Well, I think I've put it off for long enough…can you guess? YES! Hermione FINDS OUT!

Ok as promised, next chap is up pretty quick…im still sad, but this is a good time passer, plus, I hope you guys won't ditch me.

Malfoy tried to look Hermione in the eyes, but then he couldn't. He looked away uncomfortably, preferring to look at the cracks in the ground. Malfoy shifted his feet, not saying a word, hoping Hermione would give in and leave him alone.

'Please,' a voice whispered to his right. 'Please. It's not me…'

This time, Malfoy looked at Hermione.

'What if it was?' he asked softly, regaining his hope that Hermione would think he was playing. But then, he realized, she wouldn't think that unless he acted like himself…himself? What was that? Oh yeah! Smirk you ass! Smirk!

Malfoy didn't mean to smirk, but he did when he heard what he was saying to himself.

'Oh good. So it's not me?' Hermione asked, watching Malfoy's facial features carefully. To her, nothing seamed to have changed…but that was only on the outside.

Malfoy was excellent at hiding his feelings in public and not having it in plain view. He had had years of practice with his father, pretending he didn't care when his father brought home a wizard or witch and tortured them right before his eyes. He had never let his father see such feelings, knowing what his father thought of such things.

'They are a form of weakness Draco.' Malfoy remembered his father saying once.

And Draco Malfoy never showed weakness. But there were only two people in the world that could see through him. One was his mother, Narcassia Malfoy. (A/n, soz about spelling) Malfoy remembered his mother telling him once that a mother could always see things in their child that others could not. She had also told him that the one person he was destined to be with would be able to see through him. And Malfoy hoped- prayed that that person was not Hermione Granger.

'N-n-no.' Malfoy's voice was croaky and almost rusty.

'Malfoy? Tell me.' Hermione said, looking into his stormy eyes, begging him silently to tell her she wasn't the one he was attracted to.

'I-Why do you want to know Granger?' Malfoy asked, pushing beside her and walking into his room.

'Because I have a feeling.' Hermione said, following him.

'You have a feeling?' Malfoy inquired

'Yes.' Hermione whispered.

Malfoy sat on his bed, facing Hermione.

'What would you do with my answer?' he asked as Hermione sat on his desk chair.

'That would depend on the answer.' Hermione said. 'Just please. Tell me.'

Malfoy thought over his options.

Tell her.

Lie

Walk away

Don't answer her question

Put her in the bloody spot light!

Mmm, well, I'm not really favoring option 1. Lying could work…if I walk away, I'm a coward- no Malfoy walks away! Don't answer her question…mmm, well she'll keep badgering me…Put her in the spot light…but with what?

Lying sounds good.

'You really wanna know?' he asked trying to sound like he was telling her the truth.

'Yes Malfoy. I really wanna know.'

'It's Pansy.'

Hermione choked on the breath of air she had drawn before he told her.

'Your kidding?' Hermione laughed. 'Jesus Malfoy, if you're going to lie, make it a good one!'

'I cant tell you ok?'

'Sure you don't have to Malfoy. But I know the answer already.' Hermione admitted.

'You- you do?' Malfoy asked, fear gripping his throat.

'Aye, yes I do.'

'And who do you think it is Gryffindork?'

'Malfoy, I think it's me.'

Hermione watched him, knowing she was right.

'It is me isn't it?'

'So what if it is?' Malfoy snapped, rising to his feet and pacing.

'I want to know why Malfoy. Why do you like me?'

'In honesty?'

'Yes, in pure honesty.' Hermione stated, folding her hands across her chest.

'Well, in pure honesty, I can't say, because I don't know.' Malfoy stopped pacing to look at her.

'You don't know?'

'Well I do but…'

'Tell me then.'

'You just different. Your smart….well, smarter than me…and a nut to be frank…you're a challenge and a danger…'

'That's it?' Hermione asked, a strange feeling coming over her…a feeling like…pride and happiness- a feeling she never thought she'd feel in any proximity near Malfoy.

'Yep.' Malfoy sighed.

It was then, when Malfoy looked Hermione in the eye, she realized she might have other feelings for Malfoy- besides hatred, disgust, and wish for his sudden and painful death.

These feelings overwhelmed Hermione, and she found it was all of sudden hot and stuffy in Malfoy's room. She smiled slightly as she headed for the open balcony door, breathing in the cold night air.

Malfoy followed Hermione out, where she was looking over the grounds, wondering what she should do.

She felt a hand on her shoulder, and turned around to see Malfoy looking at her.

Hermione smiled again, and then realized how bloody cold it was out there.

Malfoy moved closer to her and touched her shin with his hand.

'But, I'm going out with Ron…' Hermione muttered.

Malfoy at once pulled back.

'You are?'

'Yes. I thought you knew?'

'I feared when I saw you too in the library, but I thought you would have broken it off…'

'Well I do, because I don't love him, but I can't hurt him…he loves me sooo much.' Hermione looked down.

'It's up to you.' Malfoy answered.

'I've never had to do this before…' Hermione whimpered.

'Why don't you tell Weasley the truth?'

'Because the truth hurts.' Hermione smiled. Hermione yawed.

'Your tired, go to bed.' Malfoy said, practically pushing her to her room.

'No I'm fine…' Hermione said, but her second yawn gave her away.

'No your not. Now, see you in the morning.' Malfoy said, before he retreated to his room.

Hermione smiled as she fell asleep.

Hermione was glad when she woke the next morning, as she hadn't had a single dream or "mind movie" that night.

But when she woke, she remembered what Malfoy had said, and what she has to say and do to Ron before something will happen that she knows she'll regret. Forever.

Hermione laid in her bed, letting the sun warm her body as she thought of how she break up with her currant boyfriend.

After an hour, Hermione sighed and threw the covers off her and got up ready for a shower.

When she entered the bathroom, she could barely see as it was completely full of mist.

Hermione walked along the wall, using it like a brail map.

She reached the shower without too much trouble, and hopped in, letting the hot water soak her aching body.

After Hermione was satisfied, she hopped out, and rapped a towel around herself.

Hermione dressed in some faded jeans and a shirt.

She put her hair up in a pony tail and sighed at her reflection.

'What am I doing? Breaking up with Ron over Malfoy?' Hermione rolled her eyes at herself.

'Lord help me.'

Hermione breathed in and out and then headed to the common room.

Malfoy wasn't there, so Hermione walked out of the common room, hope of him helping her decide what to going down the drain.

She walked the castle, kicking her feet and whistling.

'Herms!' Hermione turned around to see Ginny walking to wards her, the biggest smile on her face.

'Hey herms…you ok? You look a bit pale…'

'No Ginny, I'm not ok.' Hermione said, looking on either side of them before pulling Ginny into an empty classroom.

'Herms, what's up?' Ginny asked, peering at her older friend.

'Ginny, you've done this before right?' Hermione asked, fidgeting with her hands.

'Done what Hermione?' Ginny raised an eye brow.

'Break up with people.' Hermione whispered, not looking her in the eye.

'You want to break up with someone?' Ginny considered this, 'Well, your not going out with anyone but- you wanna break up with Ron?' she asked, her eyes widening.

'Well…yes…I do.' Hermione said, looking ashamed.

'I'm proud of you.' Ginny said, sitting back.

'What? Why?' Hermione's head snapped up.

'Because. You learnt it's better to tell him then cheat.' Ginny rose an eye brow. 'Who's the newest edition?'

Hermione laughed timidly 'Well, I don't actually know…'

'Herms.' Ginny adopted an authority voice. 'Tell me.'

'It's well…Malfoy.' The minute Hermione said it, she looked back at her lap, missing the complete look of shock that pasted over Ginny's face.

'Malfoy? As in, Slytherin Prince of Darkness? Draco Malfoy?'

'Yes.' Hermione answered.

'But why?' Ginny said, looking now completely confused.

'Because he likes me and I like him…' Hermione's voice was contort of embarrassment.

Ginny continued to look confused, so Hermione explained what happened.

'And your sure you weren't dreaming this?' Ginny asked, raising an eye brow.

'I'm positive.'

They sat in silence for a minute, and then it was broke by the rumbling of Ginny's stomach.

'Look, I'm starved. We'll talk later ok?' Ginny asked.

Hermione nodded.

'Ok. And, word to the wise, don't say anything to Ron until we figure this out.'

Again, Hermione nodded, and followed Ginny to the hall, where it was buzzing with students talking and laughing.

Hermione sat next to Ginny when they where near Harry and Ron, and only greeted the boys, before her stomach argued with her, and she began to eat.

'Hey herms, can you help me later on?' Harry asked.

'Sure Harry, with what exactly?'

'Essay for Snape.' Harry answered.

'Harry! That's due tomorrow!' Hermione exclaimed.

'I know. that's why I'm doing it today…' he was TOTALLY missing Hermione's point of not doing it spaced out… Ahh well. Thank god he had Hermione.

'Fine, but if you ever, ever leave an essay this late again, by word, I will not help you.'

'Fine fine fine.' Harry said, waving his hand dismissively.

Hermione glared at him before returning to her food.

After she was done, Ginny asked for her help in the library.

'Oh, do you need help too Ginny?' Harry asked when Ginny and Hermione got up.

'Er… yeah…' Ginny said.

'Oh cool. Herms, you can help me now!' Harry said, getting to his feet.

'No, Harry, I'll help you later. This is another assignment, and it would be too hard to do two different ones for different grades and people at once.' Hermione said. 'I'll help you later.'

Harry nodded and sat back down, while Hermione and Ginny left the hall and walked to the library.

When they entered, they saw Madam Pince watching carefully as they handled her precious books.

Hermione pretended to be searching for something in a book for Ginny, while Ginny herself wrote on a piece of parchment.

She had to pieces. One was written with scribbled notes for an "essay", the other was all the things they could do for Hermione to break up with Ron without him committing suicide.

'It's really cruel but.' Hermione said for the hundredth time.

'What's cruel?' Ginny asked, sighing.

'Breaking up with him, then going out with Malfoy…it would hurt him sooo bad.' Hermione dropped the book, and hit her head on the desk. Over and over again.

'You know, your not going to be different reasons why I like you if you mangle your face.'

Hermione looked up from the desk, to see Malfoy there behind Ginny, smirking.

The head girl managed a strained smile.

'Hello.' she said.

Ginny, who was so content with writing things down for Hermione, hadn't heard Malfoy's voice. Though, when she saw Malfoy suddenly appear behind Hermione, she snuffled a scream.

'Oh god, don't do that Malfoy!' she said, after she looked worriedly over at Madam Pince, who was glaring at them.

'Sorry weaslette.' Malfoy smirked.

Ginny glared, before returning to her list.

'What are you doing?' Malfoy asked, reading the book over Hermione's shoulder.

'An essay.' Hermione said, as Madam Pince came over, carrying a book.

'Really?' Malfoy asked, walking over to Ginny.

'What's this then?' Malfoy asked, pointing to the piece of paper Ginny failed to hide quickly enough.

'Just something.' Ginny blushed as Malfoy bent closer to read it.

Madam Pince was watching them like a hawk.

'Mmm, yes it is something.' Malfoy smirked.

Hermione, noticed that Madam Pince was doing something close to eavesdropping, kicked Malfoy under the table, and nodded towards madam Pince when he looked at her, his face contort of mock pain.

Hermione smiled to herself and returned to her book.

Malfoy got the hint, and sat next to Ginny, who was tomato red, and pulled out the piece of paper that had the notes for the essay on it.

'I think that's wrong.' Malfoy said, smirking as he read the paper.

'What?' Hermione said, reaching across the table for the parchment.

'There.' Malfoy pointed with his finger.

'Oh yeah.' Hermione said, before she got her quill and fixed the "mistake."

After ten minutes of watching Malfoy, Ginny and Hermione, Madam Pince had to turn her attention to three other people who just walked in.

Hermione saw this, and started speaking in low voices to Ginny.

Malfoy felt quiet left out, (not really, cause he could hear every bloody word) so be nice (OMG!) he got the book Hermione had, and asked her what other book to get.

Hermione gave him a name, and he went off to find it, while returning the book he currently had.

Ginny and Hermione took the opportunity to talk quickly about Ron and Hermione's problem.

'Well, I think it's better to tell him the truth.' Ginny kept saying.

'I know, but the truth hurts.' Hermione would reply.

After a minute, Malfoy returned with another book.

'Thanks.' Hermione said, taking it and opening it to begin reading.

Twenty minutes pasted, and Hermione and Ginny didn't want to pretend to do any more essays. So, they packed up, Malfoy returning the books for them, while Hermione and Ginny collected the pieces of parchment.

The girls waited for Malfoy outside the library, and he appeared moments later.

'Where to now?' Ginny asked, stuffing her hands in her jean pockets.

'The lake?' Hermione suggested.

'Well, you two can, but I'll skip.' Malfoy said.

'Why?' Hermione asked.

'Well, Potter and Weasley will see you out there if they're looking for you, and it would be a BIG problem if they saw me sitting there.' Malfoy said. Then he smirked.

'I just don't want to hurt them on this beautiful sunny day.'

Ginny and Hermione laughed.

'Once a stuck up Slytherin, always a stuck up Slytherin.' Hermione smiled sweetly.

'You complement me Granger.' Malfoy said, before walking in another direction.

'Come on.' Hermione said, as she and Ginny walked to the entrance hall.

They walked out into the sunlight, the grounds overflowing with students, all enjoying the sun lights, rays.

Hermione and Ginny made for the lake, where most students where sitting by, the brave and stupid sticking the toes and feet into the freezing lake.

The girls found a nice spot, under an oak tree, that wasn't far from the tree they had their picnic the other night.

They had a prime spot, the lake, and the students around it, the grounds, speckled with groups of people, nice views of the forest, they where even protected from the more dangerous rays of the burning ball of fire above them…perfect.

Hermione looked around, to make sure anyone who could do damage if they heard the conversation wasn't near by, or in earshot. Then the conversation began.

'I'm just so confused.' Hermione said, looking at the lake.

'I think you should tell him straight up, not sugar on top, just the plain cake.'

Hermione looked at Ginny before laughing.

'Hey, I read it somewhere.' Ginny snapped in her defense, before her mind replayed what she said and sounded like. She joined in with the laughing, before regaining her composure.

'What do you think Harry will say?' Hermione asked.

'I dunno. He's a hard one. Ron is easier to predict.'

Hermione gulped. 'And what do you think he'll say?' Hermione asked.

'Well, if he has really deep feelings for you, he'll take it hard, and might not talk to you for a while, then when he does, it wont be the same for a few months. If he likes you, but he isn't that deep, he might be hurt for a week, but that would be better than not talking to you for god knows how long. If he feels the same way about you, well, your in luck. Cause then, he can break it up, and you wont feel as guilty.' Ginny's answer was dripping with truth. And Hermione hated it.

'So, really, you don't know?' Hermione asked, again fidgeting with her hands.

'Well…yes.'

Hermione sighed and checked her watch- she forgot to put it on!

'Damn.' she said.

'What?' Ginny asked.

'You have the time?' she asked.

'No why?'

Hermione got up, and looked around at the people close by.

'Excuse me?' Hermione asked a smaller girl.

'Yes?' she spoke politely as she turned to face Hermione.

'I'm sorry to bother you, but have you got the time?'

'Yeah, it's around 2.' the girl looked at Hermione closer. 'Your Harry Potter's friend aren't you?'

Hermione smiled. 'Yes, I am.'

'Thankyou.'

Hermione walked back over to Ginny, and told her the time.

'I better go and find Harry and help him with his essay.' Hermione said.

'Ok, see you at dinner.' Ginny said, as she sat back down at the base of the tree.

Hermione smiled and headed off across the grounds to the castle.

Mmm, where would Harry be? Hermione asked herself as she entered the cool castle.

Common room.

Hermione headed for the Gryffindor common room, to find Ron there, no Harry.

'Where's Harry?' Hermione asked.

'Oh, hey Hermione.' Ron was playing chess with dean. 'He's er…up in the dorms I think.'

'Ok, thanks Ron.' Hermione smiled and headed for the boys dormitory.

She knocked, and entered when Harry responded.

'Hey Hermione!' he smiled.

'You want to do the essay now?' Hermione asked.

'Sure.' Harry's voice was dripped with sarcasm.

Hermione laughed and turned and said she'd meet him in the library.

Harry walked into the library three minutes after Hermione sat down.

'Ok, now, this book helped me a lot.' Hermione said when he joined her.

'Cool, we'll start there.' Harry said, forcing happiness in his voice.

Hermione smiled and headed for a shelf that she remembered the book in question waiting.

She scanned the spines of the books, looking for a title that was in her head…there!

Hermione pulled the aged book from the shelf and headed back over to Harry, who was playing with his quill.

'Here. Begin reading.' Hermione thumped the book on the table in front of him.

Harry jumped, saw the book, and its size, and groaned.

'Are you serious?' Harry asked.

'Yes. I said I'd help , not do it for you.' Hermione smiled.

Harry continued to look like a pouting baby, so Hermione gave him some page numbers to try.

Harry grinned, and flipped to the pages Hermione gave him.

Hermione shook her head, and got another book off the shelf to keep her busy while Harry fumed over his essay.

'What the hell is wrong?' Hermione asked, seeing Harry beat his head on the table.

'I can't do this!'

'Oh, that's rubbish! Of course you can!'

'No, I'm serious, I can't.'

'Harry, what cant you do?' Hermione asked, putting her book down.

'This!' Harry threw down his quill in frustration.

Hermione rolled her eyes, and got up to stand behind him.

'Well, have you read this part?' Hermione asked, pointing a paragraph on the page.

'Yes!' Harry said dismissively, and then he looked. 'No.'

'Well, read it. It will answer the rest of the essay.' Hermione smiled before sitting down again.

One hour later, Harry was finished, and Hermione had read 3 books.

'Ok, that'll shut up old greasy!' Harry said evilly as he rolled up the parchment.

Hermione gave him a look, but sighed and put the books away.

They walked out of the library five minutes later, and headed for the Gryffindor common room.

Ron, Ginny and dean where sitting together, the boys playing chess, Ginny curled up watching.

Hermione smiled, and sat next to Ginny.

Ginny yawned, and sat up, allowing Hermione to sit properly.

'Hey!' Ron yelled, when on of dean's pawn killed his knight.

'Ha, it's in the rules.' Dean smiled.

Ron glared, and continued play.

Hermione looked at him closely, trying to imagine what his reaction will be.

Finally, Ginny shook her.

'Herms? Herms! Snap out of it! It's time for dinner.'

Hermione nodded and got up to follow Ginny from the now deserted common room.

The hall was full of people eating and talking when Hermione and Ginny entered.

Harry and Ron called over to them, and they slowly walked over to them.

Hermione kept replaying the conversation that she and Ginny had had moments ago on their way down.

Flash back

'Well, I know I've said it over and over again, but you have to tell him the truth.' Ginny said.

'Yeah, I know, but when?'

'How about after dinner? Ask him to go for a walk or something.' Ginny suggested.

'Yeah ok. But what will I say?' Hermione said rounding a corner.

'The truth for a starters.' Ginny smiled.

'Shut up, I know that much' Hermione was becoming touchy as they approached the hall.

'Ok…well, say something cunning.'

'That doesn't help!'

'Well, what ever you do, don't-'

but Ginny's warning was cut short when an oily voice spoke behind them.

'And just where do you think you two are heading off too?'

Hermione and Ginny turned around slowly to see Professor Snape standing there looking from one to the other, a grin on his face.

'Heading to dinner.' Ginny said, as Hermione couldn't think of anything to say.

'Well, I suggest you head to dinner.' Snape barked.

Ginny nodded, and they continued walking.

'What was your warning?' Hermione asked as they approached the hall, where a group of loud girls where gathered.

'Don't…him…you…a…crush…Malfoy…he…likes…and…you…him.' Hermione only caught bits of it, as the sounds of the girls became closer and she was fading in and out as she was getting worried.

'What?' Hermione called.

Ginny put her hand to her ear, telling Hermione that she didn't hear her.

They pasted the girls and Hermione became more and more nervous.

When they where in the hall, Hermione asked Ginny what she said.

'Don't tell him you have a crush on Malfoy and that he likes you and you like him. That, would be most unwise.'

Hermione nodded, and saw Harry and Ron signaling them over.

End of Flashback.

Don't tell him anything about Malfoy...Dont tell him anything about Malfoy… Hermione kept repeating the words in her head.

When they reached the boys, Hermione was sweating from nerves.

'Herms? You ok?' Ron put an arm around Hermione's shoulders.

That almost made her want to cry.

'I'm fine.' She managed to squeak out.

As dinner progressed, Hermione was fidgeting more, and was sweating and kept flicking her eyes between Ron and Malfoy.


Ferret better be worth this Hermione thought as she tapped Ron on the shoulder.

'Ron, can I talk to you?' Hermione asked quietly.

Ron rose an eye brow, but followed her out of the hall and out into the grounds.

They walked along the lake, neither saying a word.

'So Hermione, what did you want?' Ron asked,

Hermione stopped walking and looked Ron in the eye.

Ferret most definitely better be worth this!

BOM BOM BOM!

hahaha like it?

Well, it wont be long before I update, I promise!

Ok, I promise to update soon, if I make 100 reviews. Deal?

DEAL!

so review!

aj