A/N: Well, another chapter of my story! Hope you like it. And also, thanks for those who reviewed the last time, namely:
Debarie
SugarN'SpiceRin
DaOnleeSam
iluv2dance
Bane of My Existence
Chapter 6: Meet Her New Friend, Jealousy
By: Dizixete
A couple of months later, Hermione and Draco continue their conversation every night. Hermione found out that Draco was a good conversationalist, but most of the times he'll keep quiet and let Hermione do most of the talking. But Draco never showed any sign of annoyance to her talking habits, that's why she continues doing it. Even though no one else knows about their conversations, what happens in the four corner of the room stays in the four corners of the room.
Even though she would never admit it even in herself, Hermione would sometimes fight off sleep just to be able to talk to Draco. She always reason to herself that it was for the stake of their routine, but she highly doubt that Draco would ever wonder why she wouldn't show up one night.
Late night sleeps, or more appropriately called early morning sleeps obviously don't do any good to her.
And that's the only reason why she, Hermione Granger is found this particular morning taking a nap at the Gryffindor Common Room sofa while waiting for her two best friends.
They have a Hogsmeade trip scheduled today. And Hermione, making the most out of her time, slept due to a tiring night.
"Hermione, Hermione, Wake up!"
Hermione can feel hands shaking her. Groggily, she opened her eyes and met green orbs.
Harry's.
"I think something's wrong Hermione, why do you always look like you lack some sleep?" Ron asked her as she tried to get up from her position.
"Ron, that's only natural, I mean, I am the Head Girl of this school, and of course that position don't come without responsibilities."
"But Hermione it is very unusual for you. The other day, you were actually caught sleeping in McGonagall's class", Harry said.
"I still can't forget the look on her face when she discovered you sleeping that day. Her eyes literally glared fires at you. It was simply classic!" Ron chimed in.
"Thanks Ron", she said at the utmost sardonic voice she could muster.
Ron rolled his eyes and throws his hands in the air as if saying he surrenders.
The trio soon exit the Gryffindor Tower and unto the school grounds where several carriages are waiting for the students.
"I still don't get it", Ron whispered as the pass by Filch who is currently checking the student's belonging with the help of his sensor. "Why does he continue checking our things if all evil in the wizarding world was drained down. And also the fact that if ever we have some 'illegal' things in our bags, wouldn't he be grateful that we're carrying it out of Hogwarts?"
"Well, you can never be too sure, Ronald" Hermione said as they walk towards a carriage.
Ron quickly climb on the carriage and followed by Harry.
"Whatever happens to 'Ladies First'?" she muttered rolling her eyes.
At least Harry has the dignity to offer his hands and help Hermione climb in the carriage.
The whole carriage ride had been a blur to Hermione since all Ron and Harry did was to talk animatedly about Quidditch.
The carriage came to a halt, signaling their arrival at Hogsmeade.
And as always, Ron is also the first one to get off the carriage, then Harry, and finally Hermione.
Hermione shuddered as the cold air slowly crept into her skin. She pulled her robe closer to her.
Even if it is still early October, you can still feel the Holidays are just around the corner judging by the Weather.
"So, where are we off to?" Hermione queried Harry and Ron.
Just then Ginny's vibrant red hair appeared at Harry's side.
"Hermione, do you have a dress for this upcoming Halloween Ball?" Ginny asked.
"Hi Ginny, Well, I'm not really considering going to the ball since no one asked me yet."
"Oh come on Hermione, it's your 7th year, this might be the last Halloween Ball you might ever attend to, and besides you have to sometimes separate yourself from these two baboons", she looked pointedly at Harry and Ron, " to have guys ask you out."
"I guess… I can come..." Hermione shrugged.
"Brilliant! Boys, we'll meet you at Madam Pudifoot's in an hour." Ginny said not waiting for the two boys answer as she yanks Hermione toward the nearest dress shop.
The dress shop was full of giggling girls browsing the dress racks for the 'perfect' dress.
Hermione sighed in displeasure; it's going to be a long day indeed.
!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!
An hour later, Hermione and Ginny exited the store, much to Ginny's displeasure and to Hermione's gratification, with shopping bags on their hands.
They went next to Madam Pudifoot's, as they push open the door, the bell ringed on the top off the door signaling their entrance.
Madam Pudifoot's was decorated with orange and black ornaments, must be for the Halloween vibe.
They quickly spot Ron's fiery hair and make way towards it.
The table is covered with black cloth and at the middle of the table was a tiny pumpkin with a candle glowing inside it.
Ginny sat beside Harry as their hands automatically entwined.
"So, what did you bought?" Ron inquired them.
"Dresses", Hermione answered bluntly.
Ron gave her an exasperating look.
Soon, Madam Pudifoot came to their table and asked for their orders. They all ordered coffee, although Ron insist that he want a croissant.
The bell ringed signaling another customer's arrival, Hermione instinctively turn her head to see who it is.
Draco Malfoy.
And not only is that, clinging on his arm is a sixth year Ravenclaw prefect, Anne Moore.
Behind Draco entered his…uh... friends. Blaise Zabini, Crabbe and Goyle.
They sat at the table directly opposite from Hermione's table, and Hermione is given the opportunity to view every movement Draco will do.
She eyed Anne with great dislike, she always that that girl was good for nothing, well sort of.
She watches as Draco leaned in and whispers something in Anne's ear.
Whatever it was, Hermione supposed it was funny because Anne is literally laughing her head off. Draco meanwhile looked almost… appalled in Anne's manners.
Hermione continues to watch the… uh… couple's movements, supposedly, it was now Anne's turn to tell a joke. She whispered something in Draco's ear in between laughs and started cracking up again. Idiot.
Draco didn't even smile, well that boy never smiles, but much less he didn't even smirk on Anne's poor excuse for a joke.
Draco suddenly looks up and met Hermione's eyes. Her eyes widened in surprise and also in shame of being caught looking at him.
He smirked at her. His trademark smirk and she couldn't tear her off him. In the back of her mind, a voice was calling out to her, maybe the more logical part of her telling her to get back at her senses.
She was mistaken. It was Ron who's calling her name. She seemed to snap out of her self delusion trance as she once again turns her attention to her friends.
"What's wrong with you Hermione? I've been calling your name for a dozen times now", Ron said as he takes a sip from his coffee.
The orders came without her notice. She's been to engross watching Draco and his date that she seemed to forget others exist.
"Oh, I'm alright, Just a bit preoccupied I guess, I just need to go to the ladies' room", she said standing up.
Ginny took her hand as she pas by Ginny's sit.
"Need I to come with you?" Ginny offered.
"No thanks", she shrugged and continue to stride towards the ladies' room.
She enters the ladies' room and surprisingly, no one is in it. She walks over the sink a she slowly wash her face, hoping it will freshen up her mind.
She doesn't know why she is acting this way. She felt a strong emotion watching Draco with Anne. It was even stronger than what she felt when she first saw Ron and Lavender kissing.
The door of the room opened, and as if on cue, Anne came in.
"Oh you're the Head Girl right?" Anne asked. She didn't even wait for Hermione's answer as she continues to talk.
"You're so lucky to live with my Draco. Isn't he just the sweetest ever? He's sooo adorable!" Anne said dreamily.
Hermione need to get out of this room before she'll go insane.
"I need to get going", Hermione said rudely than she intended to and walked out of the room.
When Hermione returned to the table, the boys are gone and only Ginny was left.
"Where are the boys?" Hermione asked as she again took a seat.
"They went to Zonko's, said they'll be back in a jiffy."
Before Hermione could reply, Madam Pudifoot appeared on their table looking almost goaded.
She gave a white rose to Hermione.
"The little gentleman in there wants me to give you this", she said as pointed at the other end of the coffee house, and then she walk away.
There is a note tied at the stem of the rose.
'Make me happy, be my date on the ball', it read.
Hermione looked up where Madam Pudifoot once pointed.
There he is, looking at her, Justin Finch-Fletchey.
She smiled at him.
Maybe the ball wasn't bad after all.
A/N: Well, there it is Chapter 6. Please tell me what you think of it. I tried my hardest to make it long for all of you dear readers! Thanks! Please, Please Review! It's the only thing that inspires me! 'Till then Fellas, Adios!
