Disclaimer-.....You know the drill.....I own nothing.

"Harry what was that about?" Ron asked when they were in the common room, sitting in front of the fire.

"You really don't listen do you Ron? Didn't you hear the way she was talking? I don't think she's too keen on anyone right now. It would be best to just stay clear of her for now." Harry explained, thinking back to how Hermione's face changed from calm to anger in .1 second fast.

"Let Malfoy do it. Hermione can take care of herself. Remember when she punched him one? Who could forget the whole ferret thing." Ron was lost in a memory, so basically useless to anyone.

"Uhh....yeah sure. Listen Ron. I think that we should go to McGonagall and try to get Hermione out of having to tutor Malfoy. You could say you need help in something....." Harry looked over at Ron and shook his head when he saw him dozing off. "Ron! Wake up we have to help Hermione."

"I was up Harry, just resting my eyes. Don't get all upset. You shouldn't worry about her. She's a big girl now. She has to walk on her own. Come on, I forgot, Quidditch Weekly came in. Chudley Cannons got the front cover." Ron said drawing himself up off the chair.

"Fine. If you think she's going to be alright." Harry said, still thinking up a plan

"But Hermione. You said you'd help me with my potions. You promised you'd help me." Neville said after Hermione broke the news to him.

"I didn't promise Neville. Besides, you could always ask Professor Snape for help. He's there to help." she said, hoping he'd stop looking like a wounded puppy.

"But you know he hates me Hermione. That's the only reason I'm failing. He never helps me. I don't know how I'm going to pass now. Wait, couldn't you still help me and just not tell McGonagall? I mean she wouldn't even know." Neville tried to sway her.

"I can't be like a tutor to you but I can help you......understand some things. I can't go over everything with you. Just so you know." She said, knowing it would be better just to say no.

"oh thank you Hermione. You don't know what it means to me. Gran's been asking me about how my class's are going. I don't want to think about what she'd do to me if....."

"Yes Neville. That's very nice but I have to go now. Have a Malfoy to tutor." she said sidestepping him when he didn't move at first.

"Right the. See you tomorrow." he called after her.

Didn't he get that if McGonagall heard him she'd be in trouble?

"Hello Hermione. How are you this lovely day?"

"Malfoy, will you leave me alone. This isn't Thursday. You're not my problem today. Go watch your goons watch paint dry." she said, not bothering to stop, as she walked to the library.

Did the boy put sensors on her so he could track her down.

"No, I don't think I will. It's much more fun to watch you squirm." he answered, stepping in front of her and walking backwards.

"I hope you run into a wall." She said looking him in the eyes. He had beautiful eyes.

'Hermione! What in the world made you think of that?' she asked herself.

"Watch out." He said suddenly, grabbing her arms and hauling her up against him.

"What?" she asked looking around wildly.

"Sorry I thought I saw Peeves. You know how he likes to throw things lately." Draco said letting her go slowly.

"No problem." she said softly, looking anywhere but at him.

"Hermione?" he asked when she finally looked at him.

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry."

'Where did that come from?' He asked himself seconds after the words left his lips.

"For what?" she asked suspiciously. He couldn't blame her.

"Don't ask what for just accept it." he snapped at her. 'Great follow up Draco.'

"Fine. I accept. Even if I don't know what your apologizing for." she said rolling her eyes.

He didn't know why but it felt like something changed. Like the ground shifted....maybe he should just let things slip out more often. They said good-bye he left her at library entrance. What had he been apologizing for? He didn't know but had a very bad feeling that something other than tutoring was going to be talked about Friday night.

"Why can't you just keep your mouth shut when it counts?" he asked himself out loud.

He didn't get an answer, so at least he wasn't totally crazy....yet.

Still more coming plz review!!