Chapter 7

(Rewritten July 06)

Hermione was shocked, stunned, horrified, confused. Any emotion that was remotely close to those, that's what she was experiencing. And as for Draco, he was as nervous as hell. He was just glad that she hadn't run, yet.

"Hermione," he began, "I'm sorry if I'm not who you expected me to be, or even wanted me to be. I'm sorry but I'm really a different person. I just want you to know who that is. I want you to know me."

Hermione rolled eyes and huffed. "Please, I know who the real Draco Malfoy is and he's the boy who's tormented me for years."

Draco sighed. "No, I'm not. Please, listen to me?" Hermione nodded. "Okay, well, we might as well make ourselves comfortable so let's sit here by the lake."

Hermione hesitated but reluctantly followed. Draco smiled softly.

"Well, I brought you here tonight for two reasons," he began, "One, to let you know who you had kissed underneath the mask, and two, to let you know who I really am."

Hermione bit her lip and nodded. She was nervously realizing how much she liked this Draco already.

"That boy you've known for six years isn't that much of a bastard as you believe I am."

"Oh, really," Hermione growled sarcastically. Draco narrowed his eyes.

"Because," he stated, "Most cold-hearted bastards wouldn't apologize for the pain they've put you through just because you're muggle born, and for that, I'm sincerely sorry."

Hermione nodded quickly and hugged her knees to her chest. Tears were forming behind her eyes at Draco's apology.

"Why are you crying," Draco exclaimed in horror, "What did I say! How did I upset you?"

"I'm sorry," she whispered, "But your apology can not be accepted simply because I don't believe it's sincere. This may work on your Slytherin girls but I won't fall for it. I'm not a one night stand and I never will be. I'm sorry."

Draco stared flabbergasted. "Hermi-," he began but Hermione cut him short.

"Don't you dare say my name unless you mean it."

"But Hermione," he muttered, "I love you."

Hermione glared and then ran back towards the school. How could she believe him? It was impossible. He was impossible and this has all happened three days into school.

"Great, just bloody great," she screamed.

"Ginny," Hermione shouted as she entered the Gryffindor common room the next morning. "We need to talk now."

Ginny jumped from the couch and followed Hermione up to her dorm. No one else was inside.

"What happened," Ginny squealed as they both sat upon her bed.

Hermione shook her head in disappointment. "It wasn't who I thought it would be. It was, Malfoy."

Ginny jumped. "Hermione! You are so damn lucky."

Hermione scrunched her face up in confusion. "Excuse me," she asked, "But did I just hear you say that I'm lucky?"

"Well, duh," Ginny replied, "You have Draco Malfoy after you. Do you know how many girls would kill to have that oppurtunity? You've kissed the untouchable. I'm jealous."

Hermione just shrugged. "I mean, I couldn't say that I didn't want it to be him because a part of me was hoping that it was but I just couldn't tell if he was sincere or not. We both know how much of a player he is and yes, he's an amazing kisser, and yes, he's gorgeous but I'm not going to be a one night stand."

Ginny nodded in agreement. "At least you have morals, Hermione. I congratulate you on that."

"Yes, but, he apologized last night for the way he's treated me and I refused to accept. I cried and told him that I didn't believe it and just left. What the hell am I going to do now? We share a damn dorm together."

"Well," Ginny replied compassionately, "Just look at it this way. If he likes you enough then he'll talk to you again. If you were just a one night stand then he won't even bother."

Hermione nodded and smiled. "You're right. Let's just hope it won't be awkward. Oh, hell, who am I kidding?"

There was suddenly a tapping upon the window. It was another owl holding a letter.

"It's for you," Ginny pointed out and handed it to Hermione. She ripped it open and read it.

Beauty is your name and compassion fills your voice.
Every time you pass, I feel liberated.
I need to feel your lips against mine, my arms around your body.
You are meant for me.
I need you to know so desperately.

Hermione squealed and handed the note to Ginny.

"Oh, Hermione, darling, you have another admirer. What's your secret? I need to know."

Hermione giggled and reread the note.

"I wish I knew the secret myself," she replied.

Hermione had another chance with someone else and damn, she was ecstatic.