Disclaimer: Wish it, still never owning it.

A/n: Whew... catgurfurreel, I owe you a lot! SERIOUSLY! Thank you so much!ü

By: Aningme

Chapter 6

Dilemma

It seemed like a nice day for dating. Hermione strolled down the street as she stared at a piece of paper. Written on it was his address. And it's time for her to mess with him.

"This is the third street. Is it?" She muttered to herself. She looked up and stared at a mansion. She couldn't help it but stare.

But after a while, she gathered her bearings and pressed on the door bell. And after a few more door bells, the intercom screeched.

"Do you know what time it is?" A man answered. She was sure it was Draco Malfoy.

"Um… It's five fifteen in the morning." She answered with a sneer.

"Don't you think it's too early to be roaming around?" He answered back. She guessed he was still on his bed.

"I said I'm coming today at five fifteen." She answered, trying to quiet down her laugh.

"Granger? I thought it was this afternoon!" He paused, as if to think. "You said five fifteen in the afternoon."

"I didn't say that. I just said five fifteen." She pointed out. She couldn't help it anymore but laugh.

She heard him sigh in the intercom. She waited for him to say anything. "Aren't you going to let me in?" She asked, still chuckling. She just heard a buzz and the gate automatically opened. "Thank you." She chuckled.

Entering the premises, she just stood there in awe, seeing the beautiful scenery of the house. The walls were painted with cream white. A few paintings were hung on the wall, looking expensive. His sofas and fireplace was a luxurious sight. The carpets were of royal beauty, she couldn't even step on them. She thought he was a millionaire.

"I know you did it on purpose, Granger. And don't you dare deny it." He exclaimed as he walked down the curvy stairs. He was only wearing a pair of shorts and a royal blue robe.

She really couldn't help it but stare at him too. "Damn, Malfoy. You have a great place here." She uttered. Her voice echoed along the walls.

Draco just stared back at her and shook his head. He turned around and walked off. "Follow me."

Hermione shrugged and followed him, afraid to get lost. "You actually live here?" She asked.

"Yes, I do." He answered, leading her into another room. Hermione watched him open the double doors. And again, an extravagant room bloomed before her. At first she wondered what room this was. But then, she figured it was the kitchen, seeing the counters, and the shiny stove. He also had these small machines for cooking. She didn't even know what to call them.

"You have an entertainment system in your kitchen?" She said, staring at the huge television.

Draco grinned at her reaction and sighed. "Sweet, isn't it? I just bought them yesterday."

Hermione glanced at him in surprise. "You're filthy rich, aren't you Malfoy?"

"Yes, I guess I am." He chuckled and went on to the refrigerator.

"What are you doing?" She watched him as he took out some green stuff, cheese, pasta noodles and more stuff.

"Breakfast. Just sit there and feel at home." He pointed at the sofa. "Watch something if you like."

"You want me to use this thing? I don't even know how to operate this!" She exclaimed. Draco just sighed and walked towards her, grabbing the remote control across them. He pressed a button and the screen came to life.

"Just wait here." He mumbled to her and went back to the counter.

She just shrugged and sat down on the soft sofa. She smiled at it and felt lucky.

A few minutes later, Draco called her and served his home made Italian pasta. She stared at it and gaped.

"This is food?" She exclaimed. Draco just laughed.

"Just eat it and see how it is." He said and started to eat. Hermione stared at its cream white sauce and the parmesan cheese on it. She tried it, and her eyes went wide with its great taste in her tongue.

"Wow! It's great! Where did you learn all this?"

"I studied." He said and watched her eat. She really looked cheery today unlike the day before. He guessed she was just pretending to be cheery for his sake. "Now, may I ask you what's the big deal of coming here all of the sudden at this hour?"

"I told you I'm coming at five fifteen." She smiled.

"I swear to Merlin you said five fifteen in the afternoon."

"Well, I swear on my life I just said five fifteen." She answered back.

Draco just sighed and shut up. It was no use to argue.

They ate in silence. She guessed there was nothing to say. It has been seven years anyway. Lots of things might have changed. Well, she admitted, he changed his attitude a little. He seemed less evil than he was before. She could at least bare with him for a minute. Before, she would die before she makes it for a minute with him. But now, it was effortless. She could just boss him around for old time sake. He messed with their lives before. And now, she could mess his. But then, it's all too easy. He let her reenter his life with out ever thinking of the word revenge from her. She guessed he really has changed.

Staring up from her food, she stared at him and watched him eat. His blonde hair hung loosely from his head, covering his eyes. His skin was milky white. His body was mainly muscled, his chest and abs looking firm. She thought he looked kind of good for a Slytherin. Too bad he's Draco Malfoy.

He could feel her stare down at him. She seemed to be studying him. Looking up from his food, she stared back at her with a blank expression. And just as he thought, she looked away. She always does that every time he stares at her. He suddenly remembered seven years ago, during the war. The dim lights of that place. The stench of blood, playing under their noses. Her eyes, all teary, staring at him. It was the only time she stared at him like that before. He could remember her blood streaked face, her messy hair, her tears…

Waking up from his trance, he looked away from her too. He never wanted to remember anything from the past. He promised himself not to think of it anymore. But since she's here with him now, all he could think of was the past, the way he treated them, the way he hurt them, the way he deceived them that night… But then, this was the only chance he could pay her back. Pay them all back. Now that he found them. Found her…

He looked up to her again and stared at her. She looked really different now than she had the last time he saw her seven years ago. The way her hair falls on her face is different now. Her skin gained more color and her eyes were a beautiful shade of hazel. Her face looked more beautiful. And the way she moves… it's just all different. But still, he noticed the sadness in her eyes. The way she stared at her helpless fork, something was bothering her. And he intended to find that out.

But not now.

A/n: Again, thank you catgurlfurreel. I really REALLY owe you a lot! Tell me anything to pay you! TELL ME!ü You saved my life from insanity! Thanks! showers her thanks

trapped-in-a-dream - thanks for reviewing! I was so glad seeing a new name.ü And I'm glad you liked it.ü

chibi playing with fire - thanks for that comment.ü I hope you'll like the story till the very end...ü

Aurum Potestas Est!- Hey! glad you could read this fic! Thanks for reading one of my fics again.ü I remembered your name because you were one of my loyal reviewers when I posted my very first fic here.ü Thank you so much!ü