and was met with a smirk. "Oh, please. Anyone but you."