A/N: Lately you guys have been giving me a lot more reviews and I am absolutely thrilled! It's now about 10 per chapter instead of 3, and I'm hoping it keeps increasing. So, I figured that now that I am getting reviews, I might as well respond to the ones that need responding to! Like questions… or a particularly nice comment that makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.

Nat: Thanks for the long review, you bagel you. Love ya!

kavina: I really, really liked your review… it was chock filled with nice complements! Thanks, keep reading!

maddudewalking: I must say, you are awesome! You always leave a very thoughtful review. And I love you for it.

Hermione at 24: Yay! You are back!

thescottishcat: Here's your update!

ON WITH THE STORY!

Chapter 25 – Moonlit Encounters

Hermione took a deep breath and dove into the cool lake, emerging and brushing the wet hair out of her eyes. It was night by now, and the moon shone down on her in pale sliver rays. She often came out here to think, for it was the most peaceful and serene of all places, and as the wind blew and the waves crashed upon the beach, her mind was always clear and focused.

She hadn't had one of these late night thought sessions in a long time… in fact, this was her first since her last year at Hogwarts, and it was much needed considering how hectic the past days had been. What had happened in these past days? It was really all a blur, but what she did know was that there was something going on between her and Malfoy. And, even though she tried to deny it at first, it had been going on for a while now. During the summer there had been a kiss, and then another, and more after that, and every time it ended with her trying to convince herself that he was her enemy and nothing more. But was she wrong? That was yet to be determined. It certainly seemed like he just wanted another meaningless fuck. But you really could never tell with him.

All of a sudden she heard footsteps and hurried voices, and sank into the water so that only her eyes and ears and nose protruded, invisible in the vast darkness.

"Ow, fuck!" It was a male voice, she knew that for sure.

"What is it?" She heard another, more familiar voice call. It was Ginny, but who did the other voice belong to? She waited for him to speak again.

"I stubbed my toe… never mind." She still could not place the voice with a face.

Ginny burst into a fit of laughter. "You are so clumsy!"

"Hey, don't laugh at me!"

"I'm sorry… but quiet down! Someone might hear us… I don't want anyone to find out…"

"Why, are you embarrassed to be seen with me?" He asked, playfully.

"No of course not. But its a lot more fun if we keep it a secret… you know… living on the dangerous side."

"I like how you think, you seductress you."

'What a cheese ball.' Hermione thought to herself.

Ginny giggled once more, and then the distinct noises of two people making out followed.

Hermione grimaced. She had gotten more of a show then she had bargained for. But who was Ginny making out with?

"Oh… Blaise" She moaned.

Bingo.

Hermione couldn't believe what she had just heard. Did Ginny accidently call out the wrong name? Because she was SURE she wouldn't snog Blaise Zabini… Then she thought back to his recent quote. 'you seductress, you.'

Nope, it was defiantly Blaise. How long had THAT been going on? She had always thought herself pretty observant, but… what the hell?

So were Ginny and Blaise an 'Item' or were they much like herself and Draco? When she had participated in her little… escapades with Draco, it seemed like no big deal, she was just caught up in the moment, but now that she was watching… or well… hearing, the two complete opposites swapping spit, it seemed like a much greater deal.

She suddenly felt very out of place… this was a private moment between the two of them, and whether wrong, or right, or just plain weird, she should not be invading it. She slowly began to tread towards the land, but stopped immediately, for every step she took loud sloshing noises could be heard.

Ginny gasped. "What was that?"

"I don't know…" Blaise said in a rushed voice, clearly wanting to resume their past activity. "Does it matter?"

"Yes! I'm scared! What if it's… a shark or something?"

"Are you kidding me? It's not a shark…"

"Haven't you seen jaws? This girl was just taking a moonlit swim when all of a sudden, BAM, her leg was gone!"

"Ginny, this is a lake. A Hogwarts lake. There is no way a shark would be here."

"Ok… but I'm still scared. Let's go back inside."

"But…"

"Please?"

"Okay, okay. Come on."

She heard them begin to walk away, their voices becoming fainter, and fainter, until they were just a whisper, and then completely unheard.

She let out a sigh of relief. "Thank god." She muttered aloud, and rose from the water, grabbing the towel she had conveniently brought and wrapping it around herself. And with that, she treaded back to the castle… her hopes for a peaceful night of thought turning into an unnerving encounter.

XXX

It was around 1 am when Hermione felt another figure slide into the bed next to her. Draco had taken to doing that ever since they had become 'Enemies with Benefits' several days ago. But this time, when he leaned over to kiss her, she dodged it. He looked at her quizzically.

"I saw two people kissing tonight." Se said in monotony.

"Who?" He asked.

"They will remain unnamed."

"What does this have to do with anything?"

"It just made me realize that going off and making out with you is not a thing to be taken lightly. I feel sluttish. I've never been like this before… done ANYTHING like this before."

"There's a first time for everything." He said with a smirk.

"Stop joking. You know you would never go out with me. You only want to shag me and be done with it. But I won't let you do that to me…"

"You know Granger, you are the most unreadable person I've ever met. And I am usually a pretty good judge of character."

"What does that mean?"

"It means you change your mind more than I go through women!"

"Well THAT'S certainly saying something."

"Stop being stupid…"

"Oh so you've reverted back to name calling? Typical Malfoy… way too typical."

"What do you want from me?" He started to raise his voice. "Why are girls so damn complex!" He was yelling now.

"Just because the only wavelength guys can think on is sex doesn't make girls complex."

"Do you want me to ask you on a date? Fine, go on a date with me then! Jesus."

"Haha, VERY funny." She yelled back sarcastically.

"Go on a date with me, since you are SO eager to!"

"I am not eager one bit."

"Seriously Granger," His voice lowered back to normal, and he looked at her. "Go on a date with me."

A/N: Draco asked her out! Is this all starting out too fast for you? Review please!