Author's Notes: Hello! Sorry if it took a long time for me to finish the fifth chapter. It's not as bad as I thought it would be, in my opinion. But then, I still want to know what you think about it. Please read and review! Thanks to all of my reviewers, for waiting patiently and for reading this fic. And special thanks again to hermionegarner for giving me advice on how to be a better writer. Ms Garner, you rock! ;-)

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, or any of its characters and events.

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Hermione could not sleep. She was turning about in her bed, trying to find the right position to take a nap. However hard she tried though, thoughts of Draco and Ron kept on entering her mind.

She was confused of who to choose between the two. She liked them both but she knew that she could not have two guys at the same time. She could never do that.

She was surprised to find herself liking Draco. She was actually annoyed at him at first. She hated his arrogance, possessiveness and feeling of superiority. These made it hard for her to accept him first as a suitor. She also doubted if his intentions were true because he used to dislike half-bloods a lot. But then, she began to like him. Draco told her that he was courting her because he liked her and not because of any other reasons. He also told her that he did not care if his parents disagree with their relationship for he had his own will. This was what she admired most about him – the strength of his disposition and personality.

She laughed when she remembered Draco's unsuccessful attempts to humiliate Ron in front of her. And yes, there was Ron also.

For her, Ron was a nice guy. She never doubted Ron's intentions unlike Draco's. She also liked him because he was the best friend she ever had. They used to fight frequently before but she knew that Ron would never ruin their friendship. She knew that it was precious to him as much as she was to him. She could talk to Ron almost about anything and could depend on him in times of need. But then, Ron's shyness and weak personality were making Hermione think twice of answering 'yes' to him.

She got up from her bed and went to the kitchen for a drink. After going back, she tried to sleep again. This time, she was almost successful if not for the ringing of the telephone beside her. Expecting a call from her parents, she quickly lifted the receiver.

"Hey Mom! How are – " She was interrupted by a familiar man's voice on the other line.

"Hermione, it's me, Draco," he said softly. "Did I wake you up? I'm really sorry," apologized Draco.

"No, it's nothing, really," Hermione assured him. She did not expect him to call at this time but was glad of it nonetheless.

"I just want to ask you out for a Hogsmeade visit on Tuesday. Just want to visit the sights there. I also want to celebrate Scotland's victory over Bulgaria, but you know very well that my happiness will only be completed if I have my celebration with you," said Draco sweetly. Hermione looked flattered although she was not worried of being seen.

"Well, okay. I'll go with you but be sure that we'll go back early," answered Hermione, trying to sound a little conservative, but inside she really was eager for the date.

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"Brother, why not come with us? You'll enjoy our company, don't worry. We won't make you feel out of place," promised Ginny as she was convincing Ron to go with her and Harry to Hogsmeade.

"Yeah, we three will go out as friends. You can also ask Hermione to go with us if you feel uneasy about it," Harry added.

Ron thought about the proposal but realized that he would feel more uneasy with Hermione around.

"Okay, I'll go with you two, but I'm not going to ask Hermione to come anymore. Just be sure that you won't give me a hard time," Ron said to them. Harry guffawed.

"Well, being sweet with your girlfriend is quite unavoidable when you're together, but sure, we'll try our best," Harry said to him and then winked at Ginny. Ginny giggled.

"So, everything's settled. Gotta go now, Lupin asked me to do some boring stuff for him. Bye!" and before he apparated, he kissed Ginny on the cheek. Ginny's face turned red.

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Hermione wore her best suit. After making sure that she already looked stunning, she got out of her bedroom and met Draco whom was waiting in the living room.

Draco looked handsome that day; his usual pale skin was suddenly glowing and pinkish.

"So, shall we?" said Draco.

He kissed Hermione's hand and then they both apparated.

The two appeared in Three Broomsticks. After finding a nice place to sit in, Draco asked her what her order was. Hermione smiled and said, "The usual."

They were both seated comfortably, chatting and laughing when the orders came. Hermione sipped her butterbeer and savored its taste and warmth. Draco did the same but choked slightly when two redheads and one with jet-black hair entered Three Broomsticks.

Harry, Ron and Ginny were all laughing heartily at some funny joke of Ron when Harry caught sight of the two. Seeing that Harry suddenly looked pale, Ron turned to see what was bothering him so much.

Ron was stunned. He could not move a finger or even take his eyes away from the two.

Draco saw Ron's reaction. All of a sudden, he looked in the mood for bullying when he called over. "What a coincidence! Hey you three, come sit beside us!"

Hermione turned to see whom Draco was referring to. Her initial reaction was the same as Ron's.

Harry and Ginny suggested that they leave the place and find another when Hermione approached them.

"Ron, what a surprise!" she said, awkwardness in her face. Ron frowned.

"Yeah, I really was surprised. Would you mind if we just go to another place? Harry, Ginny, let's go."

"Wait Ron! Harry, Ginny, why not dine with us? Ron, please. I just want to hang out with you guys, that's all," she told them. Harry and Ginny looked at each other and then nodded. Hermione looked happy.

"Hey Ron, sit with us, let's talk about the World Cup – "

"I'm not interested, so please just let me sit with my friends," he answered a bit sternly. Hermione was taken aback by this, and so were Harry and Ginny.

"Okay, if that's what you want. But at least sit near our table. I would love to chat with you guys," she said. She looked hurt by Ron but tried to hide it. Ron felt it though, and became a bit sorry for his sudden anger. If only that moron was not with her, I'd surely enjoy this, he thought.

The three ordered butterbeers and were chatting when Draco called to them.

"Hey, Hermione has some nice idea. Why not go to Honeydukes and then to other sights here in Hogsmeade with us? She brought a muggle camera. I was just thinking how more fun it would be if you guys are with us," he said a bit sarcastically. He seemed determined to spoil Ron's day.

Harry looked at Ginny. Ginny looked at Ron. Ron looked in the verge of exploding but thought better to control his temper. It took a long time before he answered.

"Sure, we'll go. I really don't feel like going with you two because I might ruin your time. But sure, we'll go," he said bravely. Harry and Ginny exchanged awkward smiles.

After having their fills of butterbeer, they headed to Honeydukes and bought their favorite sweets. Harry, Ron and Ginny were all playing around and making funny noises because of the sweets. Hermione felt jealous somehow, seeing that Ginny was closer to Harry and Ron, her two best friends. She just tried to enjoy her time with Draco.

They were all making odd sounds while they were walking to Shrieking Shack. Hermione could not help but laugh at Ron's piggy snorts but could not help also to be hurt when Ron acted as if she was not there. Draco was trying to get her attention but she still looked all unhappy while they entered the Shrieking Shack.

Harry and Ginny entered the shack first, leaving Ron with Draco and Hermione. Ron tried to catch up but they were walking too fast.

The house seemed to be haunted. The door was creaking, adding more to the creepy appearance of the house. All in all, it looked mysterious and miserable.

Harry and Ginny went to the far end of the shack. Ron followed them and so did Draco. Hermione did not feel like exploring the house though; she had already been inside the place during the end of their third year.

She went outside, careful not to make the slightest noise. She left them wandering inside the house.

She breathed the musky air and felt good to be outside the shack. And if any passersby would see her at that moment, they would feel that Hermione was looking very unusual indeed.

Tears were threatening to fall on her face. She looked so hurt that if anyone would look at her, they would not help but pity her.

Many thoughts were in her mind. She really was surprised at Ron's actions earlier. She did not expect him to be like that, considering the fact that he was courting her. She expected him to treat her nicely.

"There's nothing wrong with going out on a date with Draco. Ron's still not my boyfriend and I can do whatever that pleases me," she thought. However hard she tried to comfort herself though, the fact that Ron was ignoring her pierced her heart.

She was quite confused with all the things going on. She liked Draco – very much. But then, she also liked Ron. She just could not choose between the two. She was stuck in the middle. "The principle that you'll destroy yourself if you don't have a stand serves true for me," Hermione thought.

She did not want to hurt anyone, but in the process of trying to please both she was hurting herself. She wiped a tear from her eyes.

"He just does not understand how hard it is on my part. Oh, if only those two just left me alone with Viktor. At least he's good at Quidditch. And he really cares about me," she was telling herself.

Just then, she heard footsteps. She quickly arranged herself and tried to act as if nothing happened. Thinking that it was Draco who was coming, she turned and smiled.

"Hey Draco, why did – oh, sorry, thought it was him," she quickly apologized to Ron. Ron gave her an insincere smile. It was hurting him to know that Hermione was always thinking of Draco. But he tried, though unsuccessfully, to hide his feelings.

"About what I did earlier, I'm really sorry. I really did not intend to say those things," he told Hermione. He sighed and then said, "Okay, I admit, I was jealous. But I know that you have a right to go out with him on a date. You own your heart and you decide for yourself. I just want to say that I'm really, really sorry. I was just taken away."

Hermione smiled, not looking at him. "Well, I admit that your actions did hurt me, but then I do understand you. And thank you for understanding me too."

Ron sighed again and then looked at her in the eye. "Hermione, tell me. What is the real score? I want to know if I have a chance or not. You know, I've sacrificed a lot for this. I am not complaining or anything, I just want to know if I stand a chance."

Hermione remained silent but answered after sometime. "You know, you're a great person. You are very true and I admire you for it. But you know, you're a coward most of the time. I hate telling you this, but as I also hate lying to you, I'll just spit out the truth. I like you, Ron, but oftentimes you lack the courage to fight for what you want. You are a shy person, which is not good for a man," she explained to him truthfully. Ron was slightly surprised by her confession.

"And then there's Draco. Draco's a nice guy, too. He might have taunted me in the past but he promised me that he would change, and I see it in him. I like the fact that he fights for me. And I like it that he wants to do everything that pleases me," she added.

Ron was saddened by this. He took a deep breath and then asked, "But then, what is the real score?"

Hermione smiled at him. "Well, I really cannot tell you right now. I'm really confused and pressured with all this, although people do not see it. You just don't know how you're hurting me, Ron. I want to follow my heart but it cannot decide for now. It is too mixed up with feelings. Please give me more time," she answered. Ron looked sad.

"Whatever your decision will be, I'll respect it. I want you to be happy, you know, even if it means that I'll get hurt," he told her, honesty in his eyes. Hermione's tears started to well in her eyes.

"Thank you for that. And I hope that I'll know the answer soon. I can't wait to end all this agony," was the last thing she said before Harry, Ginny and Draco stormed out of the shack.