Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter's world. That is the property of JKR, a most talented woman. So, don't sue me.

Plot: Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger are normal talented wizards who, on their 16th birthdays, learn otherwise. They are now burdened with family secrets that no one can ever know. They return to Hogwarts and struggle to get their lives back on track. However, both vows to find out one another's secret when they notice something different about each other.

A/N: Hey y'all! So glad to get this up. Okay, so here's the sitch: I'm out of school, right? I come home and my mother tells me she cancelled our 'Net connection! I'm going "NOOOOOO! DAMN YOU, SALAZAR! DAMN YOU!" There was a lot of shaking the fist at the sky during that. So now I'm reduced to going to a friend's house to update…But other than that, I'm just peachy! I'll try to update more often before July (knock on wood!) and it'll be finished by then (another knock on wood). Wish me luck!

The Moon's Call

Chapter Ten

"Lion's courage."

The Fat Lady merely smiled and the portrait opened. Hermione stepped inside and entered the Gryffindor common room. There was no one at all in the room.

Hermione stopped and wondered where everyone was. Well, actually she was looking for one person in particular. She had to talk to Ron about their…change in friendship.

She'd have to look for him later. Right now, she was beat. The class load she was taking this year was beginning to kick her butt.

"What are you going to give me if I do that for you?"

"Stop it," she scolded herself. "Honestly, it's like you've never been kissed before."

Actually, she hadn't. How could her first kiss be with a Slytherin, and on top of it all, it had to be the King of Slytherin as well!

He had given her the wolf's invitation to mate like Zabini. Of course, he was human like Zabini, too. Neither of them knew what they had done. They were boys who thought it would be fun to shake her up.

That kiss had shaken her up. She'd wanted Draco to take her right there against the bookcase, but he had to rub her. That was the proverbial ice-cold water thrown on her. She pushed him away and ran to her room. Her hormones were jumping like crazy, even more so because she could smell his arousal.

"Hermione," she turned, "Ron's looking for you."

She gave Ginny a smile. "Thanks. I was looking for him, too."

Ginny narrowed her eyes a little. "Hey, are you okay? You've been kind of quiet these past two weeks. Did something happen?"

"No, nothing I couldn't handle." Hermione tipped her head towards the girls' dormitory, signaling Ginny to follow. As they went up the stairs, she said, "I've just been really tired and all I want to do is sleep."

"I'll repeat my question then," Ginny said seriously. "Are you pregnant?"

Hermione scoffed. "No! God, I keep telling you no. I've just been out of it lately with classes and other things."

"Really?"

Coming to her room, Hermione opened the door and walked in. "Yes, really. Now go away and let me sleep. If you see Ron, tell him I'll see him later."

"Are you going to dinner this time?"

Hermione thought about it. She hadn't been in the Great Hall at all. Well, perhaps two or three times, but it was mainly to avoid Malfoy and Zabini. There was something going on right there. She didn't know what it was, but she didn't like it.

She shook her head. "No, I'm just going to sleep for a while. I'll make a trip to the kitchens later."

Ginny didn't look convinced, but she nodded and left.

Hermione felt a deep sense of relaxation. She attributed that to taking that run two weeks ago. She didn't want to take that run. It went against what her mother and father said. Their blood, their heritage, was not a gift. It was a curse, one that was not to be taken lightly. It was to be controlled, hidden. The wolf inside was only to be let out during the full moon, not whenever she felt like it.

"It is a great responsibility to be a werewolf, honey. While we can reason while in our wolf skins, our instincts still hold much power over us," Katlyn said.

It was just her luck that more responsibility would be heaped on her head. Why couldn't she just be a normal witch…who happened to like books as opposed to boys and clothes.

She had managed to resist the urge to go out and run again. While it was fun, the elation didn't last long when she actually wanted someone there with her. The wolf howled in desolation. She hadn't met or sensed any other wolves in school. Perhaps there wasn't any in her year or the seventh years. Was she the only one in Hogwarts?

A great sadness settled over her. She didn't want to be alone with this new responsibility. There was no one to share it with. If she had been alone when she was just a witch surrounded by people who barely understood her but still were like her, she was practically the last person in the world now. She missed her mother and father. They gave her all kinds of advice to follow this year, but it wasn't the same as having them there with her.

Hermione lay down and closed her eyes. What would she do if there was another wolf like her here at Hogwarts? She knew instinctively they would be drawn together, but to actually run together was something else. She still wasn't that comfortable undressing in front of Kaitlyn. It would be even more so doing it in front of another person.

She rolled onto her side and looked out the window. The tops of the Forbidden Forest peeked at her. The first quarter moon was the night before. The full moon was next week on Tuesday. Thank God, she wasn't up for patrol that night. It would have been hell trying to switch nights with someone else, convincing them and such.

Malfoy pushed his way into her thoughts, followed quickly by Zabini. Hermione got the feeling of being stalked by them. It seemed like they were everywhere. Whenever she turned, there one or both of them were. It was disturbing, but there was something else behind their careful study of her. Again, that feeling of being hunted washed over her. Their behavior around each other changed as well. They were quick to snap at each other during class. It wasn't an uncommon sight to see one of them shutting down someone from another House. The Slytherins seemed to be giving them wide berth.

Adrian Pucey, current ruler of Slytherin, looked relieved. Hermione supposed he had been incredibly worried about being usurped of his position. It was too bad actually. Pucey was terrible to everyone, including other Slytherins. It seemed the partnership between Malfoy and Zabini was breaking.

Harry and Ron were quick to pick up on this. Despite her warnings, they provoked either one, only to find the other come quickly to even the numbers. Then it would escalate into yet another House war. Hermione managed to calm her two best friends down and keep them that way until they did it again. She was more than tempted to just let them do whatever they wanted. It was too much work keeping them in line, especially when they broke cover more than three times a day.

Frustration burned in her gut. She wanted to run again, but to betray her family's secret just to relieve the stress she was under was too much. She was not going to stray again. It was a curse, not a gift. It was a great responsibility.

Damn.

"There you are, Ron."

Hermione made her way to the armchairs by the fireplace. She had just finished her nap and was going to get food when she spotted his flaming hair. Ron looked up and smiled, then he turned back to his game of chess. Harry was playing him, putting up a good fight. She knew Ron would win. He was too good, but he played Harry just for fun usually. It was one of those "bonding" things boys do.

Ron finished the game quickly in three moves, revealing his abilities as a chess player. Harry slumped back in his chair and heaved a sigh. Hermione gave him a smile, which he returned and took as a sign that she wanted to talk to Ron.

"Uh, Ron, I need to talk to you, but not here," she said. "Will you come with me to the kitchens?"

"Sure thing, Hermione. I need to talk to you, too."

They left the common room and made their way to the kitchens. Hermione ordered two steaks, deciding not to show Ron just how much she could actually eat.

"So, uh, Ron…there's something I've been meaning to tell you," she began, not looking at him. Hermione didn't want to hurt him, but it had to be done before anything else. "I haven't been completely honest with you."

He didn't say anything, but still, she didn't look up. She didn't want to see the hurt or confusion in his eyes. Then she wouldn't follow through with her plan.

"I…" she looked for the right words to say. "Heh, this is hard for me to say."

"Hermione," Ron said. "Before you say anything else, I have something to say."

Her heart started pounding. Oh God, she had to say something!

They spoke at the same time.

"This isn't working out."

They looked up at one another in shock.

"What?" Again, they spoke simultaneously.

Laughter bubbled up inside her and she couldn't keep it in. The sheer hilarity of the entire situation was too much. Ron joined her with a hearty laugh as well. They continued to laugh for ten minutes. They couldn't look at each other without bursting out in laughter once more.

Finally, Hermione put up a placating hand. "Please, no more. My sides can't take it anymore, Ron." She sat still to catch her breath. Ron did the same. When she felt she was back in control of herself, she raised her eyes. "How is it that we feel the same way?"

He shrugged, his shoulders working beneath his robes. "I don't know. I always cared for you. When you were stammering on the train, I thought I'd save you the embarrassment of asking." He shook his head. "But afterwards, it…felt wrong. You and I are better off as friends in the long run. I think we'd kill each other if we continue the way we are."

Hermione could only stare at him. He came up with this all on his own? She swallowed. "Yes, I agree on all accounts. I…don't know what I was thinking on the train, but we gave it a shot, didn't we? It is better to know early rather than going through that whole drama later on."

She didn't notice him watching her as she rambled on. It wasn't until he said her name that she focused on his face. Ron moved to her side and took gentle possession of her hand. "Hermione, I…don't think we really gave it a shot. I mean, we never even kissed. I would actually like to know for sure if we would suit or not."

Looking away, Hermione could feel her face heat slightly. He couldn't have said it more clearly. Turning back to him, she nodded. His eyes went to her lips and he leaned in slowly. She met him halfway. Their lips touched lightly, but she didn't feel anything other than slightly uncomfortable. He pressed a little harder, but then he drew back.

Hermione looked at him curiously. He met her gaze. "Anything?"

She shook her head. "Nothing."

He sighed in relief. "Me either." He stood up. "Well, now that we know, we can go back to the way we were."

She smiled. "I'd like that, Ron."

He grinned back cheekily. "Hey, now I can tell Harry that I kissed you. He's been after me to do it, but I kept putting it off." He dodged her swat. "What? What did I say?"

"Oh, Ron," she giggled. "What would I do without you?"

"Probably be the biggest know-it-all in the wizarding world," he teased. Then seriously, he added, "If you ever need anything, Hermione, call on me. I'll help any way I can."

"I know." Ron gave her a quick hug and he left the kitchens. Hermione stared after him for a moment. The relief she felt at getting out of her situation was great, but her pride stung a little. Was she so undesirable?

His normally hateful eyes gleamed with an inner glow. What it was, she didn't know, but that animalistic cast about his face made her feel slightly warm. His lips were so soft, like flower petals…

She shook her head. Malfoy was not a wise subject to dwell on. Turning her attention to the steaks she had ordered, she began to eat. Now that no one was with her, Hermione ordered more food. Beginning to feel full, she started on her last steak.

The door swung open. She whirled around and met Zabini's clear blue eyes. She saw the surprise on his face and watched it slide away. He grinned widely. "Why, Granger, what on earth are you doing here?"

She studied him, debating on whether or not he was playing with her. Finally, she decided to be polite. She was no longer just a human. She was strong enough now to take him if he pulled anything. Hermione shrugged and turned back to her plate. "Eating. Why else would I be here?"

He walked past her and sat on the other side of the table. A house elf appeared and took his order. He looked at her again. "So, where's your lover boy?"

Raising a brow, she said, "I hardly think that's any of your business, Zabini."

"Just trying to make conversation, Granger. That's all," he said. His food arrived and Hermione started in surprise. What he had ordered was more than she had by a few steaks and sausages. He noticed her looking at him. "What? Can't a guy eat without being judged?"

Hermione shook her head. "No, it's just I've never seen someone eat that much before."

"I'm a growing lad," he said in a thick brogue. "I need my energy."

She chuckled at his exaggerated accents. "Whatever, Zabini. You don't need to explain yourself to me. I'm just a lowly mudblood, remember?"

His face hardened. "Don't ever say that about yourself, Granger. You're the same as I…well, not exactly the same, but what counts is the same."

She blinked at his harsh voice. "That's a strange thing to say considering you run with Malfoy, Zabini."

His blue eyes widened slightly, but she didn't see why he would take offense at what she said. It was true, but then why did the hair on the back of her neck stand up? There was nothing threatening on his face, and yet there was now a fine tension that gripped the air. Suddenly, he seemed to shake himself and the tension faded.

"I'm not Draco, Granger. Get that in your head," he said, nearly snarling.

Hermione sat back in her chair and looked at him closely. His guard was up and he was very alert, but what about? Zabini confused her. First, he came onto her, and now he was telling her what to do. She didn't like it. Why did Ron have to leave so soon? She wouldn't be in this mess if he were still there with her.

"Fine, you're not Malfoy, but you're also a Slytherin," she pointed out.

"Very good, Granger," he said sardonically. "What else can you tell me about me?" When she didn't say anything else, he scoffed. "You Gryffindors are all the same. Dumb and judgmental."

That got her back up. "I am not dumb, Zabini."

"You're not denying that you're judgmental, however," he pointed out. Then he spread his hands out, palms up. "Peace, Granger, peace. That's all I'm asking for."

"You want peace?" she asked disbelievingly. Scenting the air casually, she didn't detect any elevations in his scent that told her he was lying. His heartbeat was steady. Hermione had to conclude that he was telling the truth. She studied his face. "Why? I thought that went against your beliefs as a Slytherin."

He smirked. "You're being judgmental again. Besides, what do you know about my beliefs, Granger? All you know is what you've been told by others. Now what I've told you is that I'm not Draco. Yes, we're in the same House, but that doesn't mean I hold the same beliefs as him. I believe that every human being is worth something. I believe that Voldemort will be defeated, if not by Potter, then by someone else. I believe that this dark cloud will pass sooner or later."

She listened to his words, his tone. She noted his posture, his gestures, the expression on his face. Hermione didn't know what think. She thought Zabini was just an oddball in Slytherin. She never would have thought that he and Malfoy would team up. She never would have thought that she would be having an actual conversation with Zabini. She never thought a lot of things, like the way his hair gleamed or the light in his eyes or how animated he was. The way he held himself spoke volumes. He was a leader, strong and persistent. His presence was something she felt in her bones. Her senses greedily took in everything about him.

"Granger? Are you listening to me?" She watched his lips move and form the words. She wondered if they would be as soft as Malfoy's. She was so tempted to find out. His mouth softened into a light smile. "Come here."

Before she knew what she was doing, Hermione went to him. He drew her down onto his lap and stared into her eyes. His fingers went to her face and gently caressed her jaw line. "So beautiful," he murmured. "So pure."

She brought her hand up to his face. She smoothed the back of her fingers over his forehead, feeling the texture of his skin, and moved down to trace his cheekbone. He leaned into her touch and groaned deep in his throat. Hermione felt it rather than heard it.

The wolf paced impatiently. It was waiting for her to either make her claim on him or accept his invitation from weeks earlier. She closed her eyes and leaned in. Her lips met his for a soft kiss that differed from hers with Malfoy. He led her through their kiss, his experience showing. Before he slid his tongue into her mouth, he asked permission. He rubbed his tongue against hers and she drew him deeper. His hands gently rubbed her back. She would have thought they would be roaming around, but they weren't.

He broke from their kiss, but he moved his kisses down along her jaw and the column of her throat. Hermione tipped her head back to give him further access. His lips felt so good on her skin. She couldn't keep a growl of pleasure from slipping.

Zabini pulled her closer to him, but when she felt his tongue at the base of her neck, she jerked back into reality. "Zabini?" He continued to lave her neck. She stiffened and repeated, "Zabini. Stop, please."

He sighed, his breath caressed her neck, sending shivers up her spine. He sat up and looked at her. "All right, Granger. This is your free one. Next time you start something, I'm finishing it."

A thrill went through her at his threat. She cleared her throat as she withdrew from him. Not looking at him, she said, "I'll keep that in mind."

With that, she exited the kitchens, making sure her composure was even. It wasn't until she was near the Gryffidor common room that she sagged against a wall. How could she kiss yet another Slytherin? What the hell was wrong with her? If she had to kiss one, then why couldn't she stick to that particular one? If she wasn't careful, she might end up kissing the whole of Slytherin!

"Oh, God, why did I kiss him?" she whispered.

Keep a tight rein on your instincts and behavior…The thought ran through her head, stuck on repeat. She had to be careful. Kaitlyn had stressed it many times.

Note to self, do NOT kiss any Slytherins, she thought to herself. Then a voice added, except for Malfoy and Zabini.

She smacked herself on the head. Especially not those two.

Hermione looked up the corridor. She just heard Ginny laugh and Harry speak in low tones. She was going to have to face them. They were coming towards her. Harry's voice carried to her. He was talking about Ron and her. Hermione squared her shoulders.

No kissing, Hermione. Do not kiss Malfoy or Zabini EVER!…

The voice had to have the last word. Maybe just once more…

I updated! YEA! Oh and don't forget, I also updated another chapter along with this one. Don't forget to review!

Love, peace, and frybread - TG