I apologize for the slight delay, as I've had some problems uploading the next chapter. But here you are. Longest one yet, but I promise you it's worth it. Along with the next chapter, I shall be posting a couple one shots, that are related to each other, but can be read on their own.
Otherwise, enjoy the chapter!

Chapter Five: Dirty Little Secret

Who has to know
When we live such fragile lives
It's the best way we survive
I go around a time or two
Just to waste my time with you

Tell me all that you've thrown away
Find out games you don't wanna play
You are the only one that needs to know

I'll keep you my dirty little secret
Don't tell anyone or you'll be just another regret

Hope that you can keep it
My dirty little secret

-"Dirty Little Secrets": The All-American Rejects

Leaning back on his bed, Draco looked out the window. Sunlight was slowly attempting its way into the room. It was probably six something in the morning. He tucked his arms behind his head, closing his eyes. He had tossed and turned nearly all night. Thinking about the stupid Head Girl. She had confounded him ever since he had overheard her defend him in front of Potter and Weasley, of all people. Her two best friends. He wasn't sure why she had. It didn't really cause her to be any nicer to him. Their truce was a result of Dumbledore, not her. Although she certainly did seem to be less catty now.

And last night…she had undoubtedly liked him so close to her. And…he had liked being close to her too. Which was what was causing him to be so annoyed. He shouldn't like spending any sort of time with a mudblood. But with his father's passing…he was coming to realize more and more what things were really his father's. His father's ideas. His father's words.

Mudblood.

Granger.

Hermione.

He swung his legs over the side of the bed, getting to his feet and snatching robes before going into the bathroom. It was too early for Granger to be up, so he got a chance to have it first.

Hermione could hear Malfoy going into the bathroom next to her, and the shower start up. She sighed unhappily. She had been hoping to get an early start in the bathroom, but apparently it would not happen today.

She had not slept. Under her eyes were dark circles, causing her face to look very pale. She sat up in her bed, looking out the window at the sun rising. Drawing her knees to her chest, she pondered for the umpteenth time what was going on with her and Malfoy. She had tried to convince herself early on that there was no her and Malfoy. And there wasn't, truly. But something was definitely going on. And she didn't like it. Or did she?

She grumbled and got off the bed, setting out clothes and grabbing a book to read while she waited for Malfoy to finish up in the bathroom.

Draco glanced up from his spot at the desk to see Hermione come out of the bathroom in her robes. Checking over homework was not enough to distract him from listening to her while she took a shower. He heard her go in almost the instant he had left. That had surprised him, since he thought she was still asleep. Now he took in her appearance rapidly.

"Merlin, Granger!" He exclaimed, standing abruptly. She looked like she hadn't slept at all. Her face was pale, except the area under her eyes which looked like she had taken soot from the fireplace and rubbed on the skin underneath her eyes furiously.

Her hazel eyes met his and he took a step forward. "Did something keep you up last night?" he asked softly, already quite sure it was the incident the night before that had also kept him up. But he didn't look as bad as her. He was used to missing some sleep.

"Yes." She grumbled, ignoring his concerned look and grabbing her bag from its spot near the couch. She started towards the portrait hole, but Draco cut her off. "Do you need something Malfoy?" she demanded furiously. He tilted his head at her. She blinked. Maybe he was nicer in the morning. She hadn't really talked to him so early before today. "Malfoy, I have to go to the Great Hall. Is there something-"

"Granger…about last night…" He started, already hating the way he sounded. He was going to try and comfort her. Why? But that didn't stop him from continuing. Hermione crossed her arms. "I know that I stepped out of line." He mumbled. Hermione's gaze softened as she realized what Draco Malfoy was doing. He was apologizing. At least as much as he could. A light smile touched her face and Draco relaxed.

"Yes you did. But…let's forget about it." She said, attempting to go around him to the painting. He grabbed her arm lightly and she looked at him in surprise.

"Granger, I heard you defend me in the Great Hall the first day. Why did you?" He asked softly. She looked at the floor. Why did he have to find that out? It was bad enough what she had done. And in front of Harry and Ron no less. She let out a sigh. Malfoy was quiet, waiting.

"Malfoy…I…on the train, when I went to the Heads' compartment…I didn't come in immediately." She stopped, squeezing her eyes shut. Malfoy was confused, but as he still had his hand on her arm, he felt her tremble slightly. His eyes flickered in revelation. She was scared. Hermione Granger was scared.

"What happened?" He inquired gently. She sighed again.

"I heard you. Talking to yourself."

"Um. Okay?" He was slightly baffled. Why was she scared about that? A lot of people talked to themselves. It wasn't scary. Unless she thought he was insane.

"You were talking about your mum…you were worried…about her…" mumbled Hermione, trying to pull away. Draco knew she would run, so he tightened his grip automatically on her arm and she stopped again, not fighting him. He thought for a moment.

"I was-am worried about her." He stated hesitantly. Hermione finally met his gaze, and now he could plainly see the fear in her wide eyes.

"I figured you wouldn't want anyone to know that. That's why you were whispering about it to yourself in an empty train compartment." Well, she was right on that matter, "I didn't tell anyone. I didn't think that I should even have known…" She said in a rush. He looked at her, his expression unreadable. She was becoming more and more nervous, and fearful. "I won't tell anyone. I promise." She said quickly. Draco suddenly smiled at her, which only made her a bit more scared.

"Oh. I understand now. You think I'm going to do something because you've seen me actually care about someone." He said, still smiling. She looked back at the floor, nodding slightly.

Without thinking, he pulled her into a minor hug. She flinched until she realized he wasn't trying to hurt her. Then she looked up at him aghast.

"Malfoy-"

"You shouldn't be scared of me. You never were before." He said firmly. She blushed faintly.

"Ah…yes." She murmured. He released her and took a step back. She paused before turning to open the portrait. He watched her until it swung shut behind her, then he went to sit on the couch.

"Are you alright, love?" asked Artemis as Hermione stopped for a moment to compose herself before going to the Great Hall. The brunette looked at the goddess with a slight smile.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Thanks for your concern."

"Things seem to be going well with you and Mr. Malfoy from what I could hear before your fight last night, and when you patched it up this morning…" she said, her face carefully blank. Hermione blinked, misinterpreting it.

"Um. Yes. I suppose. But…I'm with Ron. I mean, I know you might not understand, not liking men and all-"

"Excuse me?" asked Artemis, looking at Hermione in astonishment.

"Uh…that's what Malfoy told me…that you…liked…girls…"

"I do like girls. But I also like boys. I see no reason why love needs to be defined by gender."

"So…you're bisexual?"

"Again, I don't like putting labels on it. Ancient Greeks didn't put labels on love either. I like who I like. I love who I love. Remember the saying, 'Love is blind?'" said Artemis, smiling. Hermione tilted her head a moment.

"I suppose I can agree with that logic. I've only showed interest towards males…but uh…"

"Good morning my darling Artemis!" said Apollo, strolling into the picture, "Sorry I didn't come back last night. I had quite the night with this princess down by Hufflepuf-" He stopped, seeing Hermione and smiling widely, "Good morning Miss Granger. How is that Head Boy treating you currently?" He asked casually, glancing at Artemis for a moment. Hermione shrugged, trying to hide her curiosity as to why this painting was so interested in her relationship with Malfoy.

"It's fine. Not great, but better than it has been." She said, before she said goodbye and walked towards the Great Hall. Apollo looked at Artemis suspiciously, who was smiling dreamily.

"So close they were last night…and this morning."

"To what!"

"Admitting something. Or kissing. Anything! The charm is making the Head Boy a little less…restrained. But Miss Granger is still very hesitant!" she said, suddenly angry. Apollo leaned back against a tree, strumming slightly on his instrument.

"Want me to play your frustrations away?" he asked, his voice honestly concerned and without its normal arrogance. She sunk down near a pond and smiled at her brother.

"Apollo, you and your lyre are amazing. Yes, I would love for you to play for me."

Meanwhile, back in the common room…

"What the bloody hell was that?" He said, though the curses sounded strange, with his tone being soft and wondering. He couldn't understand how he was suddenly so much nicer to her.

Fine. He could admit he was attracted to her. A little. But not enough to change his entire treatment of her. There was something else at work here.

Letting out a heavy sigh, he closed his eyes and tried to relax. Being nice to Granger somehow made him feel exhilarated. He needed to calm down before going to the Great Hall for breakfast. Either that or make up some excuse as to why it looked like he had just killed an army of giants. Perhaps the latter.

"Hermione!" gasped Ginny, looking at the girl as she appeared in the Great Hall. Only the Weasley girl and a couple other students were present. It was still rather early. "What happened? You look like you didn't sleep at all!"

"I didn't" murmured Hermione, sitting next to the girl.

"Why?" asked Ginny, a grin appearing, "I thought my brother came back last night…maybe you two met later?"

"No Ginny. Nothing like that."

"Aw. Too bad."

"What are you doing here so early? Without Harry?"

"I had to finish something for Potions, and Harry was…distracting me. So I told him I'd meet him here." She said, grinning wickedly. Hermione rolled her eyes. "Why are you here so early? I mean, this is early even for you."

"Malfoy." She muttered as a response, not expanding, choosing instead to open a Charms book and study it.

"Malfoy caused you to be early?"

"Well, I didn't sleep at all, and then he was…bothering me in the common room, so I left early." That wasn't a total lie.

"Malfoy's are all gits," huffed Ginny.

"Not really." came Hermione's reply, which she hadn't thought about. Again.

"Really? Okay then." said Ginny, not fighting it like the boys had. Though she was very confused. But the youngest Weasley guessed that Hermione probably just didn't realize what Ginny had said. After all, it was early, and Hermione had her nose in a book.

Hermione had never felt a larger compulsion to curse. Loudly. Why did she keep obviously showing that she thought Malfoy wasn't that bad? She knew that she couldn't show a preference for him. She was Hermione Granger. Best friend of the-boy-who-lived. A mudblood in Malfoy's eyes. Wasn't she?

But she did remember him trying to comfort her this morning and faltered, thinking otherwise now. She might not be a mudblood to him anymore.

"Now let us see who shall be partners…" murmured Snape menacingly from the front of the classroom. The Gryffindors and Slytherins were in double Potions, and Professor Snape had just decided to have them create a complicated potion with new partners. That he would announce himself. "Alright, let's start out with the end of the alphabet. Zabini, you will be with Granger. Granger, try not to let the 7th year with the lowest grade in my class in years screw up your potion." Hermione winced. She didn't want to work with Blaise Zabini. He was…an idiot, to put it lightly. He had barely made it to 7th year! She fumed, not listening to the other groups.

"Well, Granger. Looks like I'm the lucky one of this pairing."

She looked up to see Blaise smirking down at her, before the dark haired Italian took a seat. She frowned at him.

"You will be doing work Zabini." She hissed, and his grin widened as he saluted. She glanced around the room, and froze, horrified. Ron was with Malfoy. And they were glaring furiously at each other. Blaise followed her gaze and let out a light chuckle.

"Well, I'm sure it wouldn't be as bad as Potter being paired with Draco." He said with amusement. Hermione wasn't so sure, remembering the envious look last night Malfoy had given her before she left with Ron. "Well, Granger, are you going to worry about your boyfriend all period, or are we actually going to work on this potion?" Hermione forced herself to turn back to Zabini and start arranging ingredients.

"Are you looking at Hermione?" demanded Ron, snapping Draco out of his revelry. He turned cold grey eyes on the Weasley boy.

"Excuse me?" he asked, "I thought we agreed not to speak to each other during this stupid project."

"That was before I caught you staring at my girlfriend." retorted Ron heatedly. Malfoy arched an eyebrow.

"Me? Stare at Granger? I believe you might need glasses. Although I doubt you could afford them." Fortunately, Malfoy was very adept at lying, or he might have looked like a prat, stuttering for an excuse.

He had been watching Hermione. She had been patiently trying to explain how to make the potion to the dumbass Blaise, which caused Draco a good deal of enjoyment. Unfortunately, Ron was not focusing on the potion bubbling in their cauldron, and apparently had noticed Malfoy's delight. And assumed it was for a different reason.

"I watched you for almost a minute! You've just been looking at her!" Ron whispered angrily, and Draco sighed.

"Weasley, I believe that we should just finish this potion."

"Oh, wouldn't want to disappoint your precious boyfriend Snape!"

Draco leapt to his feet and looked down at Ron wrathfully. Ron looked back up, slightly fearful.

"Say that again Weasel. I dare you." Draco urged, pulling out his wand. Both Harry and Hermione appeared on the scene instantly, Snape distracted by Neville's latest mistake.

"Malfoy, drop the wand." said Harry, raising his own. Hermione just looked from Draco to Ron, and back to the Slytherin again. Their eyes met and Hermione gave him a pleading look. Malfoy wavered a moment, but lowered his wand. Harry followed, but now Ron was out of his seat, wand pointed directly at Malfoy.

"I saw that!" He yelled, and now Snape looked up from where he was insulting Neville. Harry started to say something, as Hermione stepped forward to calm Ron down. However, Ron spun around to face Hermione, glaring at her. She froze and looked at him, perplexed. "I saw it!" he insisted, and Hermione tilted her head.

"Ron, what are you talking about?"

"What is going on here? Ten points from Gryffindor. Twenty if you do not return to your seats." said Snape menacingly. Harry glanced nervously at the professor, but the other three students ignored him.

"I'm talking about you and Malfoy!" cried Ron, his wand still raised. He had been pointing it at Draco, but when he turned towards Hermione, he had naturally moved his arm too, so now the weapon pointed directly at her. Malfoy's eyes darkened as he noticed this and he prepared to lift his wand up and hex Weasley into oblivion, when Hermione spoke up quietly.

"Ron. Why are you pointing a wand at me?"

This caught almost the entire class's attention, including Harry's, and the raven haired boy was now looking at Ron with utter astonishment. Snape was quiet with surprise too. Ron blinked, looking down at his wand and back up at Hermione. She stood silently, looking at him almost sadly.

"Hermione, just tell me what is going on with Malfoy. I am not stupid! I've seen the looks you two give each other!" He yelled, and Hermione winced. She tried to put on a brave front.

"What looks, Ron?"

"Well, Malfoy's been staring at you, and you amazingly get him to lower his wand with some look. And you were defending him when we first got here! It all makes sense now!" He continued savagely. Draco willed himself not to look at Hermione, and for once, it worked. "We're supposed to be together Hermione!"

"Sit down. I will take away fifty points if you do not sit down immediately. Continue your ridiculous fight after class." said Snape coolly. Harry returned to his seat at once. Hermione gave Ron another sorrowful look before she joined Blaise back at their cauldron. Ron shoved his wand back into his robes and sank into his seat. Draco sat down gingerly, resisting another urge to look at Hermione.

"This isn't over Malfoy." Ron mumbled out of the corner of his mouth. Draco snorted lightly.

"Of course it isn't Weasel. Granger's pissed at you."

"She isn't mad."

"Ah. My mistake. You seem to be right. She isn't mad, she's depressed. You know why, Weasel?" Silence. "It's because you pointed a wand. At your own girlfriend. For some stupid assumption you made. This isn't going to end well, and you know it. I think Potter's the one mad at you."

Ron snuck a glance at Harry to see the famous wizard glaring back. Oh yes. The boy-who-lived was very mad. At Ron. And why wouldn't he be? Ronald Weasley had just pointed a wand at Hermione Granger. His own girlfriend. Malfoy was right.

Malfoy was relieved. It seemed that Ron was now too horrified to remember his accusations. Which was good, since they were correct. Every single one of them. Draco still couldn't believe the flaming haired idiot had stuck his wand in Hermione's face. And what made him really nervous was the instant feeling of rage, and the thought of stepping in front of Granger gallantly and hexing Weasel into the next century. The stupid mud-Granger was growing on him. Why the hell was that?

"Well Granger. Seems your boyfriend was rather miffed at you."

"Shut up Zabini and finish the potion." Hermione snapped in return, looking down at her book in an attempt to look occupied.

Had Ron just pointed his wand at her? She was mortified. Even if he thought something was going on between her and Malfoy, she wouldn't think he would do such a thing. Harry never would. In fact, she knew her other (or was it current?) best friend was very angry with Ron indeed. She refused to look over at Ron. Or Malfoy. Nothing was going on between them anyway.

"Nothing." She reaffirmed firmly out loud, causing Blaise to give her a puzzled look. "He's just imagining things. Stupid git."

"Um. Are you talking to yourself?" asked Zabini warily.

"No!" claimed Hermione quickly. She did not talk to herself. Not like Malfoy did…Malfoy…

Blaise jumped almost a foot in the air when he heard Hermione slam her hand on the table. Looking at her fearfully, he found she wasn't mad at him. She was still looking down with glazed eyes.

"Do not. No thinking about Malfoy." He heard her whispered decisively. He smiled, realizing what her dilemma was about. Perhaps her boyfriend was right. Though Blaise couldn't imagine Draco having any interest in Granger. Unless the cold-blooded Slytherin was changing…

This made Blaise think for a moment. He wasn't as stupid as everyone thought. In fact, he was highly intelligent. But his normal life, including schoolwork, suffered with his secret. That Granger might be able to help with…

Hermione gathered her stuff together slowly, waving Blaise away when he asked if she needed any help.

"Hey Hermione…" came a soft male voice.

She glanced up to see Harry looking at her kindly. She looked at him a minute, telling herself to brush him off, that she didn't need his pity, when he stepped closer and grabbed her bag. "Let me walk you to your dorm room, okay?" He said, in such a way that Hermione knew he wouldn't take no for an answer. And she was grateful.

She picked up her last couple books, and followed Harry out of the room, ignoring a couple questioning looks from fellow Gryffindors. Harry was silent for a couple minutes on their walk, and Hermione had the feeling he was waiting for her to talk. Good old Harry.

"Um…about Ron…" she mumbled. He glanced at her for a second, but then looked away, knowing she didn't want him to be staring at her. "He…wasn't really trying to hurt me or anything." She said. Harry stopped and turned to her.

"Hermione," He started, looking at her with some annoyance, "You and Ron are my best friends. My first friends…But what Ron did…I don't understand it. I would never…"

"I know that Harry! I know you wouldn't. But…Ron…" She paused, "Harry, what if you thought Ginny was seeing someone behind your back?" she asked, instantly berating herself mentally for saying such a thing. Harry gazed at her, stunned.

"'Mione, I don't think it's the same…"

"Yes it is! Ronald thinks I am doing something with Malfoy behind his back! Which I am most certainly not!"

"I know you aren't, Hermione…" Harry said patiently. Hermione took a deep breath. She thought she was getting hysterical. Going insane. Trying to defend Ron. He pointed a wand at her for Merlin's sake! But somehow, she understood what was going through Ron's mind. And he hadn't meant to point it at her. He was just shell-shocked by what he thought was going on with her and Malfoy. Thought.

"But that doesn't mean that Ron had a good reason to shove his wand in your face." Harry said.

"Harry, he didn't 'shove it in my face.' He turned and just…didn't think." Hermione tried to reason miserably.

"Alright, fine. But he also was accusing you of ridiculous things, and didn't lower his wand immediately after realizing what he was doing!" Harry protested, before biting his lip and sighed, starting to walk again. The saddened girl followed obediently. They reached the Heads' dormitory, and both Artemis and Apollo were asleep. Harry glanced at them worriedly, before he turned back to Hermione.

"I don't know if I can…" She started, and Harry set her stuff down and stepped forward, hugging her tightly.

"Ron'll come around…" he whispered, "And I'll make sure it's him who apologizes. Grovels, if I have anything to say about it." He muttered half into her shoulder, causing her to giggle slightly.

"Harry, you don't have to…I can sort it out myself." She said, pulling away. Harry looked at her carefully.

"Yes. But you've always helped me sort things out. I figured it my turn to help you." She blinked back tears, suddenly touched.

"Oh, Harry. Thank you…" She murmured, smiling at him. He smiled back.

"No problem. It'll take both of us to convince Ron of his prat-ness." This brought an actual chuckle from Hermione's lips, and she bent over to pick up her bag, shoving the few books she was carrying into its depths. Straightening up, she was about to say goodbye to Harry when she caught sight of someone over his shoulder.

"Malfoy!" she said in surprise, and Harry spun around to see his arch-nemesis sauntering over to the pair.

"Hey Granger, Potter…interesting predicament you got yourself into in Potions. Any particular reason that you're pairing yourself with such a prat? Or do you like the whole, 'wand being pointed at you' thing?" asked Malfoy, looking at Hermione with some contempt. She realized this was a sincere criticism of Ron's behavior, not just a dig at her. Malfoy was actually mad at Ron. She blinked at him, and Harry frowned, not getting this fact of disapproval, obviously.

"Malfoy, why don't you, for once in your entire life, leave Hermione the bloody hell alone." snapped the dark haired male, glaring at Draco. The blonde seemed taken aback. Hermione was about to say something, but Harry turned back to her, and she saw Malfoy shake his head. "Hermione, do you want to stay in Gryffindor tower? Oh wait…Ron…right. Do you want me to ask Ginny to stay with you? I'm sure it would be okay. You guys could come back here after dinner. I would…but…you know. The awkwardness and stuff…" Harry said, blushing. Hermione smiled.

"No that's okay; I'll let you have Ginny. Don't do anything that I'd smack you for though…" she warned, and Harry nodded at her solemnly. "I'll be fine for tonight. I'll see you at dinner…maybe." Harry whispered a kind farewell, before he gave Malfoy one last glare.

"You make her cry or I hear about you being a nasty prat, and I'll hex you so bad, you won't be able to play Quiddich. Ever." He said savagely, and Malfoy just sneered, but made no retort as the boy-who-lived disappeared down the hall. Draco tilted his head at Hermione. She looked back at him silently.

"So…Weasely…is a complete git. When are you dumping him?" He asked, stepping closer. Hermione looked down, shaking her head. "Wait. You aren't dumping him? Granger, he pointed a wand at you!"

"He didn't mean it." She whispered. Malfoy rolled his eyes, heaving a sigh of exasperation.

"Merlin, Granger, I thought you were smart. You are not going to tie yourself to a guy who 'accidentally' threatens you, are you?"

"Oh? Are you suggesting an alternative to Ron?" She asked, giving him a raised eyebrow. He smirked.

"Well, your darling boyfriend already seems to be under the impression that we-"

"Malfoy, do not even say it. There is no 'we'. There will never be a 'we'. You are the Slytherin King…a cold, pure blooded git, hating us 'mudbloods' and sleeping with any female easy and interesting enough."

"And you're the Gryffindor Princess, perfect grades, friends of the boy-who-just-won't-die, and definitely a virgin. So we know stuff about each other. Lovely."

Hermione stomped her foot childishly.

"Malfoy, I do not want to go through this with you! I'm tired of this stupid back and forth bantering!"

"So am I." said Malfoy, stepping up to her and leaning down, kissing her strongly. Hermione almost choked, but managed not to; instead she went against her reasonable mind and melted against him, bag dropping to the floor, and her hands somehow finding their way around his neck and his around her waist. It was Malfoy who pulled back first, though only slightly, his hands still resting on her waist. She stared up at him, in utter shock. He let a grin cross his face. "I think that was a whole lot better than arguing. Right, princess?"

Hermione gulped.

He had just kissed her. And called her princess. What this even Draco Malfoy? Mind you, the princess bit was said with a sarcastic air, so he couldn't have meant it.

She tried to tell her arms to let go of his neck. But they wouldn't. She transferred her gaze to her feet.

"Perhaps we should go inside, in case your darling boyfriend decides to drop by and apologize. Then he'd be right about us."

This was a quick, ice-cold reality check for Hermione. She stepped back, gaping at the guy she had just kissed.

"Ron!" She exclaimed, "He's…he's right!"

"But he doesn't have to know. If you'll move enough for me to open to portrait hole."

"But we'll have to wake up-"

"No sweetie." came a sleepy female voice. Hermione spun around, one arm still attached to Draco's neck, to see Artemis smiling at them. "I was hoping to witness this, and I shall let you two in gladly, without waking my brother and causing an ordeal." She said sweetly, the painting swinging open. Draco slowly and gently guided Hermione into the common room, even putting her bag that she'd dropped down in on a table for her. She stopped, putting her hands down and taking a couple steps backwards. Malfoy looked at her with arched eyebrow.

"Malfoy…we…just…but…Ron…" she said, her voice weak. Draco shrugged.

"What happened, happened. I'm willing to keep it a secret. Whatever, Granger. If you want to keep going around with gormless prats like Weasley, I could really care less."

"Don't be so cruel, Malfoy."

"It's true. And you know it." He said, harshly. Hermione stared at him nervously. He relaxed. "Look, maybe you should just…go unwind before going to the Great Hall for dinner."

"I can't face my friends!" shrieked the girl, her hands flying to her face. Draco sighed with exasperation.

"Or not. We could try and get some food in here. Everyone will just assume it's because you don't want to face Ron."

"I don't! He's in the right now! I'm the cheater, just like he thought!"

"Oh Granger, chill. He threatened you with a wand. You just…had some slight lip contact, nothing more."

They both knew that was a lie.