Hermione walked to the bathroom blinking harshly trying to see through the blurriness of her vision. She pushed open the door to the bathroom and stomped in opening a stall and sitting down quickly locking the door. She raised her legs to her chest and buried her face into her knees. She sat there holding her legs tighter whenever the thought of the last class popped into her mind. Damnit I'm so stupid. I know how to deal with a knife. Why did I let myself get distracted? She banged her head against her knees. What was that anyway? She lifted herhead and untangled her arms from around her slim legs. She reached down into her backpack toward what had, again, started to glow. She grasped it, amazed at the warmth it gave off. As she pulled it out she realized just what it was. She gaped at what lay so innocently in her hand. The ring.

Draco finished the potion quickly. He kept looking over his shoulder at the door, hoping Hermione would stroll back in. But of course, she didn't. When they were finally excused he poured the liquid into the glass vile and hastily dropped it off at Snape's desk. He practically jogged out the door, a un-Malfoy thing to do. He searched up and down the halls, but Hermione was no were to be found. He quickly muttered the words under his breath and walked briskly to "their" spot. And the colors began to swirl.
Hermione stared at the ring. Her mind was blank as she watched the glow pulsate along with the beat of her heart. She closed her fist around the ring and then opened it again gazing intently on the gem that seemed to speak to her. Hermione, why don't you trust him? He healed you didn't he? He was there before any one had time to register you were hurt. He risked his reputation to save you .Isn't that a big thing for a Malfoy to do? What has he done to make you not trust him? Come on, Hermione. Admit to yourself. You want to trust him. She grasped the ring in one hand and slowly guided it to her finger. And then the colors began to swirl. She snapped out of the trance and shook her head. When will I ever trust him? And then she began walking to the deserted hallway.
As soon as Hermione was in view, Draco rushed to her and grabbed her hand. He examined it closely, turning it over and gently touching it with the very tips of his fingers. The light tickle she felt sent shivers up and down her spine. She pulled her hand away rubbing it, trying to get the sensation to go away. Malfoy doesn't do that to me.

Draco held himself back from throwing his arms around her neck and pulling her close. She is ok. Thank God. Instead he calmly stared at her hand. He noticed her knuckles turning white. What the…

"Hermione, what do you have in your other hand?"

"Oh, it's nothing." Hermione loosened her grip on the ring and dropped it into her pocket. Trying to be nonchalant but Draco saw the glisten of silver.

"My ring."

Hermione looked at Draco's eyes shocked by what she saw in them. Genuine dismay. It was almost as if… no... It couldn't be. Why does he look hurt and disappointed? It's just a ring. She was looking confusedly into his eyes when he began speaking again.

"You still don't trust me."

Hermione didn't know what to say. Say yes I do and lie or say No I don't and hurt him more? She just looked at him.

"I'm sorry."

Draco forced a smile on his face. "That's ok. I'll prove to you I'm trustworthy later. But for now, you should probably go talk to Neville. He practically had a panic attack when you left."

Hermione half-smiled. "Yah, ok I'll go do that." She started to walk away when she turned around and spoke without thinking. "Why did you call me here?"

"I wanted to make sure you were ok."

"But why? I'm just some stupid mudblood remember?"

Draco looked pained. He walked to her and stood closely. His face just inches from hers. "You are no stupid mudblood, Hermione. Vos es meus carus.(1) And you should never EVER put up with someone calling you a mudblood." He leaned down and lightly brushed hisnose against her nose.

Her whole body was tingling, aching to feel him against her. Aching for his arm towrap around her tightly. Aching for his hands to play with her hair. Aching for him.Her eyes drifted shut against her will, and her lips prepared for a kiss. She waited a few seconds before she opened her eyes. He was gone.

M/S: Hey! This will be my last update for about a week and more. I'm going on vacation. Wahoo! Any way. I don't care that I am gone, you need to review still. It is a necessaty. Alright? Do you understand? Good. (1) That is latin for You are my beloved. Aw... i know. Now. Be a good reader. And REVIEW...

NOW!