Disclaimer: I own nothing of Harry Potter.

Phantom Lover

Chapter 4

"You did what, Ron?" Harry asked, his mouth dropping.

"I asked Hermione to the ball," he said quietly, his ears turning red.

"Wow, mate, didn't know you had it in you!" Harry said, slapping his back.

Ron grinned a lopsided grin. "Yeah, me either. Ju.. just don't say anything when she comes down okay?" he said, dropping his voice. "You know how much I like her, Harry. Ever since Fourth Year, it just seems that she's the most perfect thing in the world."

Harry smiled. "Yeah, Ron, I do know. I've been listening to it for three years now, mate."

Ron chuckled. "Yeah."

XXX

"Dammit all to hell!" I woke up, first thing in the morning, feeling as if I betrayed my best mate.

Well, in a way... I had.

He came into my room again last night. I couldn't help it. His soft lips were to.. to..

Addicting.

I threw the covers off, and pulled on my robes. I sighed, my mind still on that bloody kiss, trying at best to put it all behind me. After all, Ron asked me to the ball. It seems odd that I might possibly have some feelings toward Ronald Weasley after all these years, but for some reason, it feels right.

I made my way to the common room, Harry and Ron sitting at our usual spot.

"Hey guys," I said, taking a seat next to Ron. He blushed. I grinned more. "Oh, Ron, will you ever stop blushing around me?" I said, a blush appearing on my own face.

Harry laughed. "You guys are too much. Let's go get some breakfast," he said, walking to the portrait hole.

Ron and I sat there a moment longer. I looked at him, the blush subsiding from his face. I smiled. "Well, Ron... should we go?"

He looked over at me, and smiled his famous lopsided smile. "Yeah, I suppose."

He stood up, towering over me, and offered his hand to help me up.

I took his hand, and didn't let go.

XXX

I feel like I'm going crazy.

I can't handle this.

I think I might be falling for the mudblood, and I haven't even had a civil conversation with her. The way she laughs, the way I can get her angry, the way she walks... all too captivating.

I ran a hand through my already messed up hair, and stared at my plate.

"Oi, Malfoy. You alright, mate?" a low voice said.

I looked up, Crabbe hovering over me. "Yes, Crabbe, I'm just fine. Why?"

"Dunno, mate, you just seem... distraught," he said slowly, choosing his words carefully.

"Well, I'll have you know, Cra-" I stopped mid-sentence, distracted by an entrance to the hall.

Granger and Weasel had just walked into the hall.

Holding hands.

Hell no.

XXX

Ron's POV

I have to admit, walking into the hall with Hermione holding my hand, was a bit too much for me. I mean, in the good way, that is.

I could feel the blush creep up my face again. I can't help but blush in front of her. It's still amazing to me that she accepted my invitation for the ball.

We sat down at the table, people hushing when we sat. I caught Ginny's eye.

"So, Ron, is there something the two of you would like to say?" she said, grinning.

I turned to her, my ears hot. "Ah, Ginny, if you can't figure it out..." Hermione said, seeing me blush.

I grinned at Ginny.

I guess this is the next step, just as I hoped for.

XXX

Stupid Weasel.

Wait.

What am I saying? She's just a stupid mudblood. A sweet, perfect mudblood.

I watched them from the table, laughing, there fingers still entwined. I felt my insides twist. I stood up, glaring at Weasel. I knew just what to do.

XXX

"If he says or does anything to you, Hermione, you'll let us know, right?" Ron asked, his brow furrowed.

I smiled, rolling my eyes. "Of course Ron," I said, as we walked toward the library.

It was time for my next tutoring session with Malfoy.

"Okay, then," Ron said, smiling. "Why are you here this early if it's not for another hour? That doesn't make sense."

"Ron, think of who you're talking to," I said putting my hands on my hips.

He grinned. "You're right. Bye, 'Mione."

I smiled at him, pushing the door open. Tucking my Transfiguration book under my arm, I headed to the Dark section of the library, browsing.

I couldn't help but smile. The day was going smoothly, something I didn't think was going to happen. This tutoring session with Malfoy wasn't even going to ruin it.

I stood on my tiptoes, reaching for Screaming Rawr. Mine mind had wandered again on that kiss, and for once, I got to look at his face, but couldn't see it. I was just waiting for the day he was going to reveal his mysterious face.

If he was.

I felt as if someone was watching me. I shivered, that creepy sensation taking over me. I pulled Screaming Rawr off the shelf, turning it over, walking to my table. Suddenly, I felt my body being pressed against the bookshelf.

I felt those all to familar lips capture mine in a breathtaking kiss. I stood there, shocked and afraid, before the kiss took me in. I wrapped my arms around a slender neck, my lips hungrily devouring his.

I felt him grind against me, a low growl escaping from his lips. I pressed him against me, my hands running through his soft hair.I opened my eyes, looking into the eyes of my lover. I saw the silloette of his face. Still couldn't see him completely.

I watched him, kissing him still. He opened his eyes and stared back into mine. His eyes were silver. Warm and silver.

They seemed almost familar.

XXX

This was too much. The heat of her body with mine was crazy. It was as if a fire had erupted in me. The only thing I could think of was kissing her until she was weak in the knees.

I stared back into her chocolate brown eyes, seeing the hunger in them. I pushed my body against her, my hand running down her side, resting on her theigh. I ran my tongue across her lower lip, asking for entry. She allowed me in and my tongue danced with hers.

I know it was a risk. If she knew who I was...

She broke the kiss, her hands over her head.

"Stop," she said, breathing heavily. "Please, just tell me something, show me who you are. You torture my mind every night. I can't stop thinking about you, just please tell me who you are."

My breathing slowed down. I cupped her face in my hand, and stroked her cheek with my thumb. I spoke in a whisper.

"What if it's not someone you want it to be?"

She put her hand on top of mine. "I just need to know who you are. You're a drug and I'm addicted. Everyday I feel the tingle of your lips on mine. I can't help but to think about you. And... and now.. I'm.. sort of.. dating someone... it has to stop... I don't want it to.. but please..."

I dropped my hand from her cheek at her words. My heart felt like it was being broken in half.

"I - I can't tell you, Hermione," I whispered, pecking her lips. "Not yet. Please understand, Hermione," her name rolled off my tongue so smoothly, as ifit were meant for me to speak it.

She looked at me, her eyes trying to read mine.

"Okay."

I touched her face softly, and left her.

XXX

I brushed the stray hairs from my eyes, straightening my uniform. I had finally spoken to him. His voice, the way my name rolled off his tongue was enough to entrance me.

"Granger," a voice drawled.

I looked up, a tousled haired Malfoy standing in front of me. He was smirking.

"Well, well, well, Hermione," he said, his smirk getting wider. "Seems as if you seem a little distracted."

I raised an eyebrow, staring at him. Hermione. He called me Hermione. For once in his life, he called me Hermione. It rolled off his tongue so.. so.. familar.

Wait.

No.

XXX

My smirk vanished as soon as I realized I let her name slip from my lips.

Oh. Shit.

Hey guys! This is probably my last update for a bit. I'm going to my dad's Friday and won't be back until Monday, so enjoy while you still can!