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: Oh lorfy. You guys, I am so so SO sorry. SEWIOUSLY. I have no excuse, but I will say now that reviewing really got my ass into shape about updating. I'm seriously so sorry. Oy, I feel horrible. NEVERTHELESS – REVIEW!!!!

Chapter 8 – It's Better In Public

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"Draco, meet me in the library tomorrow after lunch. I'm leaving now, but just meet me there because I have something important to tell you."

She began walking away and he called after her, "Is it about why you live alone?"

She stopped in her tracks and turned her head, "Yes, all that and more. Just meet me there. Promise?"

"Promise," he reassured her.

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Sitting in class, pretending to listen to McGonagall go over homework was really not that hard at all. In fact, she was surprised that she hadn't done it more often when she was actually a student. Eyes glazed over (perhaps somewhat unattractive, but worth it in the end), palm to cheek with mouth slightly open. There was of course, a blink or two every now and then, but the point was that there was no need to listen to useless drabble that she already knew, nor ever used/would use/will use. It was in this state that McGonagall felt the need to inquire Hermione's opinion, "And what do you think, Ms. Granger?". It was also in this state that Hermione came back to the world of the conscious, quite publicly in fact.

"I'm sorry, Professor. I wasn't listening. What was the question?" But rather than what she was expecting (pursed lips, fifty points taken, and a horribly boring lecture), the teacher merely looked sympathetically from Hermione to Ron and quietly said, "Five points from Gryffindor." News got around fast at Hogwarts, quite obviously.

Later at lunch, Hermione sat in between Lavender and Parvati. Not exactly her first choice, but really her only choice if she was to continue with the "Ron-broke-my-heart" charade. Sitting with Harry would only mean sitting next to Ron, and that situation would end up being something like her conscience reminding her she needed to be looking sad and uncomfortable. Uncomfortable wouldn't be a problem really, given the way they had been acting around her lately. But sad would be tough. Especially when she often had the urge to laugh.

Sitting with Ginny would be.. eh, not something she wanted to do. It was almost depressing seeing her best friend not acting like the best friend she knew. When she would look at the young, freckled face, all the same feelings of love and adoration would enter her heart, making her smile. Then the girl would start talking. It just wasn't the same Ginny. She couldn't wait to tell Gin about her younger self when she got back.

When she got back.

It was a continuous problem that was plaguing her mind. Would she ever go back to life the way she had known it? Hopefully, she would find out soon. The meeting with Draco was in no less than half an hour.

An even better question: Why was she confiding in Draco Malfoy? And the kiss.. she couldn't even put together how she felt about it. How she felt about him. He's only eighteen years old, after all. But the other Draco.. the man.. that was a different story. There was definitely something about that kiss. It was amazing. Practically perfect. It made her want to kiss him again, and then again after that. And then keep kissing him forever.

"Ok Hermione, you have to tell us. Did you and Ron ever.. you know?" Parvati asked her, breaking all thought for a moment.

"No, I'm afraid I don't know. Fill me in," she replied. Sometimes being naive as a teenager and going back to that time when you're in your twenties had its benefits. Like playing with everyone's minds. She figured the two girls were safe to mess around with. She hadn't talk to them since she graduated, and that would not affect her future.

"Yes you do! Did you ever do it? You know what we're talking about," Lavender said quite defensively.

"No, we never did it," she returned dryly. Both girls looked seriously troubled.

"Well.. have you ever?" Parvati asked.

Lavender interrupted, "Don't be stupid. Hermione's a virgin. If she didn't do it with Ron, who else would she have done it with?"

And although it was rhetorical, Parvati answered with an, "I don't know."

And Hermione decided that the time had come. The time to show them all up. The time to let them know that she wasn't as sheltered and immature as they all thought she was.

"That's what you'd think, wouldn't you?" Hermione said, raising an eyebrow.

Sensing a bit of juicy gossip about to spill out of Hermione's mouth, Parvati and Lavender widened their eyes and leaned in closer, afraid to make a noise incase they'd miss it.

Hermione, however, was silent. The two girls gestured her to continue.

"You know, it's true what they say. Sex is much more exciting in a public place. The risk of getting caught and all." She took one more sip of her drink, got up from the table, and left for the library, leaving the two girls with wide eyes and open mouths.

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THANKS TO:

some13(x2) – Yes, tis my favorite and yes, I love the plot, mannnn I'm sorry! I hope you can forgive me and still like my story. I hope this chapter is good enough!.. Pamela (x3) – GOO!!! I'm sorrrryyyy. The author's notes apologies were especially directed at you and some13 andandandandimsorry! Please forgive me and please like this chapter. Pwease?.. mla2 – Ehh, I guess I'll update, but only cause you suggested it.. Rachel – I enjoy being different. I'm glad you enjoy it!.. Hannah – Thank you very much for repeating that, as I did not understand the first time. No but really, I'm glad you like it. And please don't die.. Autumn Darkness – I knew you'd come back to me! They always come back. So ok was it GOOD weird or like, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING weird? You ARE scaring me more. And I reaaallly hope you like this chapter. I'm seriously afraid they're getting worse. Oh Lorfy.. Angel of Rage – So did I receive one of the few "happy" reviews? Good to know. I'm really glad you like it, I hope this chapter will suffice.. eth – Thanks, and I will.. OneOfaKind92 - J You like it! Yeah, I don't know if I'll do a sequel. I mean look at this chapter.. my story is totally losing its zest. I'm suckin it up. I don't know what I'll do. But keep reviewing!.. Ash – Indeed, there WAS a little h/d action. Hope you enjoyed it.. sonia – Your review was long! I liked it! I agree, Ron doesn't seem the type to do that.. but I say he was just comfortable and was ready for a little more action, they'd been goin out for a year and a half. So he thought she'd be OK with it. Obviously not, she freaked out. You don't have to worry about too much sap too quick. It's going in a weird direction.. Kou Shun'u – ooOOOooo ADDICTIVE! My story is addictive?! YAY! Yeah.. if only Malfoy knew the truth. I don't think he'd mind being "seduced" by an older woman in disguise. He'd probably sit back and enjoy it. That crazy Draco. So sexy.. Tabii – Thanks, and I will.. JeanB – I'm glad I surprised you, but you very well could have interpreted it to be more than there was. Yeah, I'm not a very deep writer. I'm glad I have intrigued you and seriously, your review rocked. It made me smile. I'd love to do a sequel but I have no ideas and I don't know how I'd do it. Maybe.. Banana Flavored Eskimo – I applaud your awesome review because it made me smiiiiiile. I agree, good fics keep getting harder to find..  Pamela AGAIN!- *gives you more* Enjoy!.. Tokyobabe2040 – Me! Give! More! Eh, it took awhile.. I know. It will be over soon. No worries..

AND KEEP REVIEWING, OH SUPER DUPER FAITHFUL READERS!!! (Or just normal ones. I'm not all that picky.)