Okay, I lost my notebook and still haven't found it, and I fell really really bad because I haven't been able to update. I decided a few days ago to rewrite what I lost. I only hope it's up to standard. I'm terribly, horribly sorry for the long wait, but here it is, chapter 28 of When Your World Falls Apart.

Chapter 28

Pizza Lessons

Draco's POV

I followed Hermione out of our rooms and down the halls. She moved quickly, but peered around corners. I knew she was afraid and I hated it. At the door to the kitchens, she had me go in ahead of her to see if it was empty. Dobby greeted me.

"Master Draco! How can Dobby help you? What can Dobby get you?"

"Is anyone else here?"

"No, just Dobby and the other house elves, Master Draco, sir." I opened the portrait and Hermione slipped inside. "Miss Hermione! Dobby is so happy to see you!" she gave the elf a small smile.

"Hello, Dobby. I was wondering if I could use one of the ovens for a little while."

"Certainly, Miss Hermione. Anything for the great Harry Potter's friend." She winced at the name and I put a comforting hand on hers. She gave me a little smile.

"Thank you, Dobby. I also need some yeast, flour, water, tomato sauce, and cheese. Do you have all that?" the elf nodded.

"Yes, Miss Hermione. Dobby will get it for you." He scampered off. She moved farther into the kitchen and started going through cupboards, looking for what she wanted. Dobby reappeared a few moments later, carrying the things she wanted. "Is there anything else Dobby can do?"

"No, I can handle it. Thank you, Dobby."

"Do you need Dobby's help, miss?"

"No thank you. Draco's going to help me." I looked up, surprised.

"Wha-?"

"Yes, you are. Now come here. Thank you Dobby, you can go do your other duties if you like." The little elf nodded and scampered off again. "Well?"

"Well what?" I gave her an 'I-don't-think-you're-going-to-make-me-do-that' look.

"Yes, you are going to do that, now come here." I gave her a glare, then stood up and walked over to her. She started talking in her 'lecture' voice. "Alright, first you mix the flour and water." She did so and talked me through the making of the 'dough' as she called it. When it was satisfactory, she picked it up out of the bowl and began stretching and turning it. It formed a circle slowly. She threw it up a few times, catching it on her fists, then had me catch it on a pan. She had me spread the sauce, then sprinkled the cheese on top and popped it in the oven.

"Well, now what?"

"Clean up."

"Let the elves do it. They like to."

"No, we made the mess and we'll clean it up." She gave me a look and knew fighting was hopeless. She made water and started washing the dishes, instructing me to dry them. We were almost done when my fingers touched hers when she handed me something. She froze slightly.

"Hermione? Are you alright?" she just stood there, staring off into space, eyes wide. Then the oven bell dinged and she jumped. "Hermione?"

"Wha? Oh, I'm fine." She handed me the dish more carefully and pulled the 'pizza' out of the oven. I dried it and took a seat at the table.

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Hermione's POV

When Draco's fingers touched my own, I had a flip flashback to the year before.

**~**

Harry had come to visit me at home and we were cleaning up after dinner and the same thing had happened. I had blushed and laughed it off. Later we were outside, saying good night. His hands had 'wandered' and I stopped them, and he got a little upset.

**~**

The bell brought me out of my thoughts. Draco was looking at me worriedly. I told him I was fine and busied myself with taking the pizza out of the oven. It was perfect. I placed a slight cooling charm on it, then cut it with ease. Working at Little Caesar's over the summer had paid off. I put two slices on plates and set one in front of Draco. He looked at it warily. I picked up my slice and took at bite. Heaven.

"Well? Aren't you going to at least try it?"

"What about silver ware?"

"It's pizza, Draco. A finger-food. Pick it up and eat it." He looked at me like I was crazy. I reached over and slid his slice onto my plate.

"Hey!" he sounded indignant (A/N: for some reason, I like that word. "Indignant" lol. I'm weird.) "That's my piece."

"I thought you didn't want it."

"Yes I do." He slid it back to his plate, then gingerly picked it up. He looked at it for a second, then carefully took a bite. A smile spread across his face. "This is delicious!" I smiled knowingly.

"I know. I knew you'd like it too." I finished my slice and levitated the pan over. Three slices later, I was full. Draco ate five. I was always surprised at how much guys could eat. It was amazing sometimes.

"That is the almost the best thing I have ever eaten."

"What's the best?"

"A rare fruit from the tropics. It can only be harvested once every 10 years, and then in small quantities. Called a Mangeloberry. Tastes a little like heaven." He gave me a smile. I stood up, a little flustered. His smile was amazing. I took the last two slices of pizza and put them on a tray and had one of the elves deliver it to Dumbledore. Draco gave me a confused look.

"He came down here one night when I made pizza and liked it. I send him some whenever I make it." I turned to the sink and finished the dishes. When I turned around after finishing, Draco was standing very close. He reached out and gently wiped some flour off my cheek. I flinched back instinctively making a flash of pain shoot across his eyes.

"Come on, Hermione. It's getting late." I nodded and headed for the door. Then, it opened.

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Ok, I know. I'm evil and horrible. And it's a cliffy. Fitting after 3 months. Anyway, I'll say again how sorry I am I didn't update sooner. But I'll try to more often now. Hugz to all my reviewers, old and new!

~WF~