FLASHBACK

It was the summer Hermione found out she was witch, just a few weeks before her Hogwarts letter came. She was sprawled out on her bedroom floor next to her best friend, a muggle, named Sandy. The two young girls were awake way past bedtime eating the junky, sugary goodies that Sandy had smuggled into the Dentist's home. They had just reached the age that most girls start day dreaming about boys at, and boys had been the main topic of discussion that night.

"Hermione, do we'll ever get married?" Sandy asked, tossing a piece of popcorn in the air and catching it in her mouth. Hermione shrugged.

"You probably will, you're really pretty." Hermione said. She glanced at Sandy who's perfectly straight dirty blond hair fell nicely to about her shoulders, complimenting her elegant features. "But me, I don't think so. I'm 'the beaver' remember?" Hermione said sadly. "The beaver" was what the boys at school had dubbed her.

"But if you could, would you?" Sandy pressed.

"I don't know. I want to do stuff, not just be a mum my whole life."

"What kind of stuff? You mean like driving all by yourself and going to bed when ever you want to?"

"No, like important stuff, things that will help people."

"Oh. Well, what would your perfect boy be like?" Sandy asked. Hermione thought for a couple minutes before answering.

"He wouldn't be a boy, he would be a man. He would be nice, and he would be handsome. He would take me places like to dances or a picnic in the park. He would be very smart, and like to read like me. Maybe we could read to each other sometime, and if I got hurt, or a tummy ache, he would take care of me like my daddy takes care of my mum."

"Wow, he sounds great."

"Yes, but he isn't real. Besides, boys just don't like me." She said with a sigh. Sandy placed her hand on Hermione's shoulder.

"You'll find him Hermione, and you'll just know it's him. Everyone has somebody they are meant to be with. At least that's what my sister says, and she's sixteen, so she knows everything."

"Maybe." Hermione said, but in her head she really doubted Sandy was right.

END OF FLASHBACK

The memory swirled in Hermione's mind as Draco carried her to the hospital wing. She had never seen Sandy again, as they had gone their separate ways when Hermione's life changed dramatically two weeks after their little sleepover. However she still clung to the fond memory, more to remember Sandy than anything else, but now she thought back on what she had said. i He would be a man… /i The way Draco handled all of his father's affairs calmly and maturely, with an air of professionalism came to mind. i He would be handsome… /i Draco was undeniably handsome, and easily one of the most sought after blokes at Hogwarts. i He would take me places like to dances or a picnic in the park… /i She recalled dancing the night away with him at the last ball, and falling asleep with him in a hammock at midday at the beach estate. i He would be very smart… /i Of course Draco was smart, he was Hermione's only intellectual threat in the entire school. And lastly, i He would take care of me… /i He held her in his arms as if she was as light as a feather, down the twisting corridors to the hospital wing.

Draco continued to carry her looking rather pleased with himself, but concerned at the same time. Pushing the doors open with his foot, he carried her over to the nearest bed and gently laid her down on it just as Madam Pomfrey came bustling in.

"Oh my goodness! It's not even breakfast time yet and already students are hurting themselves! What on earth happened to you child?" She asked while preparing a potion for Hermione.

"I fell down some stairs. The lights were out, and I couldn't see very well." Hermione lied.

"Well you must be more careful next time dear, you sure did a number on these legs of yours. Here, drink this. It will take away the pain and swelling." She handed her a goblet of bubbling yellow liquid. Hermione did her best to drink it all, despite its disgusting taste as Madam Pomfrey wrapped a bandage around each knee.

"You will feel a bit stiff but they should be all better by tomorrow, and don't venture into unlighted areas!" Madam Pomfrey yelled after Hermione, who was walking out the door with Draco right behind her. "Kids these days…" she mumbled.

As they walked back up to their common room, Hermione stumbled slightly and Draco instinctively grabbed her by the waist to steady her. She moved away from him and regained her balance then started walking again.

"I don't need you help." She said coldly.

"Hermione, I said I was sorry…"

"No, you didn't say you were sorry. You said you were trying to make things better, but there was no apology in your statement." She interrupted.

"Fine. I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry I stormed out of the studio, I'm sorry I yelled, I'm sorry I can't be bloody perfect, and I'm sorry you're too damn stubborn to see that at least I'm trying to be." He said heatedly. "I know I've been difficult lately," He stared her right in the eyes. "But I'm starting to see that it's not just me. Why are you pulling away from me Hermione? What are you afraid of?" Tears fought ferociously to pour out of her tired eyes, but she did her best to hold them back.

"I'm not afraid."

"Yes, you say that, but why is it that this is the third time I have had to fight to keep you? I'm getting tired of trying to convince you that I love you. If you don't know that by now then maybe this is not worth it like I thought it was." His sharp words dripped with truth, no matter how much she tried to contradict them.

"Is it?" She said in a barely audible whisper.

"Is what it?"

"Worth it. Is it worth it?"

"Yes you are." He replied softly. His face softened and he moved closer to hug her, but she dodged him.

"I'm sorry. I need to… just think about something." She rushed past him back up to the Head's room. Turning his back to her fleeing body, he walked in the opposite direction towards the Great Hall for breakfast.

Up in her room, she advanced to her desk and opened the bottom drawer and lifted up a stack of heavy parchment. Underneath all of the jumbled paper there was a cream colored official-looking envelope. Withdrawing it from its hiding place, she pulled out the contents. She had already opened it before, and she knew what it contained, but ever since its arrival two days ago she had been taking it out whenever she was alone, just to look at it and to think.

center i Dear Miss Hermione Jane Granger,

It is with great pride that we warmly welcome you to join our prestigious establishment here at Cairo School of Highly Advanced Witchcraft and Wizardry for the Intellectually Sophisticated in Egypt after you have completed your studies at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please keep in mind that it is an honor to be accepted into our institution and only four out of ten (4/10) wizards are accepted. Congratulations on your tremendous achievement, and we look forward to seeing you next fall. Your portkey ticket and list of departure sights are enclosed.

Sincerely,

Marcus Flambeaus

Headmaster and Western Magical Theory and Development Professor /center /i

This was everything she had ever wanted. Professor McGonagall had approached her in her fifth year about attending CSHAWWIS, and had encouraged her to consider applying after Hogwarts. With an education from Cairo, you can go anywhere, do anything, be anyone you want to be because no employer would ever turn down credentials like that. She had always known she wanted to continue her education after Hogwarts if she could, but she never imagined she would actually be accepted into Cairo, after all, the odds were four out of ten. However discouraging the odds may have been, they were in her favor. She was thrilled when she received the letter, but now she had to choose between staying with the man she loved, or taking an opportunity of a lifetime. Hell, the opportunity of fifty lifetimes. Hermione wanted more than just a boring desk job at the Ministry, and as compelling as pursuing a career as an Auror was, it was for Harry and Ron, not her. But… she has something with Draco that she may never find with any other man; magical or muggle, and she cant ask him to wait for her. Three years of intense studying and work would not allow any time for social interaction outside the class room or field work.

Sighing heavily, she slipped the letter back into the envelope and shoved it under the papers. Changing her clothes and quickly brushing her hair, she then went to breakfast. She was late, but she had just enough time before classes for a quick bite. Looking up at the Slytherin table she saw Draco sitting on the end, staring intently at his food. Taking a bite of her toast with jam she thought of how bad her little run-off must have looked to him. She hadn't meant to have such bad timing, but how was she supposed to tell him she couldn't marry him right after school because she had even b more /b school and on a different continent? i Does this mean I'm taking it/i She asked herself. i I'm really going to leave him/i She shook her head. i I can't do that. I love him too much to let him go. /i She took a swig of pumpkin juice. i But should I really throw away my dreams for a guy/i She munched on a piece of bacon. i But this isn't just any guy. Plus he's already met mum and dad. How am I going to tell them I just up and left him in the dust to pursue my career/i She shoved the last of the toast in her mouth. i Arg! There I go assuming I'm taking it again. I have time don't I? I mean, it's only spring… so no hurry right? Right. I think. /i Hermione checked her watch and saw she had five minutes to get to class. i Crap. /i She thought, grabbing her book bag and hurrying out of the hall.

"Miss Granger." Some one called from behind. She turned and came face to face with a beaming Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall. The smiles on both of their faces told Hermione that they must have found out about Cairo.

"Yes Professors?"

"We would just like to congratulate you on your acceptance to Cairo School of Highly Advanced Witchcraft and Wizardry for the Intellectually Sophisticated, I can not think of one more deserving of this honor, and I know you will make us here at Hogwarts very proud." Professor McGonagall gushed.

"Well, thank you but I –"

"Yes, and if you need anything or have any concerns, just ask me. I am good friends with the headmaster there, and I would love to help."

"Thanks Professor but I really don't know if I'm to take it." Hermione said. There smiles fell and were replaced with looks of concern.

"Well," Dumbledore cleared his throat. "The decision is yours of course, however, you know what you would be giving up don't you?"

"Yes I do Professor, but if you'll excuse me I'm going to be late for class, and it wouldn't look good for the head girl to be late. Excuse me." Hermione quickly turned around and speed walked down the corridor. Until…

"Hermione!" Some one was calling for her again. Reluctantly, she looked toward the person.

"Oh, hi Rebecca. I was actually just on my way to class and I'm going to be late if I don't-"

"Hermione, if I don't see you and Draco in that studio at least an hour everyday until the performance I'm pulling you from the program, got it? I don't care what is going on between you two, use the emotion and i get this dance down /i . I don't care what it takes. Do you understand?" Hermione nodded. "I'm sorry to be like this, but I have a show to run and if my stars aren't ready then I need to have time to replace you. Now get to class and I will see you later. b Two o'clock/b Don't be late!" Hermione waved over her shoulder as she ran around the corner. Slipping into her Advanced Arithmancy class as quiet as possible, she sat down in the first available seat. She was in luck, or so she thought, because Professor Vector had her back turned to the class as she had come in.

"Miss Granger, you are late. I want an excused slip or its five points from Gryffindor." Professor Vector said, not turning around from the board.

"I uh… don't have one Professor." She said.

"Well then Miss Granger, I'm afraid you just lost your house some points."

Hermione sighed. Some of her classmates sniggered at her. She was the only Gryffindor in the class, the rest were Ravenclaws and two Hufflepuffs. It was odd not knowing anyone the first couple weeks, but she learned to deal with it since she usually kept to herself in class anyways, unless it was to answer a question.

It was lucky for her that the rest of her classes passed quickly and uneventfully, because she was doing her best to save her energy for dance practice later. At lunch she sent a note to Draco telling him about their scheduled practice with Rebecca, and he just nodded to her across the room. In the changing rooms attached to the studio, Hermione changed into her shorts and tank top, with her tango shoes securely strapped to her feet. As she was coming out, she saw Draco and Rebecca talking in the corner. She went up to them and Rebecca stopped talking. She stood there with her hands on her hips, staring at the two young dancers.

"Well, let's do this then."