Chapter Seven

Hermione was very taken aback. After all, she was in love with Harry so why was she getting mad if they were just walking somewhere?

Ginny's eyes were murderous.

Draco, sensing trouble, and being a gentleman for once, decided that he should leave the room.

"We got into a fight!" bursted Ginny as soon as Draco left. "He said he wasn't going to be carrying 'secret relationships' while I was married!" SHe started sobbing uncontrollably.

"What?" said Hermione. "Harry is such a prat! I would be having a talk with him!"

Hermione was furious at Harry's actions but she was relieved that it wasn't because she was walking in with Malfoy.

Hermione hugged her friend.

"Everything would be better if you just confessed your undying love for him!" cried Ginny furiously.

Hermione stared at him.

"Ginny...he hates me..." said Hermione, bewildered.

"No he doesn't!" protested Ginny. "Dammit Hermione he has a thing for you!"

Hermione's mouth was hanging open.

"Why can't you just use the proof that he kissed Feridina...You would be out of the marriage..." started Hermione.

"I'm not going to do that!" said Ginny, scandalized. "He doesn't love her!"

"He doesn't love me either," said Hermione quietly.

"Ok, ok, be stubborn!" said Ginny, breaking apart from Hermione and glaring at her.

Draco popped his head back into the kitchen timidly.

"Is it okay to come in yet?" he said, apprehensive of Ginny's outburst.

"Yeah, yeah, everything's fine and dandy!" said Ginny angrily.

"What happened, dear?" said Draco, staring at her.

"Oh, nothing, prince, nothing," said Hermione hastily.

"I'm asking my wife," he said coldly.

Ginny burst into tears at this.

"See what you did?" said Hermione furiously. "Just leave!"

"Fine! Excuse me for asking my wife a question!" said Draco furiously, with a tone to match Hermione's.

Hermione glared at him as he left. "I'm going to bed, Ginny. I suggest you get a spot of rest too," she added.

Hermione stormed out of the kitchen and flopped onto her bed.

Life wasn't proving easy so far.

As Hermione raised her head, she noticed something on the dresser that she haven't noticed before.

Hermione went near it and noticed it was a bouquet of roses and a note.

Dearest Hermione,

I'm sure you know me from sight. But you don't know me as a person. I have been watching you from afar. I notice the way you smile, the way you laugh, the way you sing, the way you dance, the way you get angry, the way you stare.

I believe I am deeply in love with you.

I can't reveal myself yet.

Much love from your secret admirer.

Hermione stared at the note. Draco was out of the question. Ron...could it be Ron? Could it be...

She really had no clue who it could be.

The only thing she could do is wait.

The Next Morning

Hermione woke up with a start. Doing her usual routine and trusting that Malfoy wouldn't be there to ruin it, Hermione went onto the balcony to feel the rush of the cool air on her face.

As she predicted, he wasn't there.

And Hermione really didn't want to see him right now anyway.

For some reason she had a hunch that Malfoy heard what Ginny was screaming about.

Was that actually a reason to be meaner to her?

Yeah, well sure, if its not true what Ginny said. Of course he would be mad.

Well how do you know? That isn't true and you know it, he would have denied it.

Well maybe he just didn't want it to seem like he was spying.

Really, you are talking about Malfoy here. He lives to spy.

How would you know that? You don't even know Malfoy that well. You might as well give up on him.

Okay, deny me. But I know something when I see it.

Ugh, why can't you go away? Why is this the inner voice that makes me feel guilty?'

Because I'm the inner voice that is right.

Hermione shook her head and walked into the hall. Ginny was still very shaken, but she looked as if she was handling it very well. Her nose was very red and her eyes were puffy, but she was inhaling breaths in and out.

Draco had his lips pursed and was buttering a piece of toast very, very, slowly and determinedly avoiding eye contact with Hermione. Hermione ignored everyone and sat at the table, conjuring coffee with her wand.

"Good Morning Ginny," said Hermione smoothly.

"Good Morning," sniffed Ginny.

"Did you sleep well?" said Hermione tentatively.

"Very well, thank you," she responded.

"Hermione," she said abruptly, "I'm going to stay home today."

Hermione waved her hand. "No big deal, you can rest. I'm going for a spot of tea with your brother anyway," said Hermione.

Draco's eyes went wide for a minute. For a minute Hermione saw them blazing with jealousy like the other night, but Hermione supposed it was just an illusion.

Of course its an illusion, you dim wit. What makes you think he wants you?

What's so wrong with NOT wanting me? At least I'm not Pansy...

Yeah, well, he doesn't want Pansy either does he?

Hermione brushed her inner demons away. SHe hated that stupid inner voice that seemed to be denying everything she thought.

"What are you doing today Draco?" said Ginny. "Fly or something?"

"Whatever comes my way," murmured Draco.

Ginny rolled her eyes.

Afternoon

Hermione walked into her room after fixing herself an outfit. She was ready to go meet Ron, he sent an owl back saying he would be glad to meet her at the Tea Shop.

Putting on her usual floaty looking clothes, Hermione walked out of the castle in high spirits.

Just then she felt someone tugging at her wrist. Whoever this was had to be pretty quick to grab her wrist while she was walking.

She figured it had to be Ginny.

Again, she was wrong.