Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling. The plot is mine, though.
Summary: She didn't belong, she was misunderstood...And she would change him forever.
Author's Note: It was a very long while before I finally updated this story. I was very busy with studies and with my site that I barely had time to continue with my stories. Anyways, here it is… I hope you'll still be interested in continuing it. Don't forget to give a review!! Happy Holidays!!

Because of You
by katorse


Chapter Seven: The Tease


That night, Hermione was intensely busy reading a novel by Nicholas Sparks that she didn't realize the portrait hole to open.

A tired and sweaty Draco came in. He had just finished patrolling the corridors and was ready to take rest. He noticed a tiny figure by the couch and looked closer. Draco saw Hermione deeply engrossed with the book she was reading. He did not bother to disturb her and went directly to the bathroom to take a quick shower. After some time, he went to their closet and gently wore the most comfortable clothing he had.

Draco silently went to the common room to check Hermione out. He learned that she was still concentrated on the book she was reading a while ago.

'I wonder what she's reading.' He thought, carefully making slow steps towards her so as not to disturb her.

Having read the top portion of the book, Draco learned that it was a novel entitled 'A Walk to Remember' by a certain muggle author with the name of Sparks.

"Hey." He took a seat next to Hermione, which totally shocked her.

Devastated to what he did, "what are you doing here?" she immediately asked.

"Just checking out on you," he said, while grinning at her.

"It's freaky." She uneasily said.

"What's so freaky?" he asked, completely clueless.

"The way you grin," she stated not looking at him directly. "so unusual."

"What's so bad about it?" he asked, grinning even more, which totally annoyed Hermione.

She irritatedly closed the book and placed it on the table, "I didn't say it's bad, just freaky."

"And please you don't have to stick your face out like that, it scares the living daylight out of me," she added, while rolling her eyes.

"I'm sorry if that scared you, I thought that would make us peaceful, but I guess, it didn't work." he said.

"What's that about?" he asked, pointing to the book she just abandoned. He was eager to know what the contents of the book are.

"Just a lame love story." She sarcastically said.

"Lame? How'd it become lame?" He teasingly asked, not minding the sarcastic tone she had just given.

"Just don't mind me."

"Are you half way through the story?" He asked, getting the abandoned book and closely inspecting it.

"Nope."

"Just got started?"

"Nope. It's the nth time I'm reading it, I guess."

"So you mean, it's not that lame after all?" he teasingly asked her again.

"Are you here just to mock on me or something? 'cause if it is, sorry but I don't have time for such nonsense." She remarked angrily.

"Hey, cool it down; I'm not into another argument. I'm sorry." He said, meaning it.

"If you don't mind, I'll just go to my room." Hermione said leaving the book behind.

"Be me guest." Draco responded, giving out a small but visible smile.

'I wonder what this book is about.' he thought, carefully opening the book at his hand.

When I was seventeen, my life changed forever.

He was now the one deeply concentrated with the book which was actually the same book Hermione was busy with. He curiously turned the thin pages of the book making sure not to rip off any of it. As he turned its page, which made a very distinct sound similar to the cracking sound of a stepped-on leaf, his facial expression changed from a curious to a very interested and excited one.

There are moments when I wish I could roll back the clock and take all the sadness away, but I have the feeling that if I did, the joy would be gone as well. So I take the memories as they come, accepting them all, letting them guide me whenever I can. This happens more often than I let on.

He now sat straight and continued reading. Actually, he was never into reading novels and most especially novels of love and romance. This was the first time he had some interest in his blood. He kept on reading the book until he was too sore to continue. Who would argue with that, he wasn't into reading in the first place, particularly novels – about love.

Ps. I'm really sorry for making it so short and nonsense.. I just got the hang of Sparks that I included his book… Anyways, I would like to invite you all to visit my site – Flourish and Blotts. Just click the homepage located at my profile.. Thanks and again, Happy Holidays to all!!