Okay, so I'm being quite prompt with the next chapter, hope you all are grateful.
This chapter is probably one of the most important in the entire story, also one of the most fun to write. I worked very hard on it, and some important things happen in it. This is also the chapter you find out what the theme is for the dance. I get to combine two of my obessions! Harry Potter and...
Well, you'll see!


Chapter Six: Don't Want Just Anyone

Am I crazy for wanting you?
Baby do you think you could want me too?
I don't wanna waste your time
Do you see things the way I do
I just wanna know if you feel it too
There is nothing left to hide

I don't want another pretty face
I don't want just anyone to hold
I don't want my love to go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul
You're the one I wanna chase
You're the one I wanna hold
I wont let another minute go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul

-"Beautiful Soul": Jesse McCartney

Hermione sat on the couch in her pajamas, which consisted of a t-shirt and shorts. Malfoy had gallantly worn a t-shirt as well, instead of just boxers, but he was currently in his robes trying to get food from the kitchens. Hermione knew he would easily, but he insisted she stay behind and content herself with tea that he had conjured, even though it wasn't really permitted. Hermione had kindly not said anything. She did appreciate the thought. And the tea was nice.

A knock at the entrance.

Who would knock? Malfoy could get in himself, and wouldn't want to bother her. Harry knew he might not see her at dinner, and probably knew to leave her alone. That left one of two possibilities.

Ginny…or…

Ron.

Hermione could ignore it and hope they would go away. She opted for that.

Another knock.

This person was very persistent. Or knew that Hermione could not stand an unanswered door. She dragged herself off the couch and headed to the portrait. If it was Ron, she could always slam the painting in his face. She took a deep breath and opened the portrait slowly.

It was not her best girl friend, nor her boyfriend.

It was Blaise.

She blinked at him and he smiled brightly in return.

"Um…hi Zabini…" she murmured, "Malfoy isn't ah…here at the moment…"

"I'm not here to see Draco anyway. Mind if I come in?" he asked, charmingly. Hermione paused, knowing she was in shorts and a t-shirt, but sighed, stepping aside.

"Alright then."

He clambered in and casually placed himself in one of the chairs. Hermione returned to the couch, pulling a blanket around herself.

"So, Granger. Noticed you were absent at dinner. Gryffindors were a bit worried. But I'm sure that what you were going for."

"I was 'going for' being away from people right now…but you seem to have ruined that plan."

"Yes, well, I just wanted to stop by and say sorry about the thing with your boyfriend and stuff. You and Weasely were uh…very nice together, and stuff. Too bad about him being rather slow on realizing what he's doing.

"Yes Zabini. Amazing as this sounds, you are not really helping."

"Sorry." He said, with incredible sincerity. Then he stood and moved so he was in front of Hermione, standing. She looked up at him warily. He smiled disarmingly. "I actually have something I need to speak with you about." He reached down to grasp her upper arm, pulling her up. The portrait hole swung open.

"Zabini!" yelped Hermione as he dragged her to her feet, trying to pull her along with him. There was a yell and Hermione found herself back on the couch, Zabini being shoved against a wall by Malfoy.

"Whoa, Draco, what are you-"

"What the bloody hell was that Zabini?" hissed Malfoy, glaring at the older boy. Blaise blinked, surprised at the pure fury in Draco's stormy eyes.

"I was just trying to tell Granger something. No need for you to-"

"You touch her, go near her again, and I will…" Malfoy made a violent gesture below the other man's stomach and Blaise winced. Hermione watched wide-eyed, not saying anything. The blonde dragged Zabini to the still open entrance and shoved him out, slamming it shut sharply without another word. He paused, his breathing loudly echoing in the room before he turned slowly to face Hermione, his expression changing from rage to concern. "What did he do?"

"N-nothing…just…grabbed me…you…came in…stopped him…" Hermione said, her voice trembling. Had she just witnessed Malfoy threatening a friend over her? She curled into herself, burying her face in her knees and closing her eyes.

She felt an arm go around her shoulders, and she leaned into it.

"Don't worry about Zabini, he's just…well, he is pretty much flunking out of 7th year…" Malfoy's voice said and Hermione nodded slightly. She could hear him sigh. "I haven't made this day any easier for you. I'm sorry." He whispered and she looked up at him in surprise.

"You've…never…said that…" she said, her astonishment evident. Malfoy smiled slightly.

"Yeah. I haven't, have I? See, Granger, you've reduced me to an apologizing prat."

"Apologizing doesn't make you a prat…" she murmured, scooting closer to him, "Though, you had no reason to apologize for tonight. None of it was really your fault."

"Besides the kiss." corrected Malfoy.

"Besides the kiss." amended Hermione, smiling lightly, "That was very much your fault. But nothing to apologize for."

"Good."

"Ah, still Malfoy to the end."

"Of course I am. I'm not going to reduce myself to a stupid git like Weasley for you, Granger." Hermione ignored the comment on Ron.

"You aren't reducing yourself to anything. And you certainly aren't doing anything for me."

"Right. Sorry. Forgot." He said, amusement in his eyes and voice. Hermione glanced around slowly, her expression becoming curious.

"So, weren't you going to get food or something?" she inquired nonchalantly. Malfoy grinned at her.

"Of course. It'll be up momentarily. You didn't think I would burden myself with transporting food, did you?"

"Shut up, Malfoy. You would never survive on your own without millions."

"I beg to differ."

"Oh really?"

"Yes. I wouldn't be able to survive on my own without billons. And probably a girl." He said, smirking at her. She rolled her eyes.

"At least you admit you monetary and sexual dependence."

"As opposed to yourself, who won't even admit to anything sexual. Or monetary. But mostly sexual." badgered Malfoy, leaning over her sinuously. Hermione flushed bright red, and looked away quickly. She forced her thoughts to be on the possibility of food. Though she wasn't particularly hungry anymore.

Hermione grabbed another piece of parchment, rewetting her quill and poising it above the paper. Malfoy was sitting next to her; in fact, she was almost leaning on him as they finished their plans for the Halloween Dance.

"So…I have this kind of stupid idea for the theme for the dance…" murmured the girl, looking up at Draco. He raised an eyebrow.

"Let's hear this, Granger."

"Have you ever heard of muggle comics?"

"Um. No, not really."

"Like with superheroes and stuff. Spiderman, Batman…etc."

"I've heard of them, but I am not really familiar with them. Why?"

"Well…we could see if we could get some copies circulated around, but I was thinking of an X-men theme…there are so many characters that people could dress up as."

"X-men?"

"Yes." confirmed Hermione, giving him a smile and writing it down on the parchment. "And you are not changing my mind, nor making me write anything else."

Draco gave her a smirk.

"Oh really? I'm thinking I can't promise that unless I get something in return…" he suggested wickedly. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"I thought we agreed to drop that."

"You're the one practically on my lap."

"And you're the one not minding."

"I never said I minded any of this. You did. You and your precious Ronnykins."

"Please don't mention him right now."

"Right, this is a Weasel-free zone." Malfoy amended, looking serious for a moment. Hermione knew better. She set the finished paper on top of the other two, ready for Dumbledore's examination.

"Now we just need to find someone who has the comics." Hermione said, starting to rise. Draco quickly grabbed her around the waist, pulling her back down onto his lap. "Malfoy…" she started, warningly.

"Shh. Just enjoy it…" he whispered, leaning in and kissing her. She couldn't deny that she did. But she pulled away first, getting to her feet and giving him a mock glare.

"Malfoy, you can not do that. I am not a single girl."

"If you can count a boyfriend who tries to hex you." He grumbled before grinning, "I don't think I'm technically single either, though I can never remember." Draco continued nonchalantly, causing Hermione to gasp.

"Malfoy!"

"The point is, Granger. We both know we like this. And don't try to deny it."

"But-"

"You're best friends with Potter, going out, or whatever, with Weasel. I'm a Malfoy…things are complicated. We'll deal with that later. Why not have some fun now? I mean, it is our last year."

"I do believe, Draco, that you are trying to get into my robes." Hermione said jokingly. Draco stared at her, before getting slowly to his feet. His expression was unreadable as he advanced on her and she shrank back slightly. "W-what?"

"Granger…you just said my name…" he mumbled. She blinked at him.

"Um…I've said your name before…"

"Oh no. Not my name. You've said my family's name plenty of times. You just said my name. And a shagging joke. In the same sentence." He growled, now right in front of her.

"I don't think it's that big of a de-" She was cut off by Draco's lips. It was a passionately sensuous kiss and Hermione lifted her hands up, burying them into his silky hair and pulling him closer. When they finally moved apart, both were slightly out of breath. Hermione was flushed and closed her eyes a moment, before she looked at Draco with a grin. "I guess I'll have to say your name more often." Malfoy smiled at her.

"Touché." He murmured, "Now…about those muggle things."

"Comics?"

"Right, let's go dig those up."

They left the room together, though purposely a little ways apart, in case they ran into anyone they knew.

Hermione sighed heavily, glaring at Malfoy for the sixth time that night. So far, they had not found anyone who had X-men comics. Some of the guys, even a couple girls, had comic books in general, but Hermione was very specific about them being X-men comics. Now they were down to the last couple people they could ask. And outside of Gryffindor Tower.

Malfoy was a little nervous, though it was reduced by Hermione being there and the fact that he knew he was on official Head business. Hermione knocked lightly on the painting of the Fat Lady, receiving an arched eyebrow from the large woman. Malfoy stood a couple feet away, shuffling his feet with some irritation. A blonde opened the portrait hole. Hermione blinked at the girl.

"Um…Luna? What are you doing here?" she inquired, trying to be polite.

"I am helping Neville with some homework. Do you need to speak with Harry or Ron?" she asked in her floaty murmur of a voice. Hermione shook her head rapidly as she heard Malfoy snort from behind her.

"Actually…could I…talk to…um…" Hermione took a deep breath, "Could you please ask Dean to come out and talk to me please?" Luna looked a bit confused, but turned obediently and shuffled back into the room. A minute later the mildly handsome face of Dean Thomas, a.k.a. Ginny's "ex" appeared outside the dormitory. He gave Hermione a bewildered look.

"Hey Dean!" she said cheerfully, "Um…Malfoy and myself were wondering if you owned any X-men comic books we might borrow for…planning?"

"Oh yeah!" said Dean brightly, stepping outside of the room, beaming at the girl, "I've got a lot, some varied series. Most are back at home, but I could always get them by owl. How many you need?" His eyes flickered over to Malfoy for an instant, appraising it seemed.

"As many as you've got. If you could get to me within the week, that would be great!" Hermione replied joyfully, happy to have found someone who actually had them.

"If you hold a sec, I could go get some I have here. I doubt you want to come with me, considering I think Ron's in our bedroom." said Dean, winking at the girl. Malfoy glowered and Dean paused a moment looking between the two, before he dashed back inside. As soon as the portrait swung shut, Draco moved behind Hermione, lightly resting his hands on her hips.

"Do not get any ideas about that Gryffindor loser."

"Oh Malfoy, don't even worry. Plus, Ron would have a heart attack if I went out with his sister's ex."

Malfoy grunted slightly, before he leaned down and kissed lightly at her earlobe. Hermione let out a light squeal, getting some nasty disapproving looks from the Fat Lady.

"Malfoy! Stop it!" she hissed, trying to cover a small moan. Draco smirked, but pulled back and stepped away from her as the portrait was flung open and Dean walked out with an enormous handful of comic books. He looked at the flushed Hermione with some question, but she didn't clarify. He pushed the books into her arms roughly, smiling slightly as she attempted to carry them.

Finally Malfoy stepped forward, giving Dean a glare which the Gryffindor frowned at, before grabbing a large portion of the books and grumbling,

"Why do you have so many here…didn't you say that most of your collection was at home?"

"Yes. This is barely a seventh of it." said Dean proudly. Hermione rolled her eyes, though she managed to hide it behind the stack of slippery paper she was carrying. "So…this is for the Halloween Dance right?"

"I thought I said it was for planning…" murmured Hermione, apprehensive. Dean smiled.

"Well, what else would the Heads be planning right now? Don't worry, I won't tell any other students." He said, smirking, "A costumed dance is a great idea though. Glad I could supply the theme…"

"Thank you very much Dean. We'll be able to manage well with these. See you later!" she called, starting down the hallway, Malfoy following. Dean gave the pair one last pensive look before dashing inside.

As soon as they were far enough away, Hermione let out a loud groan.

"Ugh. I didn't think it was actually possible for a boy to own this many comics."

"Well Granger, my complaining arms would say that it is."

"Oh shut up Quiddich player."

"I'm carrying more than you." was Malfoy's retort.

"Yes, but I'm just a weak helpless little girl." She said with a pout.

"Stop it Granger, you're turning me on." He whispered at her wickedly. She shot him a glare, but they reached the Heads' room without further incident.

The sunlight streamed through the window, alighting on the strewn piles of comic books in the common room and Malfoy asleep on the chair, Hermione on the couch. The girl's eyes fluttered and she yawned, sitting up and stretching before she glanced around the room. She blinked a couple times before letting out a scream. Malfoy started, nearly leaping from the chair, and looking at Hermione wide-eyed.

"What time is it!" she said, jumping up from the couch. He stood slowly and shrugged.

"How should I know?"

Hermione looked up at a clock over the fireplace.

"Okay, it's not too late. It's like…a little after 7. If I hurry, I might still be able to catch some breakfast before Transfiguration…" she mumbled, rushing towards her room. Malfoy appeared in front of her before she could reach the door, looking down at her, his eyes half-open.

"You know…you look cute in the morning…" he murmured, leaning down towards her face. She pushed him away, skirting around him.

"Okay Malfoy, first of all, I don't have time for that. Second of all, neither you nor I have brushed our teeth."

"I don't mind a little mudblood breath…"

Hermione stopped in her tracks, turning around.

"Malfoy. If you are in any way interested in me, I must ask you to stop using that word." She said coldly. He stared at her a moment before he dipped his head grandly. She was right. It had just slipped out, and he hadn't meant it.

"You're right, Granger. I apologize. I shall stop using that word. Do I get a kiss for that?"

"No." she replied shortly, disappearing into her room.

"Shit." Was his reply, before he went into his own to dig up clothes. "Then we should take a shower together!" He yelled in the direction of her room.

"Oh, no way, Malfoy! Only in your dreams!" she yelled back.

"It would save time!"

No reply.

Draco smirked, knowing he'd come as close as he ever would to getting into a shower with Hermione Granger.

Taking a deep breath, Hermione made her way to the Gryffindor table. Malfoy had offered to try and get food into the dorm again, but she refused, saying she had to face them sometime. He let her go first in the bathroom, and would probably appear in the Great Hall momentarily.

She sat down slowly next to Ginny, who gave her a soft smile. Harry was next to his adorable girlfriend, Ron on his other side, very quiet and avoiding Hermione's gaze. The brunette reached for her drink and gulped it, before she started to fill her plate.

"So…Hermione…heard that you are in charge of determining everything for the dance. Want to give your bestest girl friend in the whole world a tiny little idea of what's going on?" Ginny asked sweetly. Hermione smiled, shaking her head.

"No Ginny, I can't give it away. I will be revealing some stuff in about a week though."

"But…it's only three weeks until the dance! I need to know what to wear!"

"Don't buy anything until you hear what the theme is." said Hermione, giving the redheaded female and Harry a mysterious grin. The pair looked at each other, but didn't say anything.

Hermione was the first to stand up after breakfast and start walking towards McGonagall's.

"Hermione, um…wait up please." came a familiar soft voice, and Hermione hesitated but slowed her pace a bit for her so-called boyfriend who caught up quickly, "Look…'Mione. I uh…I was wondering if you would walk me tonight around six, so I could talk to you and apologize properly and stuff." He said quietly, shooting Harry a quick look before meeting her gaze pitifully. Hermione bit her lip, breaking easily.

"Okay Ron. I'll meet you by the front entrance at six tonight. But I'll be back at my dormitory by seven, okay?"

"Yeah Hermione, that's fine." said Ron easily, as they reached the Transfiguration classroom and entered. Ron waited a second for Harry, whispering something to the raven haired teen, and Harry nodded slightly, though his face was still stern as he muttered something back. Hermione smiled to herself, knowing Harry was probably getting Ron to grovel, just as he promised. Ron caught Hermione's gaze and they shyly ended up sitting near each other, as some of the tension had been drained.

"I'll be back around…seven or so, okay?" said Hermione quietly, running the brush through her hair again. Malfoy frowned.

"You're going to let Weasley apologize, and then everything will go back to the way it was."

"Yeah, maybe back to normal." said Hermione wistfully, slipping the brush back into its drawer.

The two were in the bathroom they shared, in the evening. Hermione cleaning up for her walk with Ron, and Malfoy sitting on a sink and watching, trying to lecture her out of it.

"Normal? I like the way it's been…" murmured Draco, fixing Hermione with a hard stare. She quickly looked away.

"Malfoy…it would never work-"

"Don't say it, Granger. We haven't even tried it properly. Kissing behind closed doors doesn't count. Maybe we'd actually work out great…" he said, looking up at the ceiling like he did when he was really thinking. Hermione frowned, exhaling loudly.

"Malfoy I…probably wouldn't mind but…"

He jumped lightly down from the sink, stalking over to Hermione. She waited fearlessly, knowing he wouldn't hurt her. Which was almost a strange feeling, but almost a natural one. He backed her into a wall and put his mouth by her ear.

"Granger…don't even try to pretend you don't feel something…" he mumbled, before he dipped his head down and nipped slightly at her neck, making his way up her jaw before he reached her lips, capturing them passionately, nibbling and flicking his tongue against her lower lip occasionally. Hermione mewled slightly, her hands falling to his shirt and using the cloth to pull him closer, and keep herself on her feet. He pulled back and looked her directly in the eyes. "Now, try and say we shouldn't at least try something a little more open…"

"Or a little more…physical?" Hermione whispered, her face red and lips swollen, a slight mark on her neck. Draco glanced at it and smiled.

"Now you're speaking my language…"

"But I have to meet Ron. I'll be back at seven." She said slowly, before she pushed him away gently and went to the door, pulling it open and exiting.

Before she disappeared completely, she blew Draco a kiss. He grinned and leaned back lazily against the wall. This year was turning out nicely.

Hermione stopped in front of the entrance hall, hugging herself. It was rather chilly. She was glad she had grabbed a scarf. Especially once she had discovered the lovely piece of evidence that Malfoy had left for her. Or Ron. She thought that there was a good possibility that the blonde had left the light mark on her neck to cause her trouble with her boyfriend.

"Hey Hermione…" She turned and smiled faintly at the redhead, unconsciously checking her scarf to make sure it was covering…her. "Are you ready?"

"Yeah, let's go." She said, following him outside. Since it was the weekend, the students were allowed outside a little later. Not that it mattered to Hermione, since she would be back in her common room momentarily.

Draco downed his third fire whisky, starting to be a little more than grateful for the crazy relatives he had that sent him booze for his father's death. Though that he still had coherent thought was amazing. One thought that was continuing to run through his head, and had drove him to his current state of inebriation was…

Hermione's state of non-punctuality.

It was approaching eleven thirty, and Draco remembered clearly, or at least he had around eight o'clock that Hermione had plainly said she would be back by seven. When nine rolled around Malfoy had dug out one of his uncle's pity gift of fire whiskey that had been snuck into the school, and was now on his third one.

He had come to the conclusion, an hour and a half ago, that Hermione could only be out so late for one reason.

She was shagging Ronald Weasely senseless.

Draco had tried to reason with himself of the fact that Hermione would not do that.

First of all, she wouldn't shag. Second of all, he hoped to Merlin that she wouldn't shag Weasley. And third, she liked him. Draco Malfoy. Just like she said. She had said something like that, hadn't she? Well, it didn't matter, as Draco knew it was true by her reactions to everything he did.

Normally he didn't get himself so hung up over a girl. In fact, he had never gotten himself so hung up over a girl. But Granger was now driving him to drinking. He cursed loudly, draining the last of the liquid before he heard the portrait hole creak open. The room was pitch-black, as Malfoy was hoping to scare the pants off Granger when she came back. That might cheer him up. Glancing up, he narrowed his eyes to see his roommate's familiar shape climbing into the room, fortunately no Weasel in sight. The animal would be quite dead, had it been. Malfoy set the glass down noiselessly, before he started to creep around behind Hermione.

Hermione wasn't sure whether to call the evening a success or a failure. She had had a very long conversation, that included some serious arguing, with Ron and convinced him that she wanted to hold off for a little while, but eventually she might be willing to "give it another go", and to the best of her knowledge they were back to being good friends, and a couple "on break". She did forgive him.

But the entire night she couldn't get her mind off of Malfoy, and that had made her come to the decision that if she could not stop this thing with Malfoy, she might have to officially break it off with Ron. If only to protect him. Ron that is. Of course Ron.

She stopped a little ways from her room, realizing that someone was behind her. For some reason the room was entirely black and she couldn't see a thing. She slipped her wand out and started to whisper "Lumos" when a sharp, but slurred, "Expelliarmus" came from behind her and her wand arched across the room, disappearing.

"W-who's there?" she said, trembling. The person was now right behind her. Close enough to…

"Ow!" yelped Malfoy from the floor. Hermione knew that cry of pain. She blinked and groped forward, trying to help him up. "Okay, Granger…that's not my hand…" he murmured, his voice sounding strange. Hermione found the required appendage and helped Draco up, blushing slightly.

"Sorry, I thought you were…"

"Jeez…that self-defense class really…" murmured the guy, reaching for his wand and flicking it at the fireplace. Flames appeared and the room was washed in light. Malfoy looked exhausted and extremely irate. And possibly drunk. "Where've you been?" he slurred.

Make that most definitely drunk. Hermione blinked before she put her hands on her hips.

"Have you been drinking?"

"My question first."

"Out with Ron, of course!" she snapped.

"Until almost midnight?" demanded Malfoy, shoving his wand back into his pocket before he pulled what he now considered "a Weasley". "And by the way, yes I've had little…drink…"

"What did you drink? And how much? And Ron and I…just…" Hermione shook her head, not wanting to explain.

"Fire whiskey. Three bottles. Weasel and you what? Shagged?" he said, his voice rising.

"No! We absolutely did not! Three bottles? Good grief Malfoy, do you want to get up tomorrow?"

"I…was worried…" He mumbled, stepping closer, "I thought I'd…lost…" he didn't finish, burying his face in her hair. Hermione blinked, tears suddenly appearing.

"I'm sorry…" she whispered tenderly. Malfoy's arms appeared around her waist and he pulled her insistently towards his room. "Malfoy…no…" she murmured, trying to pull away.

"Just…sleep…" he said, the fatigue obvious in his voice. Hermione hesitated a little, but long enough for Malfoy to awkwardly open his door and bring her inside, closing it behind them. She was about to protest when his lips found hers and she gave up. Yes, he tasted a little bit of whiskey, but it wasn't that bad and what he was doing certainly made up for it.

They tumbled onto the bed and Hermione sighed against him, as his mouth moved down her jaw and neck, biting lightly at the mark from earlier again. He stopped after a couple minutes, pulling Hermione against him and mumbling something.

"What was that?"

"You are mine Hermione." He said roughly. She blinked in surprise, but cuddled against his chest and sighed.

"Okay, whatever you say Draco." She murmured sleepily, falling into dreamland quickly.

Two doors down, the intricate initials of HG sparkled, shimmered, and changed to HM.

So? What did you think? Don't worry, you'll understand the twist soon enough. Like the theme? I wanted to do something interesting and different, and I think it'll be fun to dress up the Harry Potter characters as X-men characters. If you don't know X-men characters, don't worry, it's not a largely important part of this story. It just a little perk for those who do know the comics. (it'll be more based off comics, but if you've seen the movies, or the TV show, you might understand some of it)

I'll update tomorrow most likely, so let me know what you think! (That means REVIEW)