Disclaimer: Who owns it? Guess who?

A/n: I'm sorry for putting this up late. I have a problem with the internet card thing so… I don't have much time to on line so please… forgive me the delay. But of course, for your own sake, I will put up the 11th Chapter right after I put this chap on. Take it as a sorry gift for you guys… hehe…. Sorry again..

And catgurfurreel… you still rock!ü Thanks again….

By: Aningme

Chapter 10

Dilemma

He could feel her warm breath on his lips. He couldn't move, couldn't breathe, he found himself in shock. He didn't know what to think, he didn't know what to do, and he didn't know what to feel. He was composed of a rumbled emotional storm in his chest. He didn't know how to calm it down.

"I love you…" She muttered, her voice muffled on his lips. But as she said it, she could feel her body falling into a deep, dark abyss.

Draco caught her as she fell in his arms unconscious.

Gathering himself together, he panted for air and calmed himself down. He seemed to stop breathing for a long time, almost suffocating him. He couldn't stop staring at her.

"I… I didn't know… I…" He stammered. He was confused. "I'm sorry… I'm sorry…"

He held her in his arms for a little longer. He couldn't let her go.

Ginny sat quietly on the stairs, weeping. She knew it was hard for Hermione, but she didn't know it was this hard. She somehow hated herself for being ignorant about it. And watching her like this, she felt guilt and shame on herself, for not being able to help her.

Still staring at the two people downstairs, she somehow managed to smile, seeing Draco Malfoy like this. He acted as if he cared for her, like he was worried about her. She somehow thought that maybe Malfoy indeed managed to change in a period of seven years. It was possible enough, wasn't it? Watching him hold her like that proves it all. He cares. And that's the greatest thing Malfoy could do for now.

Wiping away her tears, she tried to settle herself and stood up where she was sitting on. She decided to help him out. She won't forgive herself if she just ignores her friend Hermione with their ex-enemy. Well, ex-enemy for her. She doesn't know what Hermione thinks of the "Malfoy" these days.

"Oh crap! What happened to her!" She acted as if she knew nothing. She had to cover up.

"I… I…" Draco stuttered. He wondered how long Ginny was awake. "She… She…"

"She's drunk." Ginny figured, picking up the bottle of wine. "How many glasses did she take?"

"Uhm…" He was panicking already. "Three."

Ginny shook her head. "Well, if you are to date her, remember to not let her take three glasses or more. She'll go hysterical."

Draco just stared at her. He still was shocked with all that happened.

"I know three months isn't that long, and that both of you already passed a week, but if you are to date with a girl, you should know the dos and don'ts." She glanced at him and wondered. He might have dated lots of girls already. Considering when they were still in Hogwarts, lots of girls were clinging on to him. But that didn't matter now, did it? "You have to get to know her and know her limits." She continued and grabbed a Sober Up for Hermione. "Here, let her drink this when she gets home. And remember to let her rest after taking this up. The moment she wakes, she'll be fine." She smiled at him. He just stared at her.

"What about you? We… well, she promised to stay until Seamus arrives." He asked. Ginny was surprised. He was sensitive enough to think of her.

"Well, I can manage a moment or so. He'll be home any minute now." Ginny smiled. "Now go on so she could rest." She waved goodbye.

Draco just nodded and muttered a soft "Thanks" to her before leaving.

Well, let's see if he really does care for my friend. Ginny muttered. She had to be really sure Malfoy could manage her best friend in times like this. He won't be able to force Hermione to date him again if he wouldn't manage now.

Stepping out of Ginny's house made him feel a lot better. His eyes still sore of the sickening color combinations of that house. He swore to himself not to step in that house ever again.

Returning back to his old self, he glanced at the sleeping girl on his back. She looked like hell, brown bags under her eyes, tears still streaking her face. He had to take her home. But the question is: How? He forgot he didn't bring his BMW the way here. He had to take a cab.

After finding one, he settled her beside him. She was sleeping peacefully now.

He stared out of the window and watched little snows falling from the sky. He couldn't help but think what happened a moment ago. Harry Potter… is dead. He muttered to himself. He couldn't believe it. Though he used to think Harry Potter as a weakling, he always sees him as invincible, to the fact that he had actually defeated the greatest horror of all: Voldemort.

Sighing heavily, he glanced at Hermione again and found her sleeping on his shoulder. And with out his prior notice, he wrapped an arm around her.

Observing her carefully, he found a thing glittering around her neck. He slowly took it and stared at it, examining it. It seemed like a ring. An engagement ring.

Damn. He thought. She was engaged to Potter.

"Mmm…" Hermione suddenly moaned and wrapped her arms around Draco's waist. Draco involuntarily gasped and stayed still. She was practically breathing on his neck.

She was intensely close to him. He was never held this close by a girl before. After a moment of calming himself, he breathed freely and wrapped his arms around her too. She needed someone to keep her warm. She needed someone to comfort her. And he wondered if he could be that someone. That someone who could love her.

A/n: Well, see the next chappie please! You'll see my point…

Oh, and please review! I'm sorry I cannot make any personalized notes for now too…

But since Aurum Potestas Est asked a question before that I haven't answered yet, Here's the answer:

Draco calls Hermione 'Granger' because… it's just their habit, if you know what I mean?ü Same as for Hermione.ü

Well, that's it for now.ü