Me: Do you think I should retire from stealing characters?

JKR: Are you getting paid?

Me: A fair amount.

JKR: Then no. You got to keep he food on the table don't you?

Me: I'm only thirteen. I don't have to take care of a family yet.

JKR: Right. So how much sleeping gas do you think it will take to knock you out.

Me: I'll tell you if you give me Ron.

JKR: Fat chance. He's mine.

I still don't have a character, or the story, or anything the JKR gets incredibly rich off of.

Author's note: I'm so glad you read the last chapter. See I didn't give up! School work was such a pain in the but. I nearly forgot what a TV was because of all the homeowrk and projects and extra curriculars.

Frifri: I''m thanking indivudually again! Thanks for sticking with me. When I didn't see your name pop up on my reviews at first, I got worried. But you still pulled through.

Karana Bell: You are just so sweet. I'm glad you figured I was having trouble with the computer and everything.

jesska-14: I'm glad you wished me happy new year! Thank you for reading my fic.

blonde-with-her-moments: The brown nosing is fine. My self-esteem raised considerably.

jelly beans beware: Evilness comes with the job.

kimicabs: I hope you like the letter he wrote to his dad, although I don't really think I did that great.

sugar n spice 522: I'm glad someone understood the whole computer virus thing. Hope you enjoy the chapter!

BrennaM: Thank you for the concern about my computer. Thanks for reading my story as well. I'm glaad you loved the cliffie (jk). Plus, it's good to hear my story is well written.

xputteckx: I don't hear from many people who just started reading this fic. Thank you for taking the time for a couple days straight to get through with it.

Alenor: I hope this chappie did you justice.

potc-and-hpfan: You were on the floor laughing? I'm flattered. I usually don't hear from many people that I got them on the floor.

The Red Vixen and Memoru: No, not the pink fuzzy bunnies! I'm glad this is your favorite story! Thankyou for reading.

Ihearttomfelton: Thank you for your concern for my computer problems. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Sacagawea: I glad you're so eagger to know what happens. I hope this chpter did you justice.

cocoaducks: I really don't want to abandan this fic either, and I never will unless something bad happens. The Blaise/Hermione fic won't come until after this one or when I get the time.

exploded toilet bowl: I'm glad I dodged you or else I wouldn't be able to write the fic (jk). Thanks for reveiwing.

carcarbinx: I'm glad I wasn't so predictable with last chapter. Plus, you were the motivation for this chapter.

To everyone else I didn't thank personally, thank you. Please keep reading my fic.

88

Father,

The mudblood is unknowingly resisting my plan. She wouldn't budge when I interviewed her. We are "friends" after all. All we have to do is wait a while. I'll be through with everything by the end of this year.

Your son,

Draco

I stared at the letter dumbfounded. All this time, I considered him a friend and he…he…he goes and betrays me. What did he want to do to me? I heard his father had a torture chamber. No wait, I'm too filthy for that.

Damn him.

If he really thinks he's going to…

"Hey Hermione. I wanted to ask you if…what's wrong," he asked confused.

I turned around slowly and held up the piece of parchment. "What the HELL is this, you dirty lying bastard."

"So you read it. I-."

"Yeah I read it. It was lying right there. What did you expect me to do? No, don't you dare cut me off! I know I shouldn't read your mail, but I saw the mudblood on there and thought it referred to me. You never interviewed another mudblood have you?"

"No but-."

Ha, I scared him. HE always was a coward.

"No. Take the letter…no wait," I threw the letter in the fire. Wow, I don't remember eating anything salty. No wait…that's a tear. Why am I crying in front of him? Why am I letting him see the weakness that he so obviously wants?

"I wasn't going to-."

"Weren't going to what, Malfoy?" I asked staring at him icily in the eye. "No, shove this friendship along with everything ELSE that's dying up your ASS!"

With that, I walked out of the main entrance and decided to take a little walk.

……………………………………………………………………………………

I don't know what compelled me to walk to Blaise's side of the castle. I never felt a great need to go over there unless Blaise wanted me there.

Maybe I needed a good place to think. No wait, I knew I needed a good place to think. What am I going to do?

I really need to tell Dumbledore. That would be the good thing to do. That way, he could be expelled and away from me and Harry…and Ron. He almost sold me out! If I hadn't caught the letter, I don't know what would've happened. He'll probably send another one. I can't stop him there. The only thing I have left is to tell Dumbledore. Why do I even have to think about whether or not I should tell Dumbledore? I should've gone the minute I found the letter. Damn it, I should've kept the letter. He'll need the evidece.

I can't believe I was so stupid to believe that he wanted to interview me, because he really wanted to know about me. I should've seen how cheesy the whole thing was. How could I be so blind, and wow I'm really stupid aren't I?

"You okay, Hermione?"

I turned around abruptly. "Oh, Blaise. How much of my thinking did you hear?"

"Enough to know that you shouldn't hate on yourself," he replied with a smile.

His smile was larger than normal. Who could have…oh. "You just came from visiting her huh?"

"Yes, and I almost got caught. But, I did get to stay extra time now that I know how much time it takes for Madame Pomfrey to get through her routine. Anyways, after that, I didn't feel like going back to my secret chambers," he explained.

I nodded and looked away. 'Please don't read my thoughts, please don't read my thoughts, please don't read my thoughts.'

"I don't need to babe. What happened?"

I looked at him and explained everything including the part where I cried. I guess I really wanted an explanation to that more than anything.

"He really wrote that. Hmm, I know him better than anyone. You would've been kidnapped by now if he was the one working to get you. I'm still wondering why he didn't tell his Father about the actual interview," Blaise said looking at me questionably.

"It was pointless. Well, unless you count the whole what's my favorite color deal," I said shrugging and sitting on the nearest thing I could find.

"I'm sorry to say this Hermione, but you're wrong," Blaise said sitting across from me.

I looked at him shocked and slightly irritated then thought about the whole situation. Why wouldn't he reveal the whole thing? "That kind of information would be useful. It gives away clues to my personality. And since they always try to kidnap or torture me to get information on Harry…"

"Right. And Draco does hold that information, does he not? Along with everything little you revealed about Boy Wonder and the pet?"

I glared at Blaise for a moment then replied. "Yes, he does, unless he lost it or something. But wait, Draco doesn't lose things. Plus, I doubt daddy will let him commit such a crime," I said turning my brain on. Emotion needs to stop running me. I'm cool collected Hermione. "I've got to get back into the routine of thinking."

"Thinking too much won't do you much good. Ask Draco-."

"Why would I ask Draco, Blaise? I have nothing to say to him," I said stubbornly and putting my head into my hands. Fights and emotional things exhaust the hell out of me. That's why thinking was always a comfort. It kept me energized and ready for things.

"Think about it babe. He could've sent his dad that information, and you know that. Why didn't he?" Blaise asked repeating himself patiently.

Ding. That rung a bell. I really do need to get back in the habit of thinking. Although, I'm not too good at the whole opposite sex part of life. What even ruined my habit of thinking anyways? "He didn't rat me out. His father needed a response, but Draco wouldn't give him the right one."

"Right. Now, I'm pretty sure you two need to talk," he said patting my cheek.

I looked at him suspiciously. "How do you know he wasn't on his way to sending a good response to his father, Blaise?"

He rolled his eyes. "Um, maybe its because I'm the supposed best friend who he just happened to be rambling to about the matter. Well, he gave me a load of bull and put me as the general concern."

I smiled. "What do you mean?"

"I mean," he put on his Draco face. "You and Granger are friends right? And you and I are best friends. And since you're a trustworthy friend, I was thinking about whether or not to rat out Granger. I mean, you wouldn't speak to me ever again, and then I would have to stick to Crabbe and Goyle, who aren't the best people to talk to. It would be like talking to the dimmer version of a wall. Then Granger would tell someone, and you would go to her aid since you and your dad are in a bad position, and Granger could kill me herself if she-."

"Okay, I get the point," I said hushing Blaise. "If he was rambling, than he really must be confused. The only time I ever heard him do that is this one time in sixth year when he didn't know what to tell his family about his 'dilemma' with Pansy. And- hey what's wrong?"

Blaise put on a smile. "Nothing."

"It's something, now tell me."

He took a deep breath. "Victoria might need more intensive care. I wanted to see her early today, so I went to her room early in the morning. Pomfrey was there talking to someone from St. Mungo's."

I hugged him immediately. "You could go visit her."

"That wouldn't be enough. Wow, I can't believe I'm love struck and in Slytherin. She revealed to me that, she did remember me vaguely from her trance. It made her feel lighter than she would've felt during the whole curse thing. But like I said, I was vague, just like a weapon would be if she were commanded to kill someone. She said she wanted to know who I was, and she finally remembered when she was restored. I'm finally getting somewhere, just like my mom said I would," he said sort of dreamily.

I smiled. He always made me smile when he let himself actually look like he was in love.

He looked at me. "We should go."

I nodded. I really needed to talk to Draco.

Lllllllllllllllllllll

I walked into the workroom to find him on my couch. He has a habit of doing that.

I walked over and stood in front of him. Once he saw me, he came out of his sort of dazed look and proceeded to the deer in headlights look.

"Did you send another letter?"

He kind of looked relieved that I didn't draw my wand.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"I had to. Lucius wanted an update."

I nodded. "Okay."

I went and lay on his couch. The pillows looked really inviting, and I was exhausted. It felt like you just had a fight with your parents. You say you don't care and you try not to feel distressed and you think you have everything under control, but once you get into your room at night, the only thing you can do is collapse and not do anything else until you feel like the pressure just escaped and moved on.

Llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

Somewhere between my poetic explanations and sort of logical thinking, I fell asleep. I figured I needed some rest, even though I picked a bad time.

Actually, I didn't know what time was a good time. He obviously didn't want to talk either, since he let me doze off.

I opened my eyes and saw him staring at me. And since it was probably two in the morning, my vision was kind of blurred. My initial reaction was to scream and hit him with a pillow.

"Ow! Well, at least you got a reaction down for just in case someone tries to kill you in your sleep," he said smoothing his hair.

I rolled my eyes. "Thanks. I'll let the next guy who tries to kill me know that."

He rolled his eyes back at me, but then looked kind of disturbed by the comment. That's a weird feeling to have.

I decided to ignore it and turned to my side. "So, did you sleep walk your way over here?"

"No I was fully awake, actually," he replied rubbing his eyes. "And, I was wondering if you wanted an explanation for that letter."

"That would be nice," I replied. I don't think Blaise was supposed to reveal everything he revealed to me. Might as well sit through another speech.

He scooted closer to me from his position on the floor. "Originally, I gave you that interview to do exactly what you thought I would do. I was really having a hard time deciding whether or not to send the letter. Then, I decided to just tell Lucius something to buy me some time."

"Why were you having a hard time?" I asked sneakily. I wanted to see Draco Malfoy ramble. Blaise's explanation made it very appealing.

"Well, I'm a loyal, no dammit that's a Gryffindor trait. Um, I just didn't feel the need to, I guess. Plus, it kind of puts you up to death a bit too early. Daddy might still need you, and-."

"Don't continue. You're still planning on joining your father huh? Your really want to?" I asked looking at him pointedly.

"Yes. I need to," he said exasperated. "You know that."

Yes, I do know that. But do you want to?

I really want to ask you that out loud, but I can't. That's cause for another fight. "Yes, I do know that. At least I can hold onto my life for at least a couple more months."

"I can't guarantee that he'll take your life," he mumbled looking away.

"How? I don't want my particular side to lose, but that doesn't mean casualties won't happen," I said looking away as well. Then, realization dawned. "Are you doubting Voldemort?"

Draco flinched. "No, I'm just doubting his followers. A couple of plans have been screwed, and I can't figure out why."

I tensed up at the thought of Snape. He does a great job despite his antagonistic qualities.

Draco didn't seem to notice.

"You're a typical Slytherin bastard," I said playfully.

He turned to look at me with mock anger. "Typical no, Slytherin bastard yes." He turned serious again. "In the battle that we all know is coming, can we promise to knock each other out instead of kill each other?"

That was a little unexpected. I wouldn't have killed him, but I was pretty sure the feeling wouldn't be mutual. Or maybe it was, but he just couldn't say it out loud. "Why?"

"Because, my orders were to kill out of pure hate, and-." he trailed off.

"And what?"

"Well, I don't hate you. I just dislike you a little," he said concluding.

I cocked an eyebrow. "I dislike you too Mr. Malfoy."

He smiled.

I looked at him to examine him a bit. The firelight was doing something to him. And here I go going all poetic. If I hadn't seen this scene in movies and TV, I would think this was totally weird/original. And even though I won't go into a romantic rant, I still know that I crumbled some walls, little by little. Maybe I crumbled all of them. I don't think I would've given a second thought to it if it was still the beginning of the year. But it's not, which is why I'm, for lack of a better word, dwelling on it.

"Are you thinking of the many creative ways you know how to kill me?" he asked playfully with a hint of coldness. The walls were forming back up. It's not every day I talk to a future enemy in battle.

"I was thinking of half of what you thought I was thinking," I replied. Oh crap, I wasn't supposed to say that.

Draco's eyes brightened for a second. "Who were you thinking on killing? Flinch-Fletchy? He has become an obsessive stalker hasn't he? Or maybe-."

"I'm not telling you about who I was planning to kill," I said with a smile. I couldn't very well tell him I was thinking about the emotional part of him. Half the time, his emotional part of him is stuffed under a bed and forgotten in some part of his brain. Or maybe he keeps it in a file far away from the girls-I-won't-marry-but-will-waste-my-precious-hair-grooming-time-on because he's afraid some of the papers will find it's way into the wrong cabinet.

"Fine, but when you do, make sure you have your run and hide tactics down," he said almost like he was talking to a baby.

I sat up. "I wasn't planning on killing someone." Oh crap, shouldn't have said that either.

He got up and sat next to me. "Then what were you thinking about?"

"Nothing," I replied a little too quickly.

He looked like he was backtracking for a moment. He then looked at me and quirked an eyebrow. "Were you thinking about me?"

I almost gagged at the suggestiveness of his tone. "No," I lied. "Did you want me to?"

Yes, I turned it around.

He made a motion to get up, but I draped my feet over him to keep him seated. "Answer the question."

"I wasn't expecting you to," he said crossing his arms.

He apparently wasn't in too much of a hurry to get up anymore. This could be fun. Maybe he, no he couldn't. It wouldn't be that bad but wait, urgh, no it would be. Well, no, it would just be…weird. Or maybe it's just the fact that any other couples would be snogging by now in the fireplace aloneness of the whole situation.

Besides, I have to admit, even though it's kind of stupid, that I wasn't in much of a hurry to let him get up.

"Once again, Draco, answer the question," I said even more playfully. Was Draco Malfoy…nervous?

He mumbled something in response. I sat up, my legs still not letting him leave, and looked at him. "What did you say?"

Hey how did that come out like a whisper? Wow he's really close. He's not wearing the cologne I like. Wait, I didn't even notice he had cologne. Yes, I did, I just never felt like acknowledging it. Why is looking at me like that?

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

Wow, leave it to me to ruin the silence. But why was he looking at me like that? He had a sort of dazed look with the creepy smile. He normally doesn't do that. Why wasn't he answering me? Well, the not answering me part was part of his routine. Wow, this is terribly uncomfortable. He's moving closer. Why is he moving closer?

"Well, goodnight," I said hugging him and laying back down. It wasn't even a good hug. It was an I-just-started-liking-boys-hug that was given when we were all in third year.

He hardly looked disappointed however. Maybe I was the one who was moving closer, and he was the one who was freaking out. When did it get so complicated?

"You haven't gotten ready for bed," he reminded.

I closed my eyes. "They have spells for that."

Wow, I have a feeling of stupidity in the pit of my stomach. But I was also happy.

At least I wasn't fighting with him anymore.

The fight didn't even last that long.

By the time I woke up, it was 6:30. I know I would regret waking up this early later, but right now I couldn't sleep. I was too comfortable to get up though. The blanket that only Draco could've put on me was keeping me warm and relaxed.

But what was the other thing that was on me. It feels like skin, well-moisturized skin.

I opened my eyes slowly and gaped at the sight. Draco's arm was wrapped, yes wrapped around me. Sure, it was comfortable, and really..erm…safe feeling, but it was still his arm.

I lifted my head slightly the to find Draco in a very uncomfortable position. My legs were still in their position over his lap, but his upper body was settled right next to mine. It was almost like we were…oh my gosh….we were, no, yes, no…we weren't, wow, um, spooning. No, yes, no…yes we were. Somehow, it didn't take me long to get over the shock.

I got off the couch and shook him so he could wake up. When he did, he didn't look all too surprised to find me in front of him.

"Morning," he said sleepily.

"Morning, but-."

"Wait, I wanted to tell you something," he said interrupting.

I looked at him the best I could with a curious expression. "What?"

He grabbed a pillow and hit me.

"Ow," I screamed outraged.

"You ruined a moment, you wench," he said irritably.

"Ruined what moment? And why was your arm over me?"

"Well, I originally wanted to not let you get up so I can show you how irritated I was about-."

"About what?"

I got hit with the pillow again.

"About what?!" I asked again.

"You ruined a damn moment!"

"What moment?"

"Um, the cliché moment!"

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Would you mind if I showed you?" he said calming down.

I, still confused and sleep deprived, still had no idea what he was talking about. "Fine, show me."

He rolled his eyes at me again, and I had to restrain myself from slapping him.

Suddenly, he got up and was making scary and intense eye contact with me. I still had a confused and totally weirded out look on my face. He got closer. What was he doing? Where have I seen this before? His eyes are closed. What is he…oh my gosh he's going to kiss me! Why would he want to? Well he has before. Or maybe he's going for the-.

My whole thought process was ruined when his lips touched mine. He drew me closer when he put his arm around my waist while I made my way into his hair. He didn't seem to mind the whole playing with his hair thing.

Maybe the fact that he was, dare I say it, breathtaking was the cause for my lungs to not operate correctly. Or maybe it's because we've been kissing for a while and I needed air.

Nevertheless, I pulled away but kept my forehead on his.

"I ruined that moment?" I whispered.

"Pretty much."

"Okay."

He pulled away completely and he resumed his previous position minus the uncomfortable leg position on his couch.

Silence followed. It wasn't awkward. Well, if you don't count the part when we both tried to talk to each other. Otherwise, I was pretty comfortable. Sure, he had his creepy gaze, and I knew that a lot of people wouldn't approve, but right now, it felt…comfortable, for lack of a better word.

I've been using the comfortable adjective a lot lately.

I started moving again at 7:15 and put my hair in a ponytail. "I need food," was all I could manage to say before Blaise burst in through the main entrance.

"Hey. What's wrong?"

"Victoria. They took her. I don't know where she is, but they stole her. She's gone."

And that's the end. I originally wasn't planning any Draco and Hermione action. They were supposed to stay mad for another chapter, but you guys wanted something to happen, so I decided to make all of you happy. Did you guys think I was having a cliché moment with the kissing part? I tried to draw it out as much as I could. And I tried to leave another cliffy, but I don't think it turned out that great. At least the readers have something to think about, right? Anyways, R&R.