Disclaimer:

Me: Well, as you can see, I am currently penniless.

JK: One lemonade please.

Me: That would be twenty-five...hey, where are you going with my lemonade pitcher! Stop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JK: Oh, she is so not getting this back.

(Evil Cackle)

Well, anyway, that was it. Maybe I should just stick to doing chores. But chores suck! So anyway, I'm disclaiming anything and all the things that all belong selfishly (lol) to JK Rowling, as I am required to do.

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Reviewer Shout Out: Thank you for saying that my chapter wasn't that short. I usually take up 14 pages on word, but I only took up I think 11 pages on that one. H.D., You were one of the four anonymous reviewers I thanked last chapter. Yes, I do appreciate you very much. Karana, your review was always the longest. Thank you for still being faithful. Gryffindor620, thanks again. And honestly, I don't know how Ron will react...yet. Rina, thanks for liking my story. And, like you, Hermione is not completely sure about the blank eyes thing either. ME, I'm glad I scared somebody. I was beginning to think I was getting predictable. And about Harry and Ron...I'm not telling. FriFri, Hermione doesn't quite understand the blank eyes thing either. Chamorro, thank you for not thinking this is going slow. Loved the compliment. CozzaGirl16, can't guarantee that they won't they won't stay together a while. I'm evil (lol)! Cottoncandy9128, she has to be with Ron. Thanks for the compliment. Blaise8807, I'm glad you think they are in character. I was beginning to worry. Draco Silvan Malfoy, you're back! I'm glad I inspired you in a way with my Hermione way of correcting (lol). Also, thanks to all new reviewers and old ones that I haven't mentioned. Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Two Weeks Before Christmas Ball, Hogmeade Weekend, Gryffindor Common Room

I was going to find out today. After my shopping with Malfoy, I was going to confront Victoria. Her eye thing has been driving me crazy. And the fact that Blaise didn't know was kind of wrong. I told Harry and Ron though. They were going to help me investigate.

Meanwhile, the voices of the boys could be heard all through out the common room yelling for me. Some second year even asked them if they were going to be evil to me. Ron called her a twit.

"HERMIONE, IT"S YOUR TURN TO HELP GET THE FOOD INTO THE COMMON ROOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

That must have been Ron. Harry would've yelled something along the lines of Hermione, Ron is about to eat me. I wasn't listening to them. Breakfast only started five minutes ago. There was another fifty-five minutes left. I was too busy getting ready. Since Hogsmeade Weekend always showed mercy and allowed students to dress casually, I was taking my time to get ready. I don't know where the sudden need to look good came from, but I was not about to give up on myself. I chose black low-rise jeans, a cute white sweater, with a rainbow colored scarf. I usually don't care whether I have make-up on or not, but today I just had to have it.

I came downstairs a good fifteen minutes later. I gave Ron a peck on the lips, which Ron tried to bite, because I was the only thing standing between him and food. I looked around for Ginny, because I was supposed to help her get the food.

"She left with Neville," informed Harry.

I nodded. Ron looked at me skeptically. "What?"

"Didn't you say you had to meet Malfoy somewhere to get decorations?" His angry voice scared me sometimes.

"I said I should meet him. I didn't say I wanted to," I replied.

Ron perked up a little and put his arm around me. "So you can ditch him for me then?"

I turned to him and pouted. "I wish. But Dumbledore wants this dance, so we have to give this dance. You are going with me right?"

He looked at me shocked. "You didn't know? I thought I asked you."

"Well, Ron, you left that part out, but now that she asked you, I still need to ask Hannah," sighed Harry.

I turned to him. "Doesn't you and Hannah being together sort of give you a clue as to who you're going with?"

Harry sighed again. "I heard from her best friend that she wants to be asked officially."

"Then what's the problem mate?" asked Ron.

"I haven't gotten around to it. I think she's mad at me," Harry replied scratching his head.

"All the more better to hurry," I said while plopping myself down in a chair.

Ron sat next to me. I looked at him. He smiled and took my hand. I was really starting to like him, for real. I never thought of Blaise and Neville like that. And it scares me. I would have to break up with him. No, I'll lose. I like Ron way too much now. It's only been a few weeks, but I've known Ron longer than that, so there was no timid-ness at the beginning.

"Why don't you just sit on his lap, Hermione? You know you want to," teased a giggling girly voice. Ginny had come back with the food.

"Ron complained last time," I answered.

"I did not!"

I glared at him.

"Ok, fine, I did. That was only because Dean was looking up her skirt," explained Ron.

"I heard my name," yelled Dean from across the common room. Seamus turned to look at us too. They both realized we had the food and rushed over.

"I SAID that I caught you looking up Hermione's, MY girlfriend, skirt," repeated Ron rather bitterly.

"Oh yeah, that. Nice job on that ass, Hermione," complimented Dean.

I laughed while Ron tried to punch him. "Relax, Ron, she's all yours," soothed Harry. That was the sad part. I wasn't really his.

"Miss Granger!"

I turned and heard Ron whisper to Harry. Apparently this was the twit they met earlier. "What is it, sweetie?"

"There is one of those mean Slytherin guys outside the portrait hole. He is asking for you," informed the girl.

"What's your name?" I asked.

"Violet Miss," she replied.

"Well, Violet, tell the Slytherin he can wait, and then quickly close the portrait hole," I instructed.

Violet nodded and did as I asked.

"Oooooo, Malfoy asked for you! You can just see the fat grandchildren in the future ," cooed Seamus.

I hit him under the table. "For decorations, idiot."

"Sure-."

"Don't start Seamus," warned Harry while looking at Ron.

There was an awkward silence after that.

I used this to my advantage. 'Harry, Ron, after lunch, you know what we have to do.'

'Sure.'

'Yeah.'

What broke the silence was the Fat Lady screaming. Draco was screaming back at her. I can't believe I thought his name! Him rubbing off on me is NOT a good thing. And, I might be the only one calling him Draco. Hardly anyone refers to him by his first name. I find that weird.

Ron pulled me back down as I got up. "No, you are finishing your biscuit."

Oh, so now I can eat my biscuit.

I kissed his forehead. "If I go early, that means more time with you, alone." Ron regained some of his normal coloring again. I turned to the rest of them. "Lunch?"

They nodded. As I was about to open the portrait hole, I heard the guys making fun of him and me for being all over each other. Ginny added that she thought it was cute, and Harry was protecting Ron as usual.

I on the other hand, would not receive a fun conversation. "Where have you been?! I've been waiting out here for twenty minutes. TWENTY MINUTES and- ."

"Shut up, Malfoy. You sound like my mother, or Harry and Ron when I was in the library way later than-." And he really did sound like them. Since when did he get the right to chastise me when I was late to something? Since when did he care?

"Don't ever say that about me again," he growled.

"Foul mood today, Draco," I said emphasizing his name.

His reaction was...surprising. He must be going soft. "I didn't have coffee this morning. Not in public, Hermione."

I nodded and started walking toward the stairs. He followed suit. Well, no nasty remark yet.

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Hogmeade, Madame Freena's Decorations

We, meaning Mal-Dra-Mal, ugh...

Draco Malfoy!

How hard is it to stick to one name? Anyway, we were in the middle of a heated argument as we entered.

"You are such a pig. And a tactless one as well!" I yelled.

"I just told her the truth. I'm not always going to tell people the truth, but I just had a very strong and frustrated feeling that made me really want to say it!" he yelled back.

"Her acne is clearing up! Don't you think? And her nose is NOT crooked!"

"I can't believe your upset about me losing," Draco said trying to make a point.

"I am not worrying about you losing! I am worrying about her! You hurt her feelings Draco, whether you know it or not!"

"And how can I help this lovely couple out?" asked Madame Freela. Did she not just hear us arguing in a rather uncivilized manner.

Draco and I looked beside or behind us just to make sure there wasn't a real couple in here.

Nope, only us.

Draco and I quirked an eyebrow. "We are not-."

"A couple in any way, shape, or form," finished Draco rather rudely.

Madame Freela just smiled. "So, I'm guessing you ordered the icicles. I hear Dumbledore is letting you students celebrate this year."

I smiled. "Yes. Are they ready?"

"Course they are, honey. They're in the back," replied Madame Freela while going to get them.

I looked at my watch. I had two more hours before I could leave. I had two hours before my investigation started. I wasn't that anxious to though. I found this weird. I was with a Malfoy for crying out loud! I guess I just learned how to deal with him.

"So, Granger, what else do we have to get?" he asked killing time.

I was about to answer, but Madame Freena came back with our order. The box was huge! "A simple shrinking spell should do it."

I smiled while Draco took out his wand and muttered a few words. "Thank you Madame."

"Might I add, you two should do yourselves a favor and go to the Ball together. You two would look gorgeous," she complimented.

Draco looked like he was about to vomit. I tried to keep a neutral face. These were just one of the kinds of people who always think you look cute with some one and say something about it. The last time I was at the Leaky Cauldron, some one advised Harry to marry me and dump Fred, who was on the other side of me. "Madame, we aren't necessarily a couple."

She smiled at us again before we walked out. I could've sworn I heard her whisper pity.

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Weasley's Wizard Wheezes

Fred and George said they would see how their branch in Hogmeade was doing before going up to the castle. I finally convinced Draco to go and see if they had arrived. Sure enough, they were managing the cash while the other cashier took a break.

"Oy, Hermione! Going shopping I see," yelled Fred. Was it even Fred? Yes it was Fred, because he was slightly taller.

"So how's our favorite little know-it-all girl who has become a woman," said George from behind.

Draco cringed at his comment. Why, I do not know.

I ignored him and smiled at them. "I'm fine. Read lately?" I quirked my eyebrow.

"If you count the store sign being something to read, then yes Professor, we have done our weekly reading," said Fred while waltzing around the counter to give me a hug.

I accepted it happily. "So why is Ikkle Ronekeins not with you. Did the ferret scare him off?"

"Now listen, Weasley-."

I conveniently hit him in the 'sensitive' area again. He then started cursing under his breath while walking out of the shop.

"You've learned well," complimented George while wiping a fake tear.

"Well, Dumbledore seems to make us spend more time with each other. I don't see why though," I said shrugging.

Fred, who I didn't notice leave in the first place, returned with the snow angels. "Here is your order."

I looked at it suspiciously. "No messing with it right?"

Fred feigned hurt. "Why Hermione. I can't believe you think of us that low. You paid us, and we delivered the goods."

Well, I did pay them, so I guess they wouldn't have messed with it. I smiled. "Thanks."

"You are very welcome. Hope you come back soon," said George in a business like manner.

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Outside the Shop

I found Draco sitting on a bench outside. It surprised me that he was still here. I didn't expect him to be. "Why are you still here?"

"We still have more things to get, don't we?" he asked.

"Well, only two things," I replied.

"If you knew we still had stuff left, then why are you asking that question?"

"I just never expected you to wait for me," I said sitting on the other side of the bench.

"I didn't have a choice," he said getting up and taking a bag.

I got back up too. I didn't say anything out loud, but in my mind I was saying, 'yes you did.'

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Dress Shop

Draco and I finished our shopping with enough time left for me to get to lunch. What we did at the Three Broomsticks was normal, except for the Ron and I drooling over each other thing. After that, Ginny and I wanted to go shop for a dress. Ron opposed to it, but I promised the rest of the day was his. He pouted, which didn't work, and went to go get some ice cream with Harry. The good part about this is that I could have girl time. The bad part is that I couldn't stop Victoria.

I was currently waiting for Ginny to come back out of the dressing room. She found three perfect dresses for herself while I currently found none. When I heard one of the doors open, I found Ginny looking stunning. She had on a baby blue robe that fit her perfectly. Not only did it fit her body, but it made her glow, literally. "What do you think? It's not to baggy right. I mean the neckline is sort of-."

I turned Ginny to face me. "Neville will love you."

She smiled but quickly frowned at the lack of dresses that I got. "You need help." She then started pulling robes off the rack here and there. I could've sworn I saw a lime green one in there somewhere. It obviously didn't matter to her, because she was speed shopping.

When she was done, she handed me all of the robes and shoved me in a dressing room. I picked a random robe and tried it on. I looked in the mirror and almost complimented myself. The robes were a pinkish-white color. It would make me look heavenly if the snow angels weren't there. Plus, this is what I thought. Other people probably wouldn't think the same thing. Ginny wasn't one of those people.

"Hermione, it's gorgeous on you!" squealed Ginny.

I smiled at the young girls eagerness. "Thank you. All the help came from you."

"Yes, darling, but you're the one who is pulling it off," Ginny replied extravagantly.

I turned and practically skipped back to the dressing room to take it off. The price off the dress was a little over budget, but I could handle it. I would just have to buy Harry something else that would help with his schoolwork.

When I was at the counter, the lady turned and strangely related Madame Freela. Maybe they were family. No, I was sure they were family. "How can I help you Miss?"

"I would like to buy this dress," I replied.

She looked at it closely before I handed the money over. As she counted my galleons, she said, "This is a wonderful dress."

"Thank you."

"I would imagine a girl like you would like it," she said smiling.

That was a compliment right? It was a compliment. Why was everyone always hinting towards Draco in a way? Should I take it as a sign? Maybe I was the one who thought they were referring to Draco...

That's a stupid question.

"Here's your dress Miss," she lady said handing it over.

"Thank you." I don't know how many times I said that today.

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Another Hogmeade Store

I decided to so my Christmas shopping alone. The boys weren't too happy, because they wanted to monitor the homework gifts I would be getting them. I got Ron and I matching necklaces, him getting the manlier one. I got Harry a few things from Fred and George's shop, and I got Ginny girly things, like make-up. The rest of my Gryffindor and outer housemates got candy and a card from me. My parents got a few books from the magical world. They were fascinated. After that, I knew I got everybody. But why did it feel like I was missing something?

I turned my head to look at a shop window casually. I got a glimpse of something silver. Hey, it looked ok. Maybe I should by it. My gut was telling me to. But, I only have so much money. This is Christmas, though. Oh my gosh, I'm having a conversation with myself. You know what, I'm just going to buy it.

So I went in the shop taking my time. After I purchased the item, I went out only to notice a certain witch I was currently observing. She looked distant. It looked like she was walking down the street without noticing the other people. I decided to look suspicious and follow slowly.

After a few minutes, she was behind the alley at Hogsmeade. I was about to walk around the corner, but I caught a glimpse of a black cloak. I'm pretty sure it was the Death Eater that Harry saw last Hogmeade Weekend. He swished his wand and Victoria practically marched towards the cobblestone wall. I could see the Death Eater's mouth moving.

What was going to happen? I wasn't about to let them get away. That was so un-Hermione like. No, it was so un-Gryffindor like in general. But Harry and Ron weren't here. They should be. I had to do something.

"Immobulus!"

"Protego!"

"Expelliarmus!"

"Crucio!" I nearly dodged that one.

"Inflamara!"

"Immobulus!" Hey, that wasn't my voice.

I turned to look at the Death Eater. Nope. He was currently not moving.

I looked at Victoria. Nope. She was staring at the wall waiting for her orders.

I looked behind me. Yep. Blaise was smiling down at me. "You should know better than to be all Gryffindor about it and go in yourself!"

"I tried. Didn't happen. How'd you get here?" I asked. He was a surprise. I expected Ron or Harry to be there.

"Well, just like you, I was following her. She brushed past me, and I knew something was wrong. You filled me with suspicion," he accused.

"Good."

"Which helped me save your ass."

"Good." I turned around and got a good look at the Death Eater. I immediately went up there and broke the wand. I then took the hood off. It was...

Lucius Malfoy?

"Don't get your hopes up," warned Blaise. "Lucius Malfoy wouldn't have gone down that easy. This is one of the new, freshly picked Death Eaters."

I nodded. "Aren't you parents going to get mad?"

"Well, Hermione, I'm sort of...disowned."

"What! How come you didn't tell me!"

"Shhh!!! Don't tell anyone. The Dark Lord new I was a half blood. It was either kill me or disown me. And I think it's pretty ironic because he's a half blood. Why do you think I started liking Ravenclaws?"

"Well I-."

"Ah, Miss Granger. I see that your intellect has helped you again. I applaud you as well Mr. Zambini," said Dumbledore. How does he always manage to get here after everything happens? He read my mind. "I let my Phoenix out for his daily flight when he came back and warned me. You are lucky to be alive Miss Granger. If that wasn't a low ranking Death Eater, then you would've had a harder time."

Blaise opened his mouth to say something.

Dumbledore held up his hand. "Mr. Zambini. Please take Miss Rowland to my office. I believe she wants to be freed. Miss Granger, please return to your respective common room."

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Work Room

I didn't want to go back to the common room yet. I knew Harry and Ron would ask me questions, but my nerves didn't calm down enough for that. Victoria was going to be in a special part of the castle. Apparently she had something they wanted. The Death Eater would go in trial later this month. And while all this is happening, I contented myself with wrapping the Christmas presents. This would probably be the only time I would be able to do it. The homework load wasn't lessening any. Neither were the butterflies in my stomach. No, not nervous butterflies, but the butterflies that want to tear your stomach apart.

Maybe I should write my parents a letter and send their present early. Yes, that's what I would do. I swished my wand, so the presents could wrap themselves, and then I started writing. This is when Malfoy decided to come in.

"Haven't you had enough of me?"

"Well, yes. But I was coming in here to read. Don't gape at me, Granger. Anyway, Pansy is hinting at me to make her a marriage proposal," he explained.

"Oh. Well, I hope you two have wonderful little pureblood children," I said with sarcasm.

He made a face at me. "Well, that's just it. She showed me a picture of what our actual children would look like."

"Did she get them from St. Mungos?" I asked. I heard they were installing a maternity ward.

"No, she drew them," he said frowning.

I laughed.

"I'm sure you and Weasel's kid won't look half as decent," he retorted.

"Yeah, but I'm not the one who had to waste my time and draw a picture," I said back.

"Can't you go make a mess somewhere else? I want to be in peace," he asked.

"Draco, I'm almost done. I just need to wrap Harry's present and this, umm, thing," I said pointing to the object I bought earlier.

Draco looked at it in a weird way. "You bought that and don't know what it is?"

"I just thought it looked funny and bought it. It wasn't until after I bought that the owner told me what it was for." I expected that to be the end of the conversation.

It wasn't.

"Which is?"

"Well, it was leftover from last Valentines day. He said something about giving it to someone you really love and you always will love. It's supposed to keep a couple together. No one wanted it. I know it's only a ring, and I don't believe in the whole rumor behind it, but I thought it looked nice," I explained.

Draco stared at it. I did the same thing. The ring had a silver band. The rock was shaped like a flame with little rubies covering it. I'm still wondering why the shop owner sold it so cheap. It was simple, but when you looked at it, it simply shined. I stared back up at Draco. Hey, I don't feel like keeping this ring. Maybe I should give it to him? He was sort of in love with it in the first place. "Malfoy-."

"Draco."

"Draco," I glared. "I think I found your engagement ring."

"My WHAT!?"

"Well, I don't know what the hell I bought it for, and you're practically drooling over-."

"I do not drool."

"Fine, just take it."

"Granger, I can't marry-."

"I'm not proposing to you nitwit. I just have no use for it, so I'm giving it to you. You can give it to Pansy or any other Slytherin you wish to go out with," I said.

He took it.

I looked at his face when he received it. "What, no dirty blood jokes."

He was still entranced by it. "I thought we got over those, Hermione."

Actually, we didn't. It's just the ring talking. "Mobilerbus!" I whispered so I didn't have to carry the presents up myself.

"Thanks."

"What?" I said turning around.

"Thanks."

I nodded. That ring was weird. He couldn't keep his eyes off of it. I'm sure he wasn't paying attention to what I was saying. I mean I wanted him to. Well, actually, it depends which topic we're talking about. Some conversations we have turn into huge arguments. And I apparently was almost on a one sided conversation. I should leave him.

The weird thing was, I didn't start feeling paranoid about what happened today until I left the room. More importantly, the room with Draco in it. It wasn't easy to forget facing a Death Eater. And after I left that room, I felt no longer...safe? Was that the word? Maybe it's because I was alone after I left that room. Ron and Harry would make me feel better.

I hurried up the stairs to get to the common room quickly. As soon as I walked through the wall, I saw a glimpse of red hair and glasses. They were currently suffocating me, Ron doing most of the work.

"Are you hurt?"

"Are you ok?"

"Do you want water?"

"What else happened?"

"Is Victoria ok?"

"OK STOP!" I yelled. Everyone in the common room literally stopped. I turned to face them. "Not all of you!"

Everyone hurriedly went back to whatever they were doing.

I turned back to the boys. I gave Ron a peck on the mouth and smiled at Harry. "I know you two are worried, but I'm good. I'm still here."

"We can see that," observed Harry.

Ron went behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. He put his nose in my hair. "Next time, you are so going shopping with us."

"Can you guys quit with the PDA?" asked Harry slightly annoyed.

Ron let go of me. "Sorry Harry."

"It's alright. I'm just hungry. Dinner starts in five minutes," informed Harry.

Ron grabbed my hand and my wrist made nasty cracking sounds as he pulled me out of the common room. Gosh, what the guy would do for food.

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Chapter Explanation: Excuse any errors. I didn't have time to correct this one. I wanted it posted as fast as I can.Well, the Victoria discovery wasn't supposed to come for another few chapters, but since my readers were getting confused, I decided to put it in here. Plus, this gives me a great idea for the ending... Anyway, more relationship between Hermione and Draco. I kind of need to make their interactions a little nicer with the way I want to take this story. I'm almost sure that the couple behaving this way is not out of character considering the other conversations they had kind of led up to this kind of relationship. Oh yeah, the ring sort of distracted him from noticing it was Hermione who he was talking to. This is the first time I got fifteen pages on word. I usually get only 12-14 pages. Anyway, hope you liked it.

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