Title: Flashback

Summary: 20-something year old Hermione finds herself suddenly back at Hogwarts, able to relive her 7th year. Everything that she remembers happening that year is seen in a new, more mature perspective. How will making different choices affect her life after the experience is over?

Rating: PG-13 – for sexual themes and language

Disclaimer: I don't take credit for anything, except maybe the plot.

Author's Note: -sigh- The last chapter kind of sucked. I'm sorry if you didn't really enjoy it, it didn't seem to be a very interesting one. This chapter, I think, should be better. Same with the next. TOTALLY DRACO. A little more interaction, and a good look at the way Hermione's character handles things, as well as Draco. Hope you like it!

Chapter 5 – Faking It

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But.. now she was over the break up. What would she be changing this time? Even when she thought about how much it hurt, she still thinks of good ol' Ronald Weasley the same way. He's her best friend. Her partner in crime. Would it ever be the same? Would she change everything just because she got over the break up completely in a matter of 6 hours rather than 6 weeks?

Just because Ron was the one that broke up with her, doesn't mean that he doesn't hurt either. And it would probably be a big puncture to his ego if she wasn't completely heartbroken about it. So, the question was: should she act like she was affected, or go on how the older Hermione normally would?

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Hermione sighed. Another morning in the same school she had had some of the best memories of her life in. It felt so strange to be a part of it again, and nothing had changed (although it wasn't over yet so nothing could have changed, she still appreciated it somewhat).

This time she would not be late for her morning classes and she would show the entire school that Hermione Granger had become a mature, and beautiful woman (even though the woman part hadn't quite happened yet). After stepping out of the shower, she dried herself off and applied Gadbag's Glossy Goop to her hair to achieve those wavy curls that she was so accustomed to seeing when she looked in the mirror. It had arrived at dinner last night, along with a few more things she had ordered. It felt good to be looking somewhat like her normal self, even if she was years younger.

She slipped into her school uniform, not needing to change anything because it was classy and sophisticated as it was. Well, she did undo the first few buttons to her blouse. But nothing tacky!

Slipping her robe over her outfit, she grabbed her book bag and prepared to leave, but not before pocketing a pack of cigarettes, and some lip-gloss.

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It had taken all night for Hermione to answer the question that had been plaguing her mind. In the end, she decided that she would try her best to appear to still be heartbroken, because she didn't want their relationship to suffer just because she wasn't sad about not being with Ron anymore.

After a breakfast full of fake sniffles and pretending to look sad, she decided she had had enough and left to go have a smoke in an empty classroom. The one she went into this time was as dark as the last one, but quite empty. She lit the cigarette with her wand and leaned back against the wall. 'Relax, Hermione. Relax'.

She thought deeper into her situation. So, she was currently pretending to be sad to save Ron's ego and perhaps their future friendship. She didn't know if this was real or not. She didn't know how she had gotten here in the first place, or how long she would be here. Everything about her life could be changing, and she wouldn't realize it. Or perhaps it was a dream-like type of time travel and she wouldn't affect a single thing. But it was always good to be careful.

Her train of thought was broken by the sound of the door creaking open and a head of blonde hair. He smirked.

"Thought it would be you," he said.

"Oh, I'm thrilled," she said tonelessly. Her sarcastic comment didn't seem to affect him; he walked over and held out his hand.

"Care to help a friend in need?" he asked.

"Malfoy, I don't ever recall considering you a 'friend'. But just because you helped me out yesterday.." she said as she slipped him a cigarette.

"So I've heard you were positively heartbroken over yourself and Weasel's parting. Do tell me, did he give you a goodbye shag?" he said in a horribly condescending tone.

Remembering the promise she kept to herself to remain downtrodden, she answered him, "Yes, I am positively heartbroken, thank you very much. And as for your other inquiry, it's none of your damn business."

"Ah. So he did. Good to hear; glad to know that he can get what he wants out of a relationship, even with a prude like you." As rude as that was, Hermione couldn't help but laugh. Prude? Maybe when she was eighteen. But now she could do stuff to Malfoy that would make his head spin. Not that she would try or anything. But it was the principle of the matter!

"Why are you laughing, Mudblood?"

"Because I'm a horrible, bookish, Gryffindor prude. Glad to know someone has the right idea. Until next time, Draco." She put out her cigarette and started to leave, but he caught her arm.

"No. You're not getting the last word this time."

"Oh really?"

"Yes really."

"Ok. Go on, Malfoy. Enlighten me." He seemed to be in deep thought for a moment and suddenly his eyes got wide and he smirked evilly.

"Alright. Tell me then, Granger. Why is it that you weren't wearing your uniform yesterday?"

"You saw?" Like she could care less, but she decided it would be good to make an effort to sound like the old Hermione.

"Who didn't? Nice legs, by the way," he said, enjoying her moment of "insecurity". But it was gone in flash. Who cares about Malfoy realizing she had changed? Why act frightened that he saw her skimpy clothing? He didn't know her in the first place, so he wouldn't notice that she was any different, would he?

"Thanks. Although I'm sure yours are much better," she said, relaxing into the environment.

"Oh, they are. Hey, you never answered my question. Why?"

"Ah-ah, Malfoy. I'll only tell you if you tell me something in return."

"Ok, sure."

"Why do you smoke Muggle cigarettes, Sir Pureblood?"

"Ah, that. It just so happens to be one of my father's only Muggle passions. I suppose it's the only thing we really have in common."

"Alright. Well, I was wearing my pajamas because I woke up late."

"That's it?" he asked, unbelieving.

"Yes."

"Are you sure you weren't trying to impress me?"

"Come now, no unfair questions. You know perfectly well that I work hard to impress you everyday," she said sarcastically.

"Well then, I suppose you're wasting your time, Granger. Not even I would attempt to sleep with you."

"Oh Malfoy. Don't hurt me like that," she said with slight boredom.

"What can I say? I'm a heartbreaker."

"Right. Are you sure about that? Last I heard, the only reason the girls cry when you leave them in the morning is because you were so horrible in bed. Can't please a woman, eh Malfoy? It's all right. You'll find someone who can put up with your lovemaking skills, or lack thereof, eventually." He actually seemed hurt by this statement. Had she hit a soft spot on his rugged snake skin?

"Don't talk about things you don't understand, Granger. Everyone knows you're still a virgin."

"Virgin, am I?"

"Yes. Doesn't surprise me a bit."

"Care to bet on that, Draco?"

"No. Wouldn't want you losing the few sickles that could help Weasel pay for his new house."

"Right," after a considerably long pause, she continued, "Well Draco, it was absolutely charming talking to you. I shiver with excitement to think that we may possibly meet again. Goodbye," she stated as she opened the door.

"Granger, wait."

"Hmm?"

"Meet me by the lake tonight at eight o'clock."

"Maybe. Goodbye, Draco."

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And now for the best part!

Blackmage – I hope that you had a great birthday, and you're very welcome. I think its really great of you to stick around even though its not the ship you like.. tom4eva – glad you're enjoying it, and don't worry because there will be plenty of h/d action (not so much h/g but oh well) at a later date, it cant happen to fast because, well, it just cant! Lol… Rebecca – good to know that you liked seeing draco, and I hope he was to your liking. Hopefully ill have a great next two chapters as well.. sierradogbaby – haha, I loved reading your reviews. All of them are quite nice actually, and I find myself looking forward to them, IM SO GLAD YOU LIKE THE WAY I WRITE. Ive always thought that it was really really weird. Thanks again!.. bulletproof cupid – very charmed that you're enjoying the story. Umm keep it up? I guess. Im a nerd. Thanks for the review!..

I believe that is all. Please keep the reviews comin' in. I love to hear what you guys think!