Author's Notes and Disclaimer: Hi everyone! Just want you to know that I really, truly appreciate the reviews... I love you all! Oh, and that I don't own Harry and his friends (as well as his enemies) and all I own is this story and a pair of uncomfortable sandals which are really killing my feet right now. . .

Chapter Eight

I could lose my heart tonight
If you don't turn and walk away
Cause the way I feel
I might lose control and let you stay
Cause I could take you in my arms and never let you go

I could fall in love with you

Hermione pulled the covers to her chin, sobbing as she allowed the tears to flow freely to her pillow, not knowing how and why she was feeling this kind of hurt with what Draco did. She couldn't forget the almost sincere look on his face as he tried to explain.

It just goes to show what a first class liar he is that he can manage to look you straight in the eye without blinking and act all sincere and honest while in the middle of telling a big lie. Being deceitful seemed to become a hobby of him, something that comes naturally to him like breathing and insulting people.

She closed her eyes, forcing herself to erase him from her mind.

She would not let Draco Malfoy get to her no matter what! She has survived his torments for the past six years, how could this be any different?

But his face stuck to her mind, his slightly tousled blonde hair, clear, gray eyes and especially his deep, masculine voice.

Hermione finally gave up on sleeping or not being able to think of him as she tossed the covers aside and climbed out of bed. She paced restlessly around her room, and being the obsessive-compulsive person she is, she began cleaning her room, aligning her lipsticks by shades and her lotions by height, arranging her books in alphabetical order (first by titles then by authors) her clothes by alphabetical order of colors, her bathroom closet and made her bed, just to keep her jumbled mind in perspective.

Why is it, after all the cruel things Draco had ever done to her, she still thinks of him this way? It's like she's obsessed with him and she didn't like it one bit. It was complicating things even more and she couldn't risk breaking her friendship with Harry, Ron, Ginny and perhaps all of her friends in Gryffindor just because of Draco Malfoy.

No. He isn't worth it. Not one bit.

She had to figure out her feelings towards him and stop it from turning into something else or maybe even going deeper. Hermione paused at the thought of her and Draco together.

She pictured them snuggled in front of the fire, with his arm around her or the two of them walking by the lake or having a candlelight dinner at some romantic restaurant with the flames of the candles illuminating his beautiful, blonde hair as his mesmerizing gray eyes stare into her, drinking her soul, awakening her senses. . . and she felt a smile creeping to her mouth.

"Ugh!" she groaned, slapping her open palm to her forehead. What the heck was she thinking? Was she really thinking of her and Malfoy dating?. . . and actually enjoying the thought?

"Get a grip, Granger," she mumbled to herself as she walked to her just cleaned and now spotless bathroom and turned the shiny knob as warm water splashed out of the faucet. She poured a generous amount of lavender bath salts into the water, hoping it might somehow soothe her frayed nerves.

A long, warm bubble bath should snap her out of her crazy reverie and maybe after she'd be able to think clearly. . . and rationally.

She stepped back to her room and undressed, her mind still in a frenzy of emotions, and put on her terry cloth robe. She grabbed her book and went back to the bathroom, and stepped into the tub and began to read.

The warm water felt great and the scent of lavender was starting to calm her and before she knew it, she was feeling relaxed and peaceful as if the whole incident earlier didn't happen.

Placing her book aside, she tilted her head, resting it on the rim of the tub and closed her eyes, letting her nerves unwind.

She was just starting to drift off to sleep when a loud and urgent knock on her door jolted her. She quickly stepped out of the tub and put on her robe as she ran to her door as the loud rapping never ceased.

She quickly opened the door and her jaw dropped as she saw Draco standing in front of her, with red-rimmed eyes and tousled hair,

"Hey," he said, smirking, his voice low and gruff and he smelled strongly of alcohol. Firewhisky, no doubt.

"Draco, you're drunk," she said flatly, narrowing her eyes at him as she motioned to close the door. Draco blocked it with his hand and smirked as he stared at her features, stopping at the large expanse of flesh at her chest where her robe failed to cover, and Hermione self-consciously tightened the robe and covered the exposed part, starting to feel alarmed.

"Oh I'm sorry, were you in the middle of something?" he asked tipsily, his words slurring as he motioned to step towards her and Hermione gripped the door tightly as if ready to slam it hard to his face,

"Draco," she groaned exasperatedly, "You really need to go to sleep. You're obviously drunk and. . ." she trailed off as he pulled her to him, his face only inches away from his,

"And I obviously want you," he said and the distinct smell of alcohol in his breath made Hermione want to hurl. Hermione tried to recall what she had read about dealing with people under the influence of alcohol and tried to stay calm. She could only remember vague facts like not to anger them or talk to them calmly and divert their attention to getting some rest.

"No you don't," she stated, already growing nervous, but tried to remain calm, "You just think you do. It's the alcohol talking. Now if you would just let me go. . ."

He smirked again as he pulled her tighter against him, "Not until you give me what I want,"

Hermione's heart beat faster at his tone. Oh dear God, what does he want?

"But how could you be so sure that I can give you what you want?. . . Erm, what is it exactly do you want? Some tea, perhaps? Or sweets?" she asked warily, hoping she could somehow try to divert his attention to something else away from her. . . Far, far away from her.

"No. I want you," he said simply and Hermione bit her lip desperately,

Damn, so much for that plan.

"Me? Oh you don't want me, Draco," she babbled nervously, "I'm a filthy mudblood remember? And you, of all people don't associate with mudbloods, do you? Of course you don't! You're a Malfoy! Malfoy's don't associate with half muggles, and me? I'm just. . ."

"Really, really so damn sexy right now," Draco finished huskily, eyeing her and before Hermione could retort, his lips crushed hers in a wild and demanding kiss that sent Hermione's nerves to shivers and almost made her knees turn to jelly.

"Uh, Dr-"she mumbled through his lips but he just pulled her closer, cradling her head and it didn't take long for Hermione's arms to involuntarily encircle around his neck as his kissed her deeper and stronger, pushing her in the room and kicking the door shut with a loud bang. Hermione jumped at the loud sound and pulled away from him, crashing back into reality, realizing what she had done,

"Oh. My. God. This is so wrong. So, so wrong, " she mumbled to herself as she stared at him disbelievingly. He was looking at her with a satisfied smirk plastered on his face.

How could she let him control her like this? How could she be so weak?

"Draco, I think you should leave," she began shakily, still trying to get a hold of herself

Draco stared back at her and ambled, pretty steadily for someone who's drunk, towards her. Hermione backed away at his each step and finally her back touched one of the posts of her bed,

"Oh, really? Do you really want me to leave?" he asked testily,

No. No, no, no! Hermione's head screamed but she managed to nod,

"Yes I do, Draco," she stated firmly,

Draco continued to walk towards her until he stopped a mere inch away from her,

"I don't think you mean it," he said and all Hermione could do was stare at him.

Damn him for making her feel this weak and out of control! She bit her lip nervously as she tried to steady her breathing,

"Draco, please, don't do this," she finally pleaded and he arched an eyebrow at her and shrugged innocently,

"Please don't do what? I'm not doing anything," he smirked, rather sexily, she might add

"Just do both of us a favor and go to bed and you'll feel better in the morning, you'll see," she suggested and he sighed, shook his head, and walked to the bed, sitting down on the soft mattress

"No I won't, Hermione," he looked down, resting his elbows on his knees, "I won't feel any better not until you listen to what I have to say,"

Despite the initial surprise at his sudden change of mood, Hermione exhaled sharply but still maintained composed, as not to antagonize him, "We'll talk when you're sober,"

"I was sober a while ago but still you wouldn't listen to me! Stop making up some damn lame excuses, Hermione!" he snapped and Hermione jumped at his tone and gaped at him warily before she finally gave and sat on the bed a few inches away from him,

"Okay. Talk. What do you have to say?" she asked coolly and he exhaled,

"What Pansy said wasn't true," he started and Hermione sighed exasperatedly, "No! Just listen to me, will you? I'm telling you the truth," he said almost desperately and Hermione would've laughed if she weren't so tired of hearing the same story.

Hermione rubbed her temples, "Fine. Whatever. Now is that all?"

"I know you may not believe me but it's true!" he insisted and Hermione just shrugged,

"If you say so," she said, still not believing him and it seemed like he sensed this too.

"Hermione, I really am telling the truth. What do I have to do to prove it to you?" He sighed exasperatedly

Hermione was caught between believing and not believing him. What with all his previous conquests and reputation, he couldn't blame her for not trusting him, but then again, drunken people tend to tell the truth, don't they? And Draco really looked like he's sincere. She studied him for a moment then shook her head.

She can't believe she was even considering this. Whatever Draco was pulling, he certainly was good at it if he had her feeling as torn and confused like this.

She stood up, "I'm going to fix you a cup of coffee," she finally said and Draco stared at her as she walked to her table and prepared the coffee.

"I don't drink coffee," he said smugly, and she just exhaled.

"You have to if you don't want to have a major hangover in the morning,"

"So you do care about me," he finally said, sounding triumphant and Hermione could just picture out the broad and cocky smile in his voice, and rolled her eyes, sighing.

Apparently I do and I don't know why, she thought with resignation.

"Don't flatter yourself," she answered dryly, trying not to smile and he heard his soft chuckle,

She took her time in preparing the coffee, trying to pull herself together in the process, and when she turned back to the bed, she found that Draco was already asleep, his legs hanging from the bed.

Hermione quietly walked to the bed and looked at him. He looked so cute and innocent that one wouldn't believe he was such an incorrigible, irritating pain for seventeen years.

Hermione smiled to herself as she lifted his head gingerly and placed a pillow underneath it. He groaned slightly and turned to his side and Hermione waited for a while before she covered him with her blanket.

She should be smothering this smart-ass for all the things he had done to her, but he may have lied to her big time, still somehow, Hermione still felt something for him along with her anger. Something different, something she couldn't explain. Either she was going crazy, or she was falling for him.

She prayed it was the former. She'd rather go mad than fall for this incorrigible pain in the ass.

She took one last look at him and shook her head before she went over to her closet and changed for bed.

c",)----------c",)----------------------------------------c",)

His head throbbing violently, Draco pulled out the pillow he was lying on and covered his face, barely noticing the sweet feminine scent of the pillow. Damn sunlight! When and why the hell did he open his drapes anyway? He never opened his drapes. Not ever! He tossed over irritably, facing away from the window, when he noticed that something wasn't right.

His room smelled different. It smelled feminine, like lavender.

Slowly, he opened his eyes and surveyed the room, expecting to see a dark room with green, silver and black wallpaper but instead the room was bright and the walls were red and beige wallpapered ones. It looked like his room, but the walls and surroundings were different. His eyes traveled to the bureau where a hairbrush, lipsticks and powders were arranged neatly. Nope. Definitely not his.

He turned to the other side of the room where a study table with about a couple dozen books were piled all over it and a few quills and parchments and that's when it hit him.

He sat up quickly, causing his surroundings to spin violently, then climbed out of bed, looking at his timepiece. Ten twenty-seven. Damn, he slept through almost half a day in Hermione's neat, over bright and sweet- smelling room.

He was in Hermione's room. The realization was finally sinking in. How he got there, it was still vague. He looked back at the bed, half expecting Hermione to be sleeping on the huge bed but she wasn't there, in fact, she wasn't in the room.

He cursed under his breath as he strode out of the room and down the stairs to the common room.

Whatever happened last night, he was sure he'd regret it today. He surveyed the empty common room for a while before he decided to go into his own room and lie down. His head was throbbing like mad. . . then he recalled what had happened.

After Hermione left, he had downed a whole large flask of firewhisky. He must've gotten really drunk, resulting to his nightly visit at Hermione's room.

But what had he done there?

He tried to remember but his mind was still a jumble. One thing's for sure though, he certainly didn't sleep with her; that, he's sure of.

Maybe it's nothing. . . knowing me, I must've passed out even before I did something, he thought.

That's right. . . maybe he hadn't really done anything that he might regret later. He tried to console himself with that thought but a nagging voice deep in his head was trying to say something else.

He ignored it as he stepped into his room and went back to sleep.

c",)----------c",)----------------------------------------c",)

Harry grinned as Ron bent over and studied the wizard's chess pieces as if it contained the meaning of life.

Now Harry was finally going to beat him, he was sure of it. He already got Ron cornered. There's no way he could weasel his way out of this one.

Or so he thought. . .

"Knight to E5," Ron commanded as the knight moved to the designated box, which completely blocked Harry's bishop and was poised, ready to take his king.

Ron smiled contentedly as he leaned back on his chair, "Checkmate,"

"Huh? No way, it's not over yet," Harry leaned forward, trying to find a way to protect his king,

"Have it your way, Harry," Ron shrugged as he crossed his arms over his chest and eyed Harry, looking mighty amused with himself,

"Darn it," he muttered under his breath, as he tried to find a way to free his king but it seemed to him that he was the one cornered this time. His king was surrounded and there was no more escape. Finally giving up, he sighed and sat back.

"I can never win against you, can I?" he smiled as the knight pulverized his king and Ron laughed,

"Took you long enough to figure that out," he said as Hermione and Ginny walked to their table,

"Hey guys! I have a great idea," Ginny began as she sat on the arm of Ron's chair

"What's up, Gin?" Ron looked at his sister and Ginny beamed,

"Let's go have a picnic by the lake this lunch,"

"Sounds great, Gin," Harry smiled and looked at Hermione, "Just the four of us?"

Hermione nodded, "Sure, why not? Unless you have other plans," she darted her eyes to Ron and back at Harry

"No, no plans at all," Harry said quickly and Ron looked at Ginny intently with narrow eyes,

"This wouldn't have anything to do with Wood, would it Gin?" Ron asked and Ginny reddened,

"Ron! How could you say that?" she exclaimed,

"Oh, I don't know. . . maybe the fact that he's replaced Madam Hooch in flying class and quidditch and that you've been spending a lot of time at the quidditch fields lately? Don't think I haven't been paying attention, Gin, because I have,"

Ginny blushed deeper and Hermione giggled but Harry sat up straight,

"Why? What happened to Madam Hooch?" he asked and Ginny turned to him,

"Well, Oliver- I mean, ahem, Wood mentioned that she had been assigned somewhere else, maybe to another school or whatever, he's not sure. But the point is, he got a call from the headmaster Friday night and had a meeting with him yesterday about the job. But don't worry Ron, the headmaster understands his position and he's willing to excuse him from his job anytime he has a game," Ginny said and Harry frowned thoughtfully,

"And when exactly did Wood mention this, huh, Gin?" Ron asked and Ginny ignored him

"I wonder why she left?" Harry mumbled to himself,

"Maybe she just needed a new atmosphere, Harry, or maybe she's retiring and looking for a more mellow job aside from quidditch and flying. I'm sure she's fine," Hermione explained logically, as if reading his mind, as she sat beside him and Harry finally nodded, although he felt a bit weird about the news,

"So, anyone for picnic?" Ginny asked brightly and Ron finally nodded,

"Sure, okay,"

"Harry?" Ginny asked and Harry looked at her blankly before he nodded. He felt Hermione's hand on his shoulder and patting it reassuringly.

He looked at her smiling and he smiled back.

"Okay, then. We're all set? We already told the houselves to prepare the picnic basket, so I'm sure the food will be great!" Hermione beamed at him and Harry smiled wider, looking at her wide, eager eyes

"Sure, sounds good,"

c",)----------c",)----------------------------------------c",)

Hermione squinted as she looked up at the bright sun, leaning back on the grass. This is such a perfect day! It was sunny, yet the breeze was so cool.

She turned to see Ginny and Oliver, who indeed was the new flying teacher and quidditch coordinator, huddled in one corner and talking and laughing among themselves.

Ron was nowhere in sight and Harry was sitting beside her, quietly staring at the lake as if deep in thought.

"Care to share that thought?" she asked and Harry turned to her and smiled slightly,

"I was just thinking. . ." he began as he plucked a blade of grass from the ground and played with it, "Well, I guess our last year here in Hogwarts wasn't all what I expected it to be, that's all," he finished, shrugging and Hermione smiled.

She knew what he meant and she couldn't have agreed with him more.

"I know," she mused, looking back up at the sky, picturing Draco Malfoy in her mind, and as soon as she realized it, she mentally shook his image away,

"Hermione?" Harry spoke again,

"Hmm?"

"Do you think things. . . well, do you think they would return back to normal?"

Hermione finally turned to him, "What do you mean?"

"Well," he took a deep breath, "What I'm trying to say is, well, maybe we could make things go back to normal, you know. . . like, maybe, things between us," he finished and Hermione looked at him blankly,

"I thought things were back to normal between us," she pointed out and Harry sighed, "Harry, what are you saying exactly? I'm not quite sure I get your point," she asked

Harry shrugged, looking down at the blades of grass he had plucked from the ground and placed on his palm, "I'm not really sure myself, Hermione," he admitted and Hermione squinted at him,

"Are you feeling okay? I mean, is there something you want to share?" she asked and Harry nodded,

"I'm fine," he exhaled, "I just miss how things used to be between us, you know. The adventures and all those other fun we had,"

She smiled, "Oh. Yeah, me too,"

"You do?"

"Of course I do, silly!" she replied as if the mere thought of him asking was ridiculous,

Harry smiled, "Do you remember the time when we used your time-turner? That was probably one of the best things I've ever experienced,"

She laughed, "Yeah. Even now when I think about it, it still amazes me. You know, seeing ourselves do what we did a few hours earlier still really boggles my mind. Too bad Ron had missed it,"

"I know,"

They both fell silent as they stared dreamily at the calm lake, reminiscing about their past adventures here at Hogwarts.

"God, how I missed those days," Hermione smiled dreamily, staring at the clear sky,

"And I missed you too, Hermione," Harry turned to her and Hermione's breath caught at her throat. Harry sounded so different. Like before when they were still going out,

He looked at her intently, his green eyes boring into hers. He was so devastatingly good-looking that Hermione felt her cheeks burn. Hermione ignored the familiar flop in her heart whenever Harry stared at her like that. She reminded himself that he was in love with Ginny and all she was to him was a best friend and nothing more.

"I missed you guys too," she answered before looking down at her hands uncomfortably, "And I'm sorry for ruining things between you and Ginny. I know I've been selfish,"

"Hermione, you weren't being selfish and you didn't ruin things between Ginny and me. We weren't just for each other, that's all. You had nothing to do about it,"

"Harry, you broke up because of me and my self-centered reasons. You were finally with the girl you loved and here I come with my melodramatic angst and guilt trips all because I couldn't accept that you loved her instead of me," she shook her head, "I really feel awful, Harry. I'm really sorry. If it weren't for my selfishness, you would still be with Ginny and. . ." she trailed off as she glanced briefly at Ginny and Oliver before looking at Harry, "I'm really sorry, Harry. I should've been more understanding instead of being so self-absorbed. I should've let you go off easy when I knew how much you loved Ginny. If there's anything I could do to make it up to you, Harry, I'll do it. You just name it,"

Harry smiled, although the gleam in his eyes faded a bit. Harry glanced at Ginny and Oliver briefly before turning back to her.

"Hermione, you don't understand. I didn't leave you because of Ginny," he stated and Hermione looked at him quizzically,

"I- I don't understand, I thought. . ."

Harry sighed, "You didn't really give me the time to explain why I did it,"

She didn't deny it, though, she just took a deep breath, "I know and I'm sorry but I kind of figured that. . ."

"You figured wrong, Hermione," he said and Hermione looked down,

"So, what really was your reason then? Why did you leave me?"

"Well, the reason I broke up with you is that I was afraid that maybe our relationship would soon end badly and so would we. I figured it's better we'd break up as friends. I never really believed that our relationship would last, you know?" he stared at her and Hermione stared back,

"Why did you ever believe that Harry? I thought everything was going great between us. I thought we were happy and. . ." she trailed off, looking at Harry in the eye, "Weren't you happy with me, Harry? Is that it? Is that why you believed we wouldn't last?"

"I was, Hermione, really, I was happy with you. It's just that. . ."

"What is it? Was I too selfish? Or bossy? What? What did I do?" she asked, feeling frantic as she tried to figure out where she had gone wrong,

"You didn't do anything, Hermione. . ." he reassured her, "I- I don't know, I guess I was just confused at that time. I thought what we felt was just, you know, too good to be true and maybe we only mistook out extraordinary friendship for something else, you know? And it was just lately I realized that I really, really care for you a lot, Hermione."

Hermione can't help but feel touched by his words. "So, what about Ginny?" she finally asked,

Harry sighed, "Ginny was more of a confidant than a girlfriend. All I ever talked to her about was you," he glanced at Ginny and sighed again, "I know I was really unfair to her but she told me she understood but she hoped she could change that. I did, too. I know you think that we went behind your back but when we broke up and you got mad at me, it was her I turned to and we weren't together until two weeks ago,"

The information was too much for Hermione to handle so she just stared at Harry speechlessly,

"You could ask Ron or Ginny. They would never lie to you," Harry said and Hermione just shook her head,

"There's no need for that," she said and Harry looked at her, seeming unconvinced, "I believe you, Harry. I don't know why, but I really do," she said softly,

Harry looked at her, "Thanks. And I know you probably don't want to get back together with me anymore but I want you to know how special and important you are to me, Hermione. I- I love you,"

He grabbed her hands and held it tightly. Hermione's mind swirled with mixed emotions as she stared awe-struck at Harry's earnest eyes. She wouldn't have believed this to be real. It all seemed like a dream, except for the reality of Harry's warm hands on hers.

All she wanted to do was hold him and tell him she loved him so much and that she's been waiting for this moment to happen ever since the breakup but something was holding her back and she wasn't sure what it was.

Should she tell him that she wanted him back? That she loved him as well?

Yes. No. Yes. No. Her mind was jumbled with different thoughts and she couldn't find her voice,

"Thanks," she managed to whisper, it was all she could say.

Harry looked at her, the disappointment evident in his eyes before he nodded, smiling slightly at her and she took a deep breath, thanking the heavens that Harry so understood her when she in fact couldn't understand her own feelings.

What was wrong with her? Wasn't this what she was dreaming about since Harry first broke up with her? That he would explain that it was all a mistake and tell her how he cares for her and how important she is to him. And in her dreams, she jumped up happily and said yes immediately. In her dreams, she wasn't pale with confusion and was sure that she wanted to be with Harry. In her dreams, her mind was on Harry alone. . .not on Draco Malfoy.

c",)----------c",)----------------------------------------c",)

"So you're turning seventeen this Saturday, huh?" Oliver asked and Hermione nodded, taking a piece of chocolate from the bowl and bit on it.

They were still on the grounds and Ron has finally joined them, along with some Gryffindor girls probably ranging from first to seventh year, huddled near their place, obviously trying to get Oliver Wood's attention.

There was no denying that Oliver was extremely good-looking and not to mention the most popular keeper of England's quidditch team and being a new face again in the campus, the girls were naturally all over him.

"So, where do you plan to celebrate?" he asked again and Hermione shrugged,

"I don't know where yet. Got any suggestions, though?" she asked, toying with the piece of chocolate in her hand. She was still preoccupied with the incident with Harry earlier,

"Maybe we could watch Oliver's game!" Ginny announced and Ron nodded,

"Yeah and then after that, we could go to lunch at the Golden Cauldron,"

"But we don't have tickets Ron. They're impossible to get. Especially at the last minute," Harry pointed out,

"Oh, I'm sure Wood could fix that," Ron supplied with a wave of his hand and Ginny reddened,

"Ron!" she scolded and Oliver just laughed,

"Sure, no problem. I've already arranged it, in fact. It was meant to be a surprise but as usual, Ginny here spoiled it for me," he smiled sweetly at Ginny who smiled back bashfully,

"Sorry,"

"Alright! Way to go, Wood! I know you'll never let us down," Ron cheered and they all laughed.

"By the way guys, I arranged for the whole twelve front row box seats in all, since Fred, George and Angelina are coming," Oliver said

"Huh? Wait, there's me, Harry, Hermione, Ginny, Fred, George, Angelina. . ." Ron trailed off, looking more confused than usual,

"And the other five are for your dates," Oliver finished, "Or whomever you would want to come with you. George says he's not bringing a date," he shrugged

"Oh, maybe Lavender, Parvati and Padma would like to come along," Ginny suggested thoughtfully,

"So that makes two more. What about you, Harry?" Ron turned to Harry, who shrugged

"Nope. Can't think of anyone,"

"Well, I think I'll take one, Oliver. . . I guess I can think of someone to ask to come with us," Ron suggested and Oliver nodded,

"So the other one's up to you, okay Hermione?" Oliver smiled brightly at her,

"Oh, okay. . . but I can't promise anything, though. . . I'm not quite sure yet whom I will take to the game,"

"Oh It's okay, just inform me if you need more tickets," Wood shrugged

"I don't think we need more," Ginny smiled excitedly, "Thanks a lot Oliver!"

"No problem," he grinned

c",)----------c",)----------------------------------------c",)

Draco finally woke up at three in the afternoon and although his head still ached a bit, he still hopped out of bed and took a quick shower.

His stomach was rumbling since he hadn't had breakfast and lunch that day so he quickly got dressed and went down to the large common room to see what the house elves left in their refreshment table.

Sure enough, there were several muffins and scones set with some juice and Draco picked up a muffin and strolled over to the couch where he found a neatly folded quilt on top of a red pillow which obviously belonged to Hermione's room.

So she slept here in this couch while he was up in her room.

Draco felt a tiny pang of guilt a he sat on the couch and bit thoughtfully on his muffin. It all came back to him now: Hermione in her bathrobe, Draco kissing her, Draco apologizing. . . it all was finally clear to him.

He cursed under his breath. What had he done after he apologized? He didn't remember a thing after that. . .

He chewed thoughtfully before taking another bite.

What the hell was wrong with him? He never got that drunk unless he had deep problems and his father, not some girl and certainly not Hermione caused almost all of it, at least not until last night. . .

Gobbling up the remaining muffin, he strode out the portrait hall. Suddenly he felt so suffocated. He needed some fresh air and maybe luckily, he wouldn't have to encounter some of his friends and be forced to make small talk because small talk was the last thing he wanted to do right now.

When he reached the hallway which lead to the grounds, he saw Crabbe, Goyle, Blaise, and Pansy with a few Slytherin girls talking and laughing by the exit. He was about to take a double turn when Blaise spotted him.

"Hey Draco! Over here!" he called out and Draco groaned inwardly as he strode over to his friends

"Hey Draco," the girls chorused flirtatiously which he chose to ignore completely. Blaise chuckled.

"Where've you been all morning, man?" he asked good-naturedly

"Around," he answered shortly before adding, "I have to go,"

Pansy grabbed his wrist, "Draco, wait! Where are you going? Aren't you going to hang out with us?" she looked at him through dark lined eyes,

How about if I hang you instead? Draco thought,

"Outside, Pansy, if you don't mind!" he gritted his teeth and looked at her through narrow eyes and Pansy blinked and looked as if she couldn't believe he had talked to her like that. Without another word, he yanked his arm away and strode off to the grounds.

Damn that bitch! It's all her freaking fault I'm in this stupid mess!

He exhaled sharply as he headed to his favorite hangout when he wanted to be alone. As he neared the big rock by the lake, he stopped in his tracks.

A girl was sitting with her back to him and her golden hair shone against the sunlight.

Hermione, he thought as he took a step towards her but as he neared her, he saw a pair of arms encircling her waist and saw that she was with another guy, someone he didn't know, and they were kissing intimately!

Draco's blood boiled as he mentally debated what he should do. He could march over there and punch that guy's nose, whoever he is, or he could leave.

He took one last look at the couple then did the coward's way. He turned and strode angrily away from them.

He didn't know why but his chest tightened and angry tears blurred his vision.

Damn it! What the hell's wrong with me?

He wiped it with the back of his hand as he headed towards the quidditch field when he collided with someone. Hard. Causing him to stagger backwards.

"Dammit! Why don't you freakin' look where you are going you stupid, brainless, careless, dumb-ass. . ." he was about to shout a few more obscenities at the person when his words got caught in his throat.

Hermione was standing in front of him, rubbing her shoulder and grimacing in pain.

"Hermione!" he blurted out before he could catch himself and she finally looked at him, her face still in ache,

"It's okay. You don't have to apologize!" she returned sarcastically as she dusted her skirt

"I- I'm sorry, I thought. . ." he began, still a bit confused and disoriented as he glanced back at the couple by the rock. Turned out they were just a couple of Hufflepuff students ands the girl's hair was shorter and darker than Hermione's. He almost laughed at his overreaction.

"Of course, you thought I was one of the quidditch hoop poles. Suddenly all that profanity makes a whole lot of sense," she retorted but the anger in her voice already faded.

"Right," Draco bit back a smile and Hermione just sighed and shook her head,

"Well, I'm sorry for being stupid, careless, brainless or whatever else you called me," she said as she started to walk past him, "See you around,"

"Wait!" Draco grabbed her arm and she winced in pain, "Sorry," he said again as he pulled back his hand as if he burned it, "I- I just want to talk to you. Is that okay?"

"I think you've pretty much said all there is to say last night, Draco," she said, her voice sounding a bit edgy and uncomfortable,

"No. I don't think so," he said, frowning thoughtfully, "Please, Hermione, just a few minutes to explain,"

"Why? So you could tell me the same thing? God, Draco! I'm tired of hearing your 'Pansy wasn't telling the truth' crap! I don't even know why you're sticking to that story!"

"Because that's the absolute truth, Hermione, and that's all I can cling to since I don't know how else I can prove to you that I never slept with anybody while we were together,"

"Together? Oh, that's rich! And here I thought it was just a fling,"

"Is that what you think it was? A fling?" he asked

"What else? It sure seemed that way to me,"

He waved his hand dismissively, feeling even more annoyed, "Fine! Whatever. But I'm going to prove to you that you're wrong and that you're not just a fling to me. I don't know how but I'm as sure as hell that I will!"

"Good luck!" Hermione bit back and Draco finally lost it,

"You know what, forget it! I don't care whether you believe me or not. I'm so sick and tired of trying to find ways to convince you anyway, so what's the point? You think you're always right. You think you're so perfect and that you don't make stupid mistakes like I do. At least I'm mature enough to admit I was wrong!" He exclaimed and Hermione blinked in surprise at what he said,

"How dare you talk to me like – like I'm the one who screwed up here! It was you who fooled around with several girls at once!"

"For the millionth time, Hermione, that's not true! And who are you to judge me? You don't even know me that well to accuse me of those things all because of some stupid lies you heard!"

True, he might have slept with a bunch of girls but he never did do it with more than one girl at once. Plus, he knew that the girls already know that it was only sex, not something deeper. He never promised a girl anything he doesn't intend to keep. For all the dreadful things he is, he was never one to make and break promises.

Hermione couldn't speak, feeling the weight of his words.

"Well, I said what I had to say and I'm not wasting any more time and energy on you. It's all up to you whether you trust me or not. I don't know what else to do anymore. I'm done!" he shook his head and motioned to turn away,

Hermione looked at him for a moment then as if an idea struck her, she blinked and hesitated before she spoke,

"Do you really want to prove it to me that badly?"

He hesitated before he spoke, "What do you think I've been doing all this time?"

She chose to ignore him, "Are you free this Saturday?"

"Why?" he eyed her suspiciously. What was she doing? Asking him for a date?

She pulled out two red tickets from her robes and looked at him with a challenging glint in her eyes wide, clear hazel eyes, "I happen to have front row box seat tickets for England versus Bulgaria quidditch match if you're interested,"

c",)----------c",)----------------------------------------c",)

Harry sighed audibly as he watched the pile of homework he has to do set on the small worktable at the corner of the common room. It was already past five and he decided to finish his work earlier, preferably, if possible, before dinner so he could turn in early or maybe relax for the rest of the night.

He opened his Seventh Level Charms for the Modern Witches and Wizards fifth edition and turned to the assigned page and began reading. He was supposed to list down the different effects of certain charms when misused.

"Wingardium Leviosa, the levitating charm, enunciated incorrectly could result to combustion, complete disappearance or extreme levitating speed," Harry mumbled to himself, "extreme levitating speed?"

"It means it would shoot out up in the sky at rocket speed or faster," a voice from the portrait hole came and he turned and smiled at Hermione, "I'm sorry for disturbing your studying, Harry," she said as she walked towards him,

"Oh, no problem Hermione, and not to be rude or anything, but what are you doing here?"

She sighed as she sat down on the couch across from him, "I kind of need to tell you something," she confessed

He looked at her in concern, "Sure, what's up?"

"Okay," she exhaled and Harry could tell she was nervous, "Um, remember the extra ticket Oliver gave me for the game?"

Harry nodded.

"Well. . . I kind of invited Malfoy to come with us," she blurted out and before Harry could even make sure that he heard her correctly, Hermione spoke again, "Now, Harry, before you get mad or anything, let me explain why I did it,"

Harry finally found his voice, "What? Malfoy? You invited Malfoy? Wh- why Hermione?" he exclaimed and Hermione looked at him pleadingly,

"Calm down, Harry and let me explain," she said and Harry tried to calm down. Surely, there must be a logical explanation for this. This is Hermione, for crying out loud. If there was anyone who's logical enough, it's her.

"I know I haven't told you this but Malfoy did something really horrible to me," she began slowly and Harry grew concerned,

"What? Hermione, what did that son of a bitch do to you?" he asked gravely, ignoring the awful thoughts that entered his mind,

Hermione shook her head, "It's not what you think, Harry. The point is, what he did was the last straw, you know? I just wanted payback,"

"By giving him free tickets to the best seats of the game?" he asked in confusion,

"Yes," Hermione began, "And for enduring a whole day with his worst enemies," she grinned and Harry started to like the idea but a thought struck him,

"Wait. Why did he agree to come along anyway?"

Hermione paused for a moment, "Well, I- I guess he wanted to see the game much worse than I thought," she shrugged, "Maybe he was just desperate. I mean, the tickets were sold out weeks ago and these are really good seats, Harry, the best in fact," she said and Harry just nodded, still couldn't picture out Malfoy scoring a free ticket from anybody, especially from a Gryffindor and much more, from Hermione.

He had the feeling Hermione wasn't telling him the whole story, but he just ignored it. After all, what secret could she possibly be hiding that was really horrible? That she and Malfoy were fooling around or maybe hooked up? Just the thought of it makes Harry want to laugh out loud. That would probably be the most ridiculous thing that would ever happen.

"Maybe," he finally said, shrugging and Hermione grinned, "Maybe that little prat failed to ask his rich father for tickets. Finally, some justice,"

"So I trust you tell the others about this plan?"

"Absolutely. We're going to make his day a living hell," Harry sneered and Hermione smiled in return,

c",)----------c",)----------------------------------------c",)

Draco sighed as a knock came from outside the portrait hole of the head students' common room and took his time in ambling towards the door and pulling the portrait open. He fought back an annoyed groan as he saw Blaise grinning at him.

"Are you busy?" he asked and Draco narrowed his eyes at him before walking to the couch, "So, how are things with our little Miss Granger?" Blaise asked as he sat beside Draco on the huge couch

"Fine," he answered dryly. He was just in the middle of half celebrating, half contemplating over Hermione's real reason for the invitation earlier.

"Might I remind you that you only have two weeks left to do the job?"

"Oh really? I hadn't noticed," he countered sarcastically and Blaise chuckled,

"So I heard an interesting news today,"

Draco glared at Blaise, his patience thinning, "So?"

"It seems that you've professed your undying love to Pansy Parkinson. In bed. Last night," Blaise smirked as Draco's jaw dropped,

"What?"

"Oh you didn't remember? That's funny since Pansy seemed to remember every little detail about it,"

"Damn that bitch! What is she trying to pull? I never slept with her last night! Who did she tell? Who else heard that freaking rumor?"

Blaise laughed,

"Just about everybody at school. Now if your precious mudblood hears about this, I say you're in for quite a challenge old chap,"

Draco exhaled, "I'll make sure she doesn't,"

Blaise raised an eyebrow, "And how do you do that?"

"I'll find a way," he said with an air of determination that Blaise looked at him in amusement.

"Okay. So, how are things between you anyway? Any progress?" he smirked

"We're fine now, okay? She's asked me to come to watch the quidditch game this Saturday," he said with a wave of his hand and turned to fix himself a drink to avoid letting Blaise see the stupid smile that crept in his mouth

"Oh? How romantic," Blaise said sarcastically and Draco clenched his jaw, but didn't say anything. He wasn't going to allow Blaise to ruin his good mood.

"I know. Front row box seats to the England versus Bulgaria game doesn't exactly scream romantic now, does it? But I guess I'll just have to endure," he sneered, trying to sound nonchalant. There was silence behind him and Draco could only imagine Blaise's dropped jaw and awe-struck expression.

"No way!" he exclaimed, "You're kidding. That game's been sold out for weeks!"

"Unfortunately, Blaise, I'm not," he said as he faced his friend and walked towards the couch,

"Damn! Does she have another extra ticket? Maybe you could put in a good word for me. What do you say old friend?"

"You wish,"

Just then, the portrait door opened and Hermione entered good-naturedly, humming. And when she saw Blaise and Draco looking at her, her smile faltered,

"Hermione Granger! How are you this fine evening?" Blaise greeted as if they were good friends and Hermione stared at him in confusion and surprise,

"Um, hey Blaise," she returned, "I'm fine, you?" she added, just out of courtesy and Draco looked at Blaise irritably,

"You're looking lovely this evening," Blaise said as he took Hermione's hand and kissed it, letting it linger in his mouth much too long for Draco's taste, and Blaise's eyes bore into Hermione's.

Hermione looked at her school robes in puzzlement as Blaise stared into her eyes in ill-concealed lust, still gripping Hermione's hand and his eyes slowly traveling down the rest of her body, pausing meaningfully at her chest and legs. Draco sensed Hermione's discomfort and his annoyance grew.

"You can let her hand go now, Blaise. I'm sure you're cutting off her circulation already," Draco drawled, trying with all his might to keep his tone sarcastic and 'bite-free',

Blaise released her hand and Hermione laughed nervously, still clueless at Blaise's attitude,

"Um, I better head up and get ready for dinner," she said as she quickly headed to the stairs,

"See you later," Blaise called out and Draco rolled his eyes.

Hermione glanced at him briefly before she finally disappeared up the stairs. Draco waited for a few minutes until he was sure she was out of earshot, then he turned to Blaise.

"What the hell was all that about!" he snapped and Blaise only chuckled,

"I was just being nice, Draco,"

"Being nice? You were practically disrobing her with your mind. What the hell are you up to?"

"Chill, man! I was just teasing you. Stop being so jealous and overprotective!"

Draco's breath caught at his throat. Jealous? Overprotective? This was bad.

"Who said I was jealous and overprotective? I just don't want her falling over you before I get her to bed. I'm having hard enough time doing it already,"

Blaise chuckled again as he stood up, "Right, man," he said heading for the door, "See you later at dinner," he said not even giving Draco time to deny whatever Blaise was saying.

c",)----------c",)----------------------------------------c",)

Monday morning, Hermione marched to the dungeons from her Arithmancy class, preparing herself for two hours of torture. Up ahead, she spotted Harry's jet-black hair and Ron's flaming red hair and she quickly wove her way through the throng of students towards her friends.

"Guys," she called out when she was near enough and both of her friends turned to her, smiling, as they stopped walking,

"Hey, Hermione!" Ron greeted, "I heard about the plan already. Pure genius,"

Hermione smiled proudly, "Well, I just thought it's about time he paid for the hell he's caused me- us, I mean," she corrected herself quickly and thankfully, both her friends were too excited to notice,

"Ugh! I can't believe I have to work with Crabbe again!" Ron groaned and Hermione realized with dread that she'll be making a potion with Malfoy today. "I could just wring Snape's neck," Ron continued just as Draco, Crabbe, Goyle and Blaise came up behind them.

"Better watch you're mouth, Weasley, if you don't want to lose a couple hundred points!" Draco drawled and his cronies laughed,

Ron turned red with anger but didn't risk saying anything more although Hermione sensed that he was on the verge of blowing up just from the looks of his beet red face,

"Hey, Hermione," Blaise spoke in a tone which caused the others to stare at each other in puzzlement.

Hermione was too dumbstruck to answer when Draco snapped irritably.

"Stop flirting with her, Blaise, it's disgusting! Let's go!"

Blaise just snorted a laugh as he followed Draco into the room.

"What the hell was that all about?" Ron asked, when they were out of earshot,

"I have no clue," Hermione said honestly, staring at Draco and his friends' retreating backs before following Ron inside the dungeon.

c",)----------c",)----------------------------------------c",)

Author's Notes: Okiedokies!!! How do you like it? I hope you did, although I couldn't blame you if you didn't because, I gotta be honest, I haven't really been devoting time for this and the previous chapter because of all the school stuff. But because I've realized that it's been so long now that I've submitted these chapters, I decided to finish it and make it as nice as possible. Hope you liked it and I promise, I'm working on the next chapters already. Hope you'll continue to R&R! Thanks a lot!!

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