A/N  Hey!!!!  Note to all: I have absolutely no clue what I'm doing.  Good, glad that's out of the way.  I've been feeling an extreme loss of control of this story lately, not sure why.  But I hope things will start to come together.  Thanks for hanging tight!  I feel the story's lagging, so this chapter is going to be bit of a catalyst.  Our dear characters are going to feel a tad overwhelmed.  Yeah, I had a sudden burst of anger while writing this, so be ready lol.  The song is "Better" by Hoobastank. 

Star Katt: Thanks!!  Glad you liked it :-)  Ohhh, ok, it makes more sense now :-)

BlackKat:  Thank you!!  I wish I could read the 5th one *dodges knife from Cinnamon*  I'm just too stubborn.

Cinnamon Angel: Hey!!!!  You know, an update of Struggle would be greatly appreciated *grin*  Thanks :-)  lol, great minds think alike.  I have to decide the reason for it, though.  I have a couple ideas, but I'm not sure.  Muahaha, he's let her in...but let's see what happens this chapter *evil grin*  Does your mom ever look at your in an un-strange way? lol. 

Lousie Luvgood: I think Draco's got it too, now he has to figure out why it's happening.  But, as this chapter shows, there are a couple other things on his mind presently...  Thank you!!!  Lord knows when Hermione will find out, she's being awfully dense, lol.  The next chapter shouldn't take long since I've got it all planned in my mind already.  Thank you again :-)

xXxEmeraldxXx: Thanks :-)  I'd love to check out your fics.  I've looked at the summaries and they look interesting :-)  I should have most read by the next update.

goldenhorse:  Thanks :-)  Of course I'll check it out :-)  Ginny getting the mark, this should be good.

Tears of Eternity:  Thanks!!  I know, it's so cute they're finally getting close.  Too bad I had to write this chapter, lol. 

Claire: Thanks :-)  OMG I almost killed myself the first time on the road!!  My poor mom!! lol.  It was not a pretty thing.. maybe I'll just take buses forever, lol...

samhaincat:  Thanks :-)  Very funny.  I had no clue this chapter was going to come out like this either.  I have no control, lol.

Chazzy:  Thank you very much!! :-)

Darcel: Thanks :-)

Elle Granger:  LoL, you're going to hate me after this.  I finally bring them together.. but we can't have them getting too optimistic! lol.  Hehe, isn't Snapey amusing? 

Z.H2L: Thanks :-)  I love Sevvy, making him all schizo is very fun.

Jewelkitten:  Thank you!!!  I hope you like this one too.

Endril McMerlyn:  Thank you!!!  You're so nice :-)  I'm glad you like it so much, I hope you continue to.  Thanks again :-)

Things seemed to be lighter in detention after Hermione's discovery of Draco.  The insults didn't end, of course, but there was a less malicious intent to them.  Tuesday and Wednesday's detentions passed without any slapping or other violent behavior.  Thursday came and it seemed to be a bright day.  It was the last detention, and a Quidditch match at that.  Remus and Severus decided that Draco had recovered sufficiently so it was also the first scheduled defense lesson.  Hermione was more optimistic than before about her progress.  If only it was so easy to bridge so many years of hate. 

~*Just when I thought that I was better
I realized that I don't know what better was*~
Those around Hermione and Draco weren't blind to the changes in them.  In fact, they were quite suspicious.  Harry and Ron, despite the return of Hermione's health, were concerned about their friend.  She seemed more withdrawn and could often be found staring into space.  Whenever they mentioned the detentions, she would just shrug them off.  Even odder, she no longer joined in whenever they a session of 'Insult Malfoy' during Potions. 

For Draco's part, his friends were rather unsettled.  He hadn't said the word "Mudblood" in a bit and there was that little matter of letting the Gryffindor insult Pansy. 

~*Is it.........
Better than I used to be?*~

The slut herself was embarrassed and angry, not a good combination for a spiteful future Death Eater.  Crabbe and Goyle certainly weren't bright enough to notice anything, but Blaise and Lawrence Grant were narrowing their eyes at his behavior.  Lawrence, a 7th year, was the captain of the Slytherin team and was currently hoping Draco's issues wouldn't affect his game.  The rest could be dealt with later. 

The match was between Slytherin and Ravenclaw.  It wouldn't be quite as close as one with Gryffindor, but the Ravenclaws were definitely not easy to beat.  The students piled into the stands, eager for the game to begin.  Harry and Ron watched as Hermione's gaze drifted to over where the Slytherins were preparing.

"Nice day for a match", Ron said loudly.

Her head swung around to look at him, "Oh yes".  And it was, the sun was out and, while chilly, it was comfortable. 

"Who do you think will win?" Harry looked at her closely.

"I haven't a clue", she smiled a bit distractedly.

~*Better for you or for me?*~

"Well those bloody Slytherins always cheat, I hope Ravenclaw puts them in their place", Ron glared at the green robed players.

Harry nodded, "That would be a great thing to see.  Especially Malfoy, he can get damn violent".

Hermione played with her scarf, not really wanting to take part in the conversation.  It was true, Draco had been pretty ruthless before.  But he had changed at least a little... hadn't he?  Maybe she was only telling herself that so it would be easier to rationalize helping him. 

~*I'd better hurry cause I need a better view of things*~

No, she mentally shook her head, he had changed.  There were no "Mudblood" comments and he had been decidedly less cruel to everyone recently.  She sighed, how does a girl know if she's being delusional or not?

~*I don't know what it is or what I might be coming down with*~

Cheers broke her through her thoughts.  She looked up to find the game had begun.  While not a very big fan of flying, she did enjoy watching the matches.  Time passed, points were scored, finally Ravenclaw was in the lead but the snitch still had not been caught.  There was a new Ravenclaw seeker, Madeline, who showed a lot of promise. 

Hermione had been unconsciously focused on Draco for quite some time now.  She watched his stance stiffen and realized he must've caught sight of the snitch.  She wanted to cheer, but knew that would not be accepted at all.  Her support was supposed to be for Ravenclaw, not the enemy.  Damn it all.

~*Don't know where I've been
Don't know where to go*~

Draco had finally seen the snitch, but keep his face expressionless.  No need to give away its location.  He had to admit Madeline was rather good, maybe more than 'rather'.  This made him all the more determined not to lose. 

~*Can't remember all the things that I need to know*~

Keeping a bored look plastered on his face, he kept his eyes trained on the tiny flying ball.  Acting like he was merely flying about to amuse himself, he went ever closer.  Finally, Madeline seemed to realize what he was doing and started towards him.  Draco saw her and shot forward, willing his broom to go faster.  When close enough, he reached out and grinned in triumph when he felt his hand close over the snitch.  He held it up high for everyone to see and the Slytherin spectators went wild.  There was some polite applause from the other houses as well.  Draco didn't really care who else was happy, he was thrilled.  Still, he let his eyes find a certain Gryffindor for some reason.  He found her clapping like mad and grinning as well.  Out of the corner of his eye, he could see her two friends glaring at him.  It got better and better.

~*All I know is that if I think about it
I'd still rather be me than me be you*~

"We did it!!" 

Draco turned at Lawrence's jubilant cry and smirked, "You doubted it?"  The team flew down, dismounted, and commenced congratulating each other.

"Yes!" Hermione exclaimed when Draco held up the snitch.

"Excuse me?!" Ron turned to her, eyes wide.

~*And I'm not getting any better
Cause everytime I can't remember what it's for*~

She just ignored him, though, and continued to clap.  Draco looked so... happy was the only thing she could think of, vague and simplistic as it was.  Hermione didn't think she'd ever seen him grin like that.  She decided he should do it more often.

"Hello, contacting Hermione!" Harry waved a hand in front of her face.

"I'm right here", she laughed.

"Doesn't seem like it", he muttered, "Why are you so happy?  Slytherin won".

~*Is it.........
Better now than yesterday?*~

"Gee, really?" She rolled her eyes, still smiling, "Can't I be happy for them?"

"No", Ron replied bluntly in Harry's place.

Hermione raised her eyebrows, "Right.  We should get moving".  She began to walk away, only to turn and face them when she noticed they weren't following, "Well come on".

"Who are you?" Ron asked, awestruck.  Harry seemed much the same way.

"I'm sorry?" 

"You're cheering for Slytherin.  For Malfoy.  Do you remember who he is???"

"Ron, I think you should see Madam Pomfrey, you're acting oddly", Hermione looked concerned.

"ME?!" Was his incredulous response, "You've got to be kidding!" He looked to Harry, "Help me out here mate!"

"Ron does have a point.  Since when do you like Malfoy?"  Harry questioned.

Hermione sighed, "Just because I'm not plotting murder due to their victory doesn't mean I like him.  You both are overreacting.  Now, are we going to stay in the stands all day or what?"

~*Better that I am this way?*~

Ron opened his mouth, but Harry stopped him and just shook his head.  They followed her out, still not having a clue what was going on.

Some quirk of timing, explained only by the universe, caused the trio to encounter the Slytherin team on their way back to the school.  Draco was flanked by his teammates, everyone in a great mood.  They stopped when seeing the Gryffindors.  Hermione, Harry and Ron attempted to just keep walking.

"What?  No congratulations?" Ryan, a beater, smirked.

When that received no reaction, Dante, the keeper, called out, "Worried, Potter?  Your little scar doesn't help out on the pitch".

That stopped them.  Hermione saw Harry's hands clench into fists and put a hand on his shoulder, "Don't listen to him".

~*I'd better not be so afraid*~

Dante continued, "Come on, Potter.  You can even bring the little redhead with you.  Hey Weasley!!  Keeper's not an easy position, you know.  What if you got hurt?  Could your parents handle the doctor bills?"

Hermione sighed, Harry was a lot easier to calm than Ron.  She looked over at him and saw the death glare, "Ron, he just wants to get you angry.  Let's go in, it's getting cold".

~*I bet I shouldn't say*~

The boys actually listened and the three began walking again.  But Dante just couldn't keep his mouth shut, unfortunately.

"Awww, your Mudblood won't let you come play?" The team fell into laughter with that.  Thankfully, no one noticed how forced Draco's was.

"Shit", Hermione swore softly when her friends turned around angrily, "Guys, don't do this.  I don't care what he says.  That moron isn't worth getting in trouble over!"

They hadn't heard a word, though, and were stomping over to the offenders.  Hermione hurried after them, trying to think of a way to get their minds off fighting.  Currently she just had a prayer for a thunderstorm or a teacher.  But the sky was still clear and she couldn't locate an adult.  Mostly everyone had returned to the castle by then.  Damn.

~*I don't know what it is or what I might be coming down with*~

"Ohh, did we make you mad?" Ryan snickered.

"Why don't you grow the bloody hell up?"  Harry demanded.

"We're wounded", the chaser, Jonathan, rolled his eyes.

"You will be", Ron promised darkly.

~*Don't know where I've been
Don't know where to go*~

"Aren't you amusing!  Look around, Weasel, you're a bit outnumbered".

It was true.  Ron was a very good fighter, tall and fit.  Harry was good at it as well, even with his slight frame.  But they couldn't take on the whole Slytherin team.

"We're leaving", declared Hermione, while glaring at the Slytherin's.

"Stay out of this, Mudblood", Dante sneered.

Stay calm, stay calm... "Listen, you pea brained, arrogant prat, do not even ATTEMPT to tell me what to do".  Hermione sighed internally, she really had to work on these outbursts.

~*Can't remember all the things that I need to know*~

He looked a bit surprised at her retort, but recovered quickly, "Isn't that cute?  She's standing up for herself.  You've been spending an awful lot of time with her, Draco, maybe you can talk some sense into her".

Draco knew the comment was a challenge.  Dante was becoming suspicious of him.  He wished he could just walk away, but it wouldn't do to have this reach Lucius.  Feeling a little sick, he slipped into the skin of the old Draco...

"It's none of your business, Granger, go".

Hermione's eyes widened at the coldness in his voice.  Anger bubbled but there was something else... hurt?  Draco's words hadn't been able to hurt her for a while, why now?  Damn, just because the boy hadn't been a total ass for a few days was no reason to get upset when he reverted back.  No reason at all... "I don't take orders from you either Malfoy".

~*All I know is that if I think about it
I'd still rather be me than me be you*~

Malfoy.  He winced inside.  Draco had been getting used to being called by his first name.  But that shouldn't make him disappointed now.  It was just a name.  Not to mention just a Gryffindor.  Nothing more... "Don't be stupid, you don't belong here".

'Neither do you' was her first response, but she stopped it.  She glared at him, "How do you know where I belong?"

He shrugged, "Just go bury yourself in a book.  We'll call you so you can visit your friends in the ward".

"You sure you won't be the one in there?  Oh wait, no one would come visit you", she said it without thinking.  A second later she wished she hadn't.  'Damn me and my mouth', she scolded herself.

~*I don't know what it is or what I might be coming down with*~
 Draco's glare hardened, his eyes balls of ice.  He would give as good as he got, "Maybe not.  But I don't imagine any hordes coming for a Mudblood either".

During the two's little conversation, their respective friends were just watching.  Dante hadn't anticipated something like it when he egged Draco on.  Harry and Ron were wondering what was making Hermione upset, she usually never let Malfoy's comments get to her.

~*Don't know where I've been
Don't know where to go*~

"Well then..." Jonathan said merely to break the silence.

Draco and Hermione looked at everyone else, having forgotten about them while arguing.  Hermione just wanted to get away from him and looked pleadingly to her friends, "This really isn't worth it".

Although they desperately wanted to injure the Slytherins, the two guys saw that Hermione needed to get out of there.  Ron nodded, "You're right".

"Running away?" Ryan taunted to their retreating backs.

~*Can't remember all the things that I need to know*~

At that Harry looked to Hermione and rolled his eyes exaggeratedly.  She laughed and felt some of the tension leave.  Ron began doing impersonations of Dante and they were soon all in hysterics.  Hermione sighed happily at the release, she and her friends hadn't had moments like this lately, she'd been so preoccupied.  After that day, Hermione wasn't too sure what she was going to do next.

Draco watched the trio break into laughter and became even angrier.  Why hadn't Hermione just gone?  If she'd listened in the first place, the whole argument wouldn't have taken place at all.

~*All I know is that if I think about it*~

"And why do you care?"

"Oh shut up", Draco snapped at the voice.  With a last glance at the three figures in the distance, he brought his mind back to the conversation of gloating going on around him.  However, he didn't smile quite as big as before.

~*I'd still rather be me than me be you*~

A/N:  This may be short, but the next chapter is a "meanwhile" kind of thing involving Snape and I thought it wouldn't fit in the same chapter as this one.  Too much going on at once and all.  Hope you liked it!!!  Please, I live on reviews!! :-)