Title: Distracted (4/?)

Author: granger2malfoy

Pairing: Blaise/Hermione

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: Not mine.

A/N: This is a continuation to my response to last week's Challenge. I consider the stuff in this chapter to be cover all needs for both challenges: Hogwarts: A History, A secret admirer, A rose, Snow, A Slytherin other than Draco or Blaise, and A hug.The note is from a song called Hello by Lionel Richie. I will be continuing this story and adding to each with correspondence with the new challenge. But staying with the pairing: B/Hr.

Summary: Hermione Granger, know-it-all of Gryffindor, and Blaise Zabini, the quiet Slytherin, have much in common but must go through many barriers to see each other for what they really are.

Chapter Four

Hermione pulled her copy of Hogwarts: A History out of her bag as she sat down at 'her spot' in the library. It had the perfect view of the pitched, which looked enchanting covered by the first snow of the season. Even though her eyes traveled slowly down the text in front of her, her mind was still going over that conversation with Blaise by the way of notes. He had actually had asked her who she was interested in. After the professor had called everyone's attention, Hermione had thanks Merlin and every possible god for the luck.

The library was empty except a first year Slytherin girl that was near the Potions section. It was near dinner time but she had not had much of an appetite over the past few days. When she was in the Great Hall, she felt as though some one was watching her and her heart dared to wish that it was the quiet, handsome Slytherin, Blaise Zabini. But her courage was failing and she had yet to verify that hope.

Suddenly, a plop sound came from her right side. Hermione looked down and saw a short-haired black cat with dark-blue, maybe even purple, eyes. In its mouth, a single, long stem white rose was held delicately and the cat dropped it head as it laid it in her lap. When the feline bent its head, she noticed a small noted on its thin silver collar with her initials written on it. Carefully, she removed the note and petted the pretty cat as she unfolded the note. The note stated:

H.

I've been alone with you inside my mind
And in my dreams I've kissed your lips a thousand times
I sometimes see you pass outside my door
Hello, is it me you're looking for?

I can see it in your eyes
I can see it in your smile
You're all I've ever wanted,

and my arms are open wide
'Cause you know just what to say
And you know just what to do
And I want to tell you so much, I love you ...

Hello, is it me you're looking for?
'Cause I wonder where you are
And I wonder what you do
Are you somewhere feeling lonely or is someone loving you?
Tell me how to win your heart
For I haven't got a clue
But let me start by saying ... I love you

Your secret admirer

Hermione practically squeed with delight. Immediately, she picked up the soft cat and hugged it. Bu then but it down and tried to see if there was a tag on it. Wishful thinking on her part, but she just had to double-check and yet found none. Hermione held the cat to her chest and whispered, "So, my indigent little feline. Who is your master? Can you take me to him?"

For a minute, she though it purposely shook it little black head and then licked her hand gently. Taking that as a sign to put it down, she placed him on the bench and watched as it quickly pounced off behind some column of books. Yes, she followed but as soon as she reached the same book, the black cat with beautiful cat had vanished. All she had was a rose and a precious note from a secret admirer. Hermione went back to her book but she made no attempt to cover her dreamy smile.

Two aisles behind her, Hermione was too distracted to notice that she was yet again being watched by the same person that had been watching her through the meals. With a proud smirk on his face, Blaise Zabini silently patted himself on the back as he exited the library.

to be continued