Sorry for the long wait, but here's an extra long chapter!

Confusions cleared up!

This chapter will just tell you some things as Hermione and Blaise have a little talk. Hooray! (Author throws confetti everywhere to irritate people)

(This paragraph is nothing but rubbish. I suggest you don't read it unless you have nothing better to do)

Note that I've changed my pen name (I name my real-life pens, there's one called Mr. Squiggly), now do you ask: What does it mean? Infinite Inficio means to poison for infinity (yeah, poison your mind with nonsense)… (I will now laugh evilly).

(After this point things I say will be more useful-ish)

Here are some things that will be cleared up at some point:

- About Blaise's Death Eater dad… more on him

- Why is Malfoy intimidating Viktor so much?

- Feelings shall be a bit more cleared up!

And how you ask?

I don't exactly know!

And the more (not so) romantic mushy encounter of Hermione & Blaise… but I'm not telling what

(I was reading Matchmaker from Chapter 1 some afternoon, and I found a mistake!

- Blaise asked Hermione to go with him to Hogsmeade, which he claimed was "two days away", but the Hogsmeade trip took one day earlier.

And some others… but I'm not going to mention them because I forgot what they are…

Some things I'd like you to keep an eye on:

- How Theodore froze at the teasing comment of being a "to-be Death Eater"

- Who might be jealous/sick of Hermione or Blaise… or anyone that might write ZG News!

- Any suspicious things going on

Whoops, telling too much… must… shut up now!

(Hogsmeade trip ahoy!)

I walked beside Zabini, after consulting Viktor, assuring him that it was just for the act and I'll stop doing so once no one is around. Is it just me, or are every pair of eyes in Hogsmeade watching us, pointing and cooing on how "cute" we are?

'Zabini… any idea where we could be going?' I whispered, not attracting any attention.

'Somewhere where there's no one who knows we are "going out"?'He nodded in reply.

'Yes… I know where… the Zabini Lair!' he said, in a way you would see evil people talk in Muggle horror movies.

'Very funny Zabini, where are we actually going?' I asked, demanding for answers.

'Alright, I was just joking. Let's just go to the Hog's Head, not much people go there!' Zabini suggested.

'Fine… come on Viktor… Lavender… let's go there!' I said, then Zabini offered to lead the way.

Zabini opened the door.

'Don't order anything…' Zabini muttered to the three of us.

'Why?' Lavender asked, curious. Or maybe she just wanted to hear Zabini talk.

'This place isn't exactly what you would call hygienic… the Butterbeer tasted funny the last time I tried it here, too…' he continued, and then we went towards an empty table.

I took a seat. 'You've been here?' I asked. He nodded.

'Er… a few times…' he said. He took a seat next to Viktor and Lavender (much to her delight, she almost squealed). What, he thinks I have cooties or something?

'Also, if you are going to order anything, bring your own glass. Not very polite, but… you know…' Zabini continued.

I snorted. 'You sound like the expert of the place already, Zabini. You might as well own this… place!'

Lavender glared at me, but then smiled stupidly at Zabini. 'That's really smart Blaise… I didn't know any of those things before!'

'Uh… thanks' he replied, it looked like he was freaked out or something.

Probably it was just my eyes, but I saw Zabini move a few inches away from Lavender while she wasn't looking. For some unknown reason, I had a wide grin on my face for a moment after that.

'So… does your Griffy friend–' Zabini started.

'Lavender…' Lavender butted in, blushing furiously.

'Er… Does Lavender know about it?' Zabini continued. Lavender had a lovey-dovey look at this point.

'Yes, she does. So then what, Zabini?'

'Her-my-ownee, why don't you just call him Blaise? If you two are going to pretend to be going out, you should call him by his first name, no?' Viktor butted in. Oh great, he seems to like Zabini a great deal more than Ferret Boy (I mean, Malfoy).

'Yeah, Hermione. Be friendly and call him "Blaise" for Merlin's sake!' Lavender agreed. I sighed.

'Alright, I'll call the darn boy "Blaise", without any exaggerated tones or anything…'

Zabini fakely pondered. 'Why Hermione…' (without any exaggerated tone either) 'I don't think you might be up for the promise! We should make an Unbreakable Vow…'

'Zabini… I mean, Blaise… an Unbreakable Vow is unbreakable, remember?' I reminded.

Zabini… cross that out, Blaise rolled his eyes. 'Even Weasley is not that thick-headed not to notice that, Gr-emione…'

'It's HERmione, Zab… Blaise! There's no "G" in it! Do you need me to spell that for you?'

'Already? I just got used to my new name of Zablaise!' he cheekily replied.

'You brainless piece of… Slytherin!' I lamely replied. Great comeback, Hermione! (By the way, I was being sarcastic to myself. Feel the sarcasm!)

'Great comeback, Hermione!' Blaise similarly replied, then grinned. Lavender sighed, not noticing that Blaise is now sitting very much closer to Viktor than before.

'Well… this isn't much of a Hogsmeade trip either, B-Blaise!' I stuttered at the name, I kind of got used to it now though.

Blaise was silent for a while, probably thinking for a comeback. 'You didn't have to come either, Hermione! Why don't you just go out there and have fun with your boyfriend there!' Blaise yelled, pointing at Viktor. I looked at him, he wasn't smirking or anything. My goodness, he's actually serious!

'Since none of us are actually having a good time here, we might as well split up here.' Blaise said as he walked out of the door.

Lavender… and Viktor both just looked at me. Oh great, it's MY fault, for saying something very blunt like that… When I think about it, I can't help but think it's more of my fault by the second.

'I'm gonna chase up Zabini, this Hogsmeade trip is finished. We're going to be bored out of our brains if we just stay. Sorry Viktor… and Lavender…' I announced, before running out, chasing… wait, did I just say Zabini there? Because I actually meant "Blaise".

'But, Hermione!' Lavender shouted after me, but I pretended I didn't hear, and just ran.

I was just wondering though, why would Zabini… err… Blaise gets angry with just a simple matter of me saying that I don't like the Hogsmeade trip so far? Knowing him, he'll just come up with a comeback, strange…

(Blaise's POV)

Why, the nerve of that… Granger! That's it; I'm not calling her "Hermione" in my mind anymore, takes up too much space. She just went on about how it's not that great of a Hogsmeade trip, and we haven't even started it! She didn't even have to come along if she didn't want to… Wait, why am I getting so worked up over nothing? Probably it's not actually because of that… I was just… pissed off at the fact she's bringing over her little boyfriend Krum over there… and that Brown girl…

Wait a second… I'm supposed to be happy she brought people along… that means I wouldn't be left alone with her… right?

Oh well… what's been done has been done, I already walked out of the door, and am currently in front of the Three Broomsticks. That's right, WITHOUT Granger.

'Hey! Blaise! Blaise! ZABINI!' a familiar voice is heard. Oh, it's her.

'What's up, Granger? Having fun today, aren't we?' I greeted sarcastically.

'Why did you just run out like that?' she said, huffing and puffing.

'I didn't. I just casually walked out, and apparently, I'm just a naturally fast walker.' I coolly replied.

'Yeah, but why? It's just a little comment, you know.' Granger continued, not gasping for breath anymore.

'I don't know… the comment hurt my feelings?' I said, pretending to look sad.

'Very funny, Zabini. I'm serious. But if it really did hurt little Zabini's feelings, I guess I'll just have to say sorry… again. How many times have I apologised to you?'

'Let's see… three… or four times?' I answered for her.

'Alright… sorry. There, is that enough?' she hastily apologised.

'Yeah… that's fine. What about Krum and Brown?' I asked.

'I cancelled the whole thing, let's just go back to the castle…' she replied.

'Fine, let's go. Oh crap, I've got to tidy up Snape's cabinet, not such a wonderful task to do…' I said.

'Well… that's just way too bad Zabini, let's just move on, so then you can get on with your job!' Granger bossed, then pulled my arm. I got her to let go, then followed her grudgingly to the castle.

(Nobody's POV, in the castle)

Blaise groaned, as Snape sighted him and Hermione.

'Ah… Mr. Zabini, and Miss Granger… come into my office, NOW…' It wasn't a request, it was a command. Blaise and Hermione followed the Potions Master into his office.

'I swear that man must have some sort of special powers… being able to spot students anywhere!' he thought.

'Well… Mr. Zabini and Miss Granger… the most lovable couple in Hogwarts! I certainly hope that you haven't forgotten the task I set you, Mr Zabini?'

Blaise gulped, then squeaked out a "no, sir".

'Wonderful! To make the job quicker, why don't you get Miss Granger to help you? No need to thank me Miss Granger, after letting you spend some extra time with Mr. Zabini over here… and 50 points to Slytherin for doing voluntary work.' Snape said, then walked away, and Blaise reckoned he would've done the "evil laugh" any second from then.

As Snape walked out of sight, Hermione started to talk. 'Zabini, you didn't tell me that I have to do it as well!'

'I didn't know… that Snape is one charitable man, don't you think?' Blaise casually replied.

'He gave Slytherin house points, but what about Gryffindor? That's just not fair!' Hermione continued.

'Oh well… tough luck. Sounds familiar, Granger?' Blaise teased.

Hermione scoffed, then opened the dusty cabinet. She coughed from inhaling some of the dust.

'Eugh… don't Snape ever clean this cabinet? Always getting students to do it… Why did you even volunteer Zabini?' she asked.

'Err…'

(Blaise's POV)

'Eugh… don't Snape ever clean this cabinet? Always getting students to do it… Why did you even volunteer Zabini?' Granger asked.

'Err… I didn't volunteer. Snape just wanted two trustworthy Slytherin students to do jobs for him… that git Malfoy didn't have to clean this!' I commented as I carefully took out the quadrupled amount of ingredients. I swear the last time I came here there wasn't this much shit in here…

'What did he do, then?' Granger asked, curious. Oh no, you can't just normally reply "oh, he's just been told he'll have to associate with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, or as some say Voldy, and that's about it!" to one of Potter's best friend! She'll probably think I'm a Death Eater in the making as well! Think, Zabini, think!

'Uh… would you look at that! That's boomslang skin, the ingredient I left out in the Polyjuice Potion! Or maybe it was something else…' I said, changing the subject. Great plan, Blaise. Next why don't you sign up as…

'Don't change the subject, Zabini. You haven't answered my question yet' Granger said. 'What do you think I am, stupid?'

'No, just gullible' I mischievously replied, as she scowled. 'Anyway, I've told you that I didn't volunteer!'

'Don't play dumb Zabini, just tell me what Malfoy had to do' Granger continued. Damn, why does she have to be an "insufferable know-it-all" (as Snape put it ever so nicely)?

'I don't know what you're talking about' I stupidly replied. Then she just glared at me. And glared… and glared again… Aaargh, I can't stand it!

'Alright, alright! He just had to help Snape make a Verisaterum or something like that Potion!' I lied, quite assuringly.

'You lied' she said, just like that as she put aside some bottles full of green, slimy vials.

'What makes you think that?' I said, pretending not to know what she means.

'You hesitated to say it, and when someone makes a potion instead of tidying up a cabinet people don't try to hide the fact.' Granger… What a smartass.

'You wouldn't believe it…' I said. She looked up.

'Really? Try me!' she answered.

'Alright… the truth is… Malfoy and Snape are… uh… having an affair!' I shouted, running out of ideas. Granger tried to suppress her laughter, but failed miserably.

'That's the stupidest excuse I've ever heard coming out of you, Zabini! Never mind… it's useless trying to get any info out of you anyway…' Granger said. But I noticed she was eyeing me suspiciously…

After five minutes of silence… I decided it was enough.

'Sheesh… Granger! I know that I'm hot, but can't you stop staring at me secretly like that?'

'In your dreams, Zabini. I'm just suspicious of you…' she replied. I snorted as a reply, and she smacked me on the head.

'What? Lost your aim and can't figure out where my cheek is? Losing your touch, are you Granger?'

'I meant to smack you on the head, Zabini. For the millionth time, I do NOT have the hots for you, so get that through your big fat ego and accept that fact!'

I stared at her for a while. 'You know… when girls like someone, they usually try to hide it…'

'Just shut up and focus on doing this "voluntary" work, will you?'

'Ooh… touchy, Granger! Fine… I'll work!'

'So… how are things going for you?' I asked, in order to start a conversation.

'Oh, it's just perfect. Everyone thinks we're going out, Umbridge keeps taking points off me, and I'm stuck here with an arrogant jerk… Everything's absolutely fine!' she said sarcastically. Wait, did she just call me an arrogant jerk?

'Really? I didn't know there's another person stuck here! Or were you referring to yourself, Granger?' I casually answered.

'Honestly Zabini, I am NOT arrogant!' she scoffed, then put the labelled jars in the left corner of the cabinet.

'I didn't say that… Ooh, Wit-Sharpening Potions… better smuggle some of those…' I continued.

'Zabini… you're witty enough you don't need it. Besides… it has armadillo bile and ground scarab beetles in it, did you know that?'

'Thank you for the compliment, Granger. I always knew you considered me intellectual!'

'I didn't mean the smart kind of witty; I mean the annoying kind of witty!'

'Alright, we won't get anywhere if we keep throwing insults at each other, you know. So let's just act like sensible students and talk about something worthwhile…'

'Zabini, you said something smart! Oops… sorry… alright… why don't we talk about… er… your friends…'

(Hermione's POV)

'Well… Theo used to be this lonely kid until I was friends with him… Malfoy got a grudge against him since he rejected Malfoy's friendship offer at the start of school… poor guy… two friendship offers rejected right at the start of the year!'

'Huh? Who else did he ask?' I asked, interested.

'How can you be friends with Potter and not know he rejected Malfoy?'

'Ferret Boy wanted to be friends with Harry?'

'Apparently, yes. Don't ask how I found out…'

'Zabini… you're not so thick-headed, are you? In fact, you're actually quite resourceful!'

'There we go again…'

'Sorry… It's hard to NOT insult you…'

'Back on the topic of my friends… Xerxes is related to Sirius Black, who in turn was related to Malfoy, who is actually kind-of related to Weasley, and his Weaslette sister. Quite an interesting family tree if you ask me…'

'Uh… right…' I just commented, since I heard him clearly when he said "don't ask".

'Derek is a weird kid… he jokes around a lot… but he's nice, he knows some pretty good hexes too!'

'Is that it?' I asked, listening about his oh-so-interesting friends.

'Actually, yes. What about St. Potter and Weasley?'

'Ron is pretty nice… but he's got such a bad temper! He wouldn't even talk to me now… Harry is more mature, I guess… but he's obsessed with… uh…'

'Chang… I know, it's pretty obvious when he mutters her name every minute and you said how you were going to help him with "Cho" before we, uh… kissed' he explained.

'Aren't you an observant snake?' I commented.

'And proud of it!' he continued, and then sneered.

'So… do you play Quidditch?' I asked lamely. This was a last resort question…

He looked up from the bottles of the Draught of Peace and replied. 'Yeah, I play Quidditch. But when that Flint was the captain, he just had to keep picking that Montague. Jordan was probably right, he consisted the team because of size, not skill… Now Montague is captain, so I can't get the position for Chaser… I played for a while in the second year though…'

'You did? Was that when Slytherin scored a massive victory against Ravenclaw?' I said, then he nodded.

'Probably the best Chaser in the team!' he said arrogantly, how very Slytherin of him. 'I wasn't the only one taken off my title though… Do you know Terence, Terence Higgs in the sixth year? He was Seeker before that Malfoy got in the team not-so-coincidentally after his dear father "donated"…' then he muttered the words "bribed more likely" before continuing. '…SEVEN Nimbus 2001 brooms in the same moment. Terence was furious, you know…'

'Hey… what's this?' he commented shortly, holding a bottle full of yellow liquid. 'I didn't know Snape collects his own piss!'

'It's not urine, you idiot. It's Felix Felicis… Wow, how did Snape get a hand on so much of these!' I replied.

'Merlin's beard… THAT Felix Felicis that makes you lucky? I am totally pinching some of…'

'Zabini!' I exclaimed. He just grumbled 'Alright… I won't…' but opened the bottle and dipped his finger in it, and sampled some of the potion.

'Ew… it tastes shitty…' he commented.

'You're not supposed to taste it, you moron! That's Snape's property! Watch your mouth, too!' I scolded.

'Screw that, hey, believe it or not, we're finished! Well… this cabinet anyway, Snape probably will ask us to tidy the second one tomorrow…'

'A correct inference, Mr. Zabini, both of you come here at noon, don't be late' a dark voice (it's Snape!) remarked. He didn't seem to know that Blaise "sampled" some of the Felix Felicis and didn't even ask what he was hiding behind his back.

'Alright, sir…' Zabini continued.

We both walked out of the office, before Snape stopped us.

'Wait… 50 points for Gryffindor, which I forgotten to give out, now have a good time.' Snape announced.

After we walked for quite a distance, and it's time to split up and go to the Gryffindor Common Room, I started to talk. 'Snape was acting weird, usually he wouldn't give Gryffindors any points if he could… don't tell me he caught the romance fever as well…'

Zabini agreed, and then remarked 'Don't even think of going to your Common Room. I heard the Gryffindors are having a party, probably about us going to Hogsmeade…'

It only lasted for five minutes, but probably it was massive joy to the Gryffindors. 'Where do you suggest I should go then?'

'Uh… the Dungeons?' Zabini suggested, running out of ideas.

'Good idea, Zabini. Now lead the way!' I commanded.

'What!' he said, refusing. 'No, I absolutely won't do it!'

(After some time...)

Zabini sighed. 'Here it is…' he said.

'Serpents' he said, and the Slytherin Common Room was revealed.

Then I noticed something, the Gryffindors were having a party…

But they're having it in the Slytherin Common Room!

'Hermione, Blaise! Come here, you're not late yet! We still have lots of Butterbeer and pumpkin juice to go around!' Katie yelled out.

'You should've gotten a more specific info, Zabini…' I whispered.

He just stood there, gaping with shock.

Hee… and I'll leave it there, since my lunchtime at school is running out, and if you're reading this, that means I have successfully submitted this chapter at lunchtime! Probably it'll be a week or maybe more, maybe sooner before the next chapter, so be patient! Thanks for the suggestion of Tinas74 to put the author notes as numbers (I'll try to put less pathetic jokes in, and if it's really important I'll put it in WITHOUT the numbers, though) Later, and don't forget to review!