All the Little Things

by aplacefarawayfromhere

Hermione has never resisted a challenge from Draco Malfoy. But when that challenge involves the betrayal of the heart for three people, will she play his game, or will he play into hers?

13. Research With Interruptions

Disclaimer:

Me: I'm just at a premiere trying to steal a character.

Friend: That's great and all, but letting everyone else know just spells arrested.

Me: As long as I get to touch Malfoy, that hot little devil.

Friend: I thought he gave you a restraining order?

Me: No, that was that Tom Felton guy.

Friend: Aren't those two the same people?

Me: You're right.

Friend: And you do realize he already passed by?

Me: You're right. Wait, what!!

Friend: (snigger)

I can't believe I missed him! Do you think Tom Felton looks better with an almost buzz cut and brown hair, his brown hair worn a little longer, or the Draco Malfoy hair from the third movie? I've always wanted to take that poll. But this is me being a weird and slightly creepy obsessed girl. I doubt he likes those, since he gets I love you confessions like everyday. I have lost hope (tear, lol). And the fact that he will be legal three years before I will is a problem. I AM NOT A STALKER (lol)! For those girls who are obsessed with him (Karana, lol, like I would know if you are or not) check out his official website.

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Reviewer Shout Out: I love you guys! People are calling my story funny again. But some are new and don't know I'm a dork and I can screw things up majorly in a chapter (lol). Karana, platonic means having a relationship with only friendly feelings, and nothing more. An example would be Harry and Hermione, who in this fic, only think of each other in a brother sister manner. CozzaGirl16, I originally wasn't going to make Ron like Hermione, but... Blaise isn't totally aware of Draco's feelings at this point. He is a guy (no offense, because girls can do the same thing). He is just afraid that Draco might start to like Hermione, because they know what each other's likes and dislikes are (since they're best friends). No one was supposed to know that little tidbit, but I decided to let it slip. FriFri, thanks for your review! The day before I started writing this fic, I got sick for no reason at all. It's just one of those lets wake up and feel nauseas days. It gave me the idea for the last chapter. Lost My Marbles, I'm glad you think my story is way more interesting than most. But, there are a lot way better than mine. Some of them reside on my favorite story list (Temporary Insanity, The Bachelor, Divine Humiliation...Those are three of the greatest Romantic/Comedy fics like mine, only better). You should check them out. And for those who want to know about the Y.W. thing, I had to think about what Draco would be thinking at that very moment. He would probably be too arrogant to be that nice, and he wouldn't be stupid enough to spell out the whole thing so Hermione could go and show Harry and Ron. Anyway, Happy reading!

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Great Hall, Thursday

"So when is this Christmas Ball of which you speak," asked Harry with an inquisitive look. He really didn't feel like dressing up. Him and tights don't mesh well.

Ron sat there scratching his chin to make himself look smart. I rolled my eyes. No one will ever let me finish a biscuit. "It's before Christmas Day. We have a Hogmeade Weekend two weeks before."

"Well, mate, Susan is going to force you to match her, hopefully in yellow and in tights," said Ron with a dreamy look on his face. He was more into the couple than they were. Harry kicked Ron from under the table. "Ow."

"No problem."

"Well, I'm sure Ron's date will dress him in lime green or something," I said grinning.

"And I'm sure Zambini will dress you in very shiny pink," retorted Ron.

"Ew. I'm not Parkinson! And, I look good in any color thank you very much." I then did my famous Hermione pout.

Ron grabbed my chin. "Look at this face, Harry. Tell this face to go with Ron. Ron is dateless."

Harry stared at Ron funny. "I can't believe you just admitted that in public."

"Us either," commented Lavender. Parvati nodded her head.

"Oooo, big brother zero, little sister one," bragged Ginny smiling. Neville put his arm around her laughing.

"Geez, mate. Seamus and I got one too," added Dean.

"Since when did everyone listen in on our conversations!?" asked Ron frustrated. I shall remember this moment forever. That's why Harry and I try to whisper when we talk.

"We always listen to our favorite famous trio's conversation. They aren just full of gossip," answered Lavender. Parvati giggled.

"Not to mention entertaining," added Seamus.

Ron turned to me and put his head on my shoulder. "Please, Hermione. Please let me be the one to match your lime green outfit." He pouted and buried his head further into my neck. He smelt nice, and it was pretty comforting.

All the followers of the conversation contributed a loud aw. This got a lot more attention than I wanted it too. It felt like the whole Hall was listening. They probably were. "Ronnekeins, your pout never really was that great. I'm with Blaise, remember?"

Another loud aw was emitted. Only this time, it was a disappointed one. "Hermione, you broke his heart," accused Parvati.

"Yes, Hermione," Ron added. "You broke my heart. That means you won't be able to finish your bagel." He ripped it out of my hand and accidentally made it drop into his juice.

"It's a biscuit, Ron," I corrected.

Everyone sniggered. I turned around and looked at Blaise. Looks like he was following the conversation with an amused glint in his eye. I blew a kiss at him.

Again with the awing. "Hermione, you are so lucky. Blaise is so cute!" complimented Lavender.

"Yes, I know," I said cockily, but grinning slightly to make it clear that I was kidding.

"Hermione, in front of Ron. You can at least be more respectful," Dean said covering Ron's ears.

Ron took his hands off. "I was just kidding, Dean." That's funny. He looked kind of disappointed. I was kind of disappointed.

"I got that," said Lavender. That was code for no she didn't.

'Get out of the Great Hall now. I need to talk to you guys.'

'Ok, Harry.'

'Can you just let me finish Hermione's biscuit?'

'Ew! Ron, you didn't let Hermione finish hers, so now you don't get the privilege of finishing yours... in the orange juice.'

'Fine.'

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Outside Great Hall, Random Classroom

"What is it, Harry?" asked Ron.

"I had a dream last night-." He was pacing, which usually meant it was something to really worry about.

"I didn't hear you scream," said Ron stupidly.

"You were in too deep a sleep," replied Harry in a sarcastic tone. "Anyway, Voldemort gave me the little pattern to get into the wall he sent a Death Eater to look at. Or I could just have been dreaming about it. Either way, my scar hurt, a lot worse than usua- OOOWWWWWWWW!!!"

"Harry!" I screamed rushing over to him. I rubbed his back and said, "I'll research it." After what happened in the Great Hall, I knew almost everyone was in the mood to have a good day. Harry shouldn't be kept under stress this long. It's not healthy for him.

"Charms in ten minutes guys," informed Ron.

Harry and I looked at each other and ran out the door with Harry still sort of blinded by all the pain. Ron was left there to catch up.

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Charms

Everyone had been practicing the evaporating charm for twenty minutes. Since I blew Blaise a kiss at breakfast, everyone assumed that we were going out. He couldn't ask me out until a week before my deadline. We just 'liked' each other. He was sitting behind me with Malfoy. Mr. Expensive Trousers wouldn't allow Blaise to sit next to me.

'Hermione, I can't concentrate.'

'All we have to do is wait until all our classes are over. Then we could go to the library.'

'I say we skip class. All we have left is Herbology and History of Magic. I'm sure Binns won't mind.'

I looked at Ron. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see both Blaise and Malfoy following our conversation, which to the outside world, looked like we were communicating through expression. 'You know we can't do that. If Binns doesn't notice, some one else will. And people know that when the trio is missing, something wrong is happening. We can't afford to be obvious right now.'

'Yes mom.'

'Shut up Ron.'

'Ok, kids, time for your nap.'

'Sorry Harry.'

'Sorry Harry.'

'That's ok. I was thinking of asking Flitwick after I mastered this charm.'

'Or we could just ask now.'

'No, Ron. You know we have to demonstrate at the end of class for our marks.'

'This is one of those dire times when we need to not consider marks.'

'Even if we are in danger, I will not let you not get a chance at getting a job.'

'Who says we would survive?'

'What Harry?'

'Who said we would survive?'

'We are going to. I believe in you Harry, and so does Ron. You are going to become an Auror, so I am going to make you pass the NEWTS!'

'You bring that up now, Hermione?'

'Yes, Ron. I know it annoys you when I say things about the NEWTS, but right now, I feel like making you two study with me. Plus, I feel like annoying you.' I turned my head towards Harry. Malfoy and Blaise were still watching our expressions. Malfoy looked creeped out, and Blaise looked interested.

'I'm going to go see Flitwick.'

'Fine.'

'Fine.'

All three of us got up at the same time. I would pay to see the look on Blaise and Malfoy's face again. It was a mixture of disgust, interest, and surprise. It also made Malfoy's face have wrinkles.

Dean and Seamus, who were conducting an experiment on our facial conversations, took out another piece of parchment and wrote things down. Flitwick stood on his desk waiting for us to get there.

"Professor," I started.

"Yes Miss Granger," answered Professor Flitwick.

"Are there any secrets or any historic tunnels in Hogsmeade?"

Professor looked suspicious. "Why do you ask?"

"I read something about it in a book. It got me really curious," I said a little too quickly. I hope he doesn't see past my bad acting.

He seemed to buy it, since my reason was reasonable. "Well, around the walls of Hogmeade, there are secret passage ways. This was way back when the less civilized Goblins were smuggling things around the village. But all this is just myth and legend."

I smiled at Professor Flitwick. "Thank you."

"You're welcome Miss Granger. Since class is almost over, would you care to demonstrate Mr. Weasley?"

Ron gulped.

'It's a good thing he's too cheerful to want to be suspicious.'

'It's a good thing I asked, Harry.'

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Library

I was in the section about the more civilized magical creatures in our world. It was more interesting then what Binns made it sound like. I had at least five books to start off. My favorite table wasn't taken, so I sat myself there and started reading. Surprisingly, Victoria was two tables away from me...alone. You never see her alone...in a library. I didn't mind her and started reading again.

'Goblin smuggling was a well-known operation to many wizards. They would gamble for money and spend their earnings on many destructive things. Sometimes, wizards found dozens of Potions missing from medical hospitals and research laboratories. Grimfort Ramely was a well known-."

"Hermione."

I looked up. "Hmm."

"What is going on with you and Blaise?" Oooo, Victoria is getting all demanding.

"I like him...as more than a friend." Why wouldn't she go away? Doesn't she have to go snog Malfoy? I don't even want to think about him and her together.

"Ok, that's all I need to know." She smiled and blinked. When she opened her eyes back up, her eyes were white. They were just white. Where was the color? After a split second, her watery blue eyes settled back in. "I'll see you later."

I nodded and stared at her back as she walked away. That was just not normal. If I didn't know better, I'd think she was wearing contacts. But she was a pureblood. Maybe it was just some sort of disorder or something. I would research that after I research this.

'Grimfort Ramely was a well-known Goblin who-.'

Giggle.

'Was a well know Goblin who-.'

Giggle.

'Who organized most-.'

Louder Giggle.

Hufflepuffs get on my nerves. The people who were giggling weren't even girls!

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Work Room

I was finally here alone. My desk could use a little bit of organizing, but I couldn't stop now. This was way too important. I continued reading where I left off.

'-who organized most of the Goblin smuggling projects. He was caught in 1793 after waiting for a case of money near Hogsmeade village. His right hand Goblin, Lowmus Scringlewine, betrayed him because he wasn't getting an equal share of the money.'

A portrait opening was heard in the background. "Oh Granger, you're here."

'He told the Ministry of Magic of Britain for an exchange of 5,000 Galleons. Scringlewine was later arrested for using his money for the same reason as his equally dangerous friend, Ramely.'

"Are you even listening to me?"

'His tunnels and secret passageways haven't been found till this day. Wizards from around the world come to Hogmeade Village to find these infamous tunnels.'

"You clearly aren't."

'Some say that some tunnels don't just lead to the Hogmeade shops. Some lead to very strange places. For example, WE NEED TO START PLANNING NOW!'

What the hell! Oh, Malfoy was in here. He slid a piece of paper on my reading! "What?"

"You read the paper. We need to start planning."

"I thought we were doing it separately?" I totally forgot about planning. He really does have a knack of making me remember things. Creepy.

"Well, I can't know what streamers and confetti to get if I don't know the color scheme, which, by the way, is your job," he accused. He didn't have a smug look. He had the same look I get when Harry and Ron won't do something. It made him look less like the devil.

"Ok, I'll start. Can I just finish reading this?"

"No."

"Look, even if the streamers aren't really fitting the color scheme, you can still change the coloring, can't you? You still know you're a wizard right?" I asked with a little bit of sarcasm.

We both raised our eyebrows at the same time. "No, I did know we could change them. I just don't want to go through all the trouble."

"Lazy." He quirked his eyebrow. "And what is it with you and the eyebrow thing?"

"What is it with you and the eyebrow thing?" he retorted.

I sneered playfully. He made a face back. Wow, I was being playful with him. "Did you get my message?" he asked changing the subject.

"Oh yeah, the Y.W thing. Do you not know how to spell out the whole thing?" I quirked my eyebrow subconsciously this time. It's a habit.

"I couldn't risk you showing Potter and the lapdog. It would've been blackmail," he reasoned.

"Why would I show them?"

"Well, because-."

"If I did, I would have to explain why I said thank you to you in the first place. They suspect that Blaise was the one there for me," I explained. He nodded his head. I looked at him. "Did you really hold up my hair?"

He shrugged. "I do that for Pansy all the time. Bad habit."

"Aw. You...sweet little thing."

"I am not sweet."

"Ok."

"I'm not!"

"I should write a book."

"I'm not!"

"Draco Malfoy: The Other Side. Do you think it would sell?"

"No."

"Fine." I took my book and went to go lay down on the couch. Maybe he would take a hint. But as soon as I lay down, he sat on my legs. That's it! I was ticked! But, I was going to keep my cool no matter what.

"This will keep you from ignoring me-."

"No one ignores a Malfoy," we said in unison.

He looked a bit pissed off. I was too, since I lost all feelings in my legs. "What? I may be one of the hated people on your list, but I've known you long enough to at least know some of your habits."

"Which is a privilege," we said in unison again. I smiled the annoying cheerful smile and he put more weight on my legs.

"Who said I hated you Granger?"

I was shocked. If he is playing with me, there is no telling who I will give him for the next person. "Be serious, Malfoy."

He put more pressure on my legs as he turned to look at me. "I know the difference between hate and dislike, believe me. I dislike you, but I hate Potter. See the difference."

I nodded painfully. "Yeah. Why are you even sitting on my legs? I could've scooted over for you."

"Really," asked Malfoy with a sly smile.

"I didn't have a problem with it last time."

"Really."

Maybe keeping my temper under control wasn't going to work. I managed to pull one leg out and push him off my other one. The feeling in my legs was coming back to me now. I just didn't get the tingly feeling that stayed. It wasn't a bad tingle, but a good one. Maybe my legs were still recovering in a weird way.

"You didn't mind, Granger?"

"I was closer to the fire anyways."

"Right."

I got up. As much as this little conversation was lasting, I had research to do. It was for Harry. "I'll give you the color scheme later."

"Later! I need it now!" he yelled getting angry.

"Calm down. We won't be able to go shopping for them until Hogsmeade Weekend. I'll see you later," I said closing my portrait whole. And when I was walking up the stairs, I sort of felt...reluctant. No, I had to be frustrated. If I didn't know better, I'd think he was a girl with all those mood swings he was having. He was practically the poster child for PMS.

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No one was in the Gryffindor Common Room at the moment. It was one of those breezy romantic nights where everyone would be outside. As I sat down at one of the couches by the fire, a fifth year walked in. She saw me and told me Blaise was waiting for me. I smiled, and the girl gave me a weird look.

I should research. I could always discuss this with Harry tomorrow morning. Plus, Blaise might need me.

I opened the portrait door. "What may I ask are you doing here?"

"Well, good day for a walk no?" he asked in a gentlemanly manner. His acting was really good.

I walked out of the portrait hole and put my hand in his. The students we passed by gave us a weird look and started whispering. They should get their own bet where they have to get people. Right now, I was fulfilling mine.

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Hogwarts Grounds

"Blaise?"

"Hmm?"

"Does Victoria have a problem with her eyes?"

"So you noticed the whole white eye thing too? I never asked her. I always considered it a spell gone wrong."

Something told me it was a little more than that.

"Malfoy looked angry when I passed by him in the hallway. What did you do?" he asked amused.

"I ignored him," I answered simply.

"You ignored him. I never achieved that goal," joked Blaise.

I acted like I was polishing my fingernails. "It takes practice."

Blaise laughed. "In class, he said he refused to let me degrade myself by letting me sit next to you."

I laughed. "Like I haven't been doing that already."

"You haven't. Actually, I've been complimented a lot," he replied.

"No way. Why?"

"Hermione, you have no idea."

"What do I have no idea about?!" I hated it when he said that. It made me so damn curious.

"Hermione, people like you way more than you think they do," informed Blaise.

I was shocked. "I wouldn't know. I usually hang out with Harry and R-."

"That's exactly it. You really don't care what other people think, other than those two and a few privileged others, to notice other things around you. It's kind of... innocent in a way," explained Blaise.

I blushed. "Thanks, I guess."

Blaise stopped again. "Listen."

I did. The sound I heard sounded like it came from the bush. Blaise and I went to see what it was. He quickly pulled a couple of branches out of the way and found...

Malfoy and Victoria?

Blaise stood there with his mouth open. After a couple of seconds, he left to go back inside. Malfoy stood up smirking while Victoria strode away in the other direction. She didn't seem too upset.

I turned to Malfoy with an angry face. "You were only kissing?"

"I'm fully clothed aren't I?"

I rolled my eyes.

"Listen, Granger. I say we start going out with these people today."

"You can't just change the rules like that Malfoy!" I yelled. I new it wouldn't be hard, but we already established the rules in the beginning. I couldn't even argue, because I wanted to go cheer up Blaise.

"Afraid of losing?" he asked slyly.

I shook my head and walked away. He is unbelievably disgusting.

"HERMIONE!" Great, my brothers were here.

"Hermione, we've been looking all over for you," said Ron with exaggerated arm motions.

"What have you found out?" asked Harry anxiously.

I sat both of them down on a bench. 'I haven't found out much, but-.'

'Hermione, you promised!'

'Don't whine, Harry. I kept on getting interrupted today, so I only got a tidbit of important information.'

'Like what?'

'Well, Goblins were the ones who built hidden tunnels for a smuggling ring way back when wizards didn't except them. And I'm guessing Goblin codes are what should be used to enter these tunnels. Me, and the rest of the world, don't know where the tunnels are.'

'Well, mate, that is a good bit for the first day.'

'Thank you, Ron.'

'You're welcome.'

I had to leave now and find Blaise. I was running out of time. Curfew was almost here.

"I'll see you later guys," I said not giving them a chance to reply.

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I found Blaise on the 'serene' side of Hogwarts. It was even creepier at night. "Blaise, he changed the rules. We need to start going out by tonight!"

"Fine with me. I will get him back." Those two had a complicated relationship. One minute they're all 'I love you man, but I don't want to admit it in public,' and the next there all 'I hate you, and lets make Hermione irritated in public.'

"So we're together?"

"Yeah."

I nodded. I just felt so sorry for him. I had to say something. "Blaise, like you said at the Quidditch game, she's not worth it."

Blaise nodded and left. Malfoy didn't know how much Victoria affected him. I'm sure Blaise would tell him we're going out when he gets back into his common room...in a painful manner. It's amazing to think that he, being a Slytherin, would show that much emotion. I don't think he cares whether or not he is a Slytherin anymore. And Malfoy is just playing the game. It's my fault. He wouldn't be feeling this way if I hadn't given Malfoy to her. And Malfoy was just being competitive. He didn't deserve anything, well except for another slap, because Blaise is his friend, but... I was the one who deserved all of it. Then again, he's the one who gave me Blaise. I was stupid to get into this in the first place.

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Chapter Explanation: Well, I only waited ten reviews for this one, because this is one of my crappier chapters. I have to say that I'm really missing a few of my other regular reviewers (hotpinkflamingo and Gryffindor620 where are you!). I know that it's summer, and people go on vacation, so that's probably why. Anyways, this chapter was written to make a little detail fit into the story that will effect the whole plot, and most likely the ending. I got a few 'I really want this story completed so I will know what happens next' reviews, but right now, I would say we're almost halfway through. This story doesn't end on the third person in the bet, because of a certain plot twist... Whoever can guess what the plot twist is gets a chapter dedicated to them. And, Voldemort hasn't appeared yet! Well, I'm sure you've also noticed that there is a growing sense of comfort between our favorite couple. If you want the next chapter, I need 15-20 reviews... or maybe more? Get your friends to read (lol, don't force them). Reasons why are below.

Next Chapter Preview: Third Person is here! Both Draco and Hermione spend almost a whole day together. Something goes wrong...