"Thanks Tonia, thanks." Hermione said sarcastically, as she made her way to the Heads room, with Tonia following her closely.

"I'm sorry!" Tonia exclaimed. Hermione rarely ever got upset at her, so this was rather a first. "I didn't know Snape would give you detention too!"

Hermione stopped walking and fully rounded on Tonia. "How could you not know?" Hermione practically yelled out. "It's SNAPE we're talking about! I thought I made it clear to you that he hates me! Why would you go and pass me a note in his class?"

Tonia stepped back. She knew that Hermione wasn't going to be happy about detention, but Tonia had no idea she would be this angry. "Look, I'm sorry ok? I'0ll talk to you when you're not so bitchy."

Hermione laughed. It was a laugh that said everything. That she was pissed off and not to mess with her. "Whatever Antonia, just make sure you don't get me in detention again."

Tonia froze. "How many times do I have to apologize to you? I didn't know Snape was going to be such an unfair asshole ok? I'm sorry that I ruined your perfect record with detention. But why don't you learn to live a little huh? Don't you ever get sick of being so perfect?"

Hermione scoffed and glared at her cousin. "No, I don't. I actually want to be something when I leave Hogwarts and not just depend on my parents, unlike some people."

What Hermione said was like a slap in the face for Tonia. "Are you saying I'm nothing?"

Hermione saw the hurt in Tonia's eyes and felt guilt creeping into her, but she held her head high and didn't apologize. When Tonia spoke again, her voice was not longer frenzy with desperation. Instead, it was calm and collected.

"You know, my parents went through a lot of trouble moving and getting me new supplies and a new house and everything. I left all my friends behind, just because of you." Tonia shook her head in disbelief. "I messed up ok? And I'm sorry that you got dragged into it as well. But you know what? If I could go back, I'd leave Hogwarts in a second." Tonia clenched her jaw and turned from a stunned looking Hermione.

"Tonia, wait." Hermione felt so stupid, how could she have been so selfish? "Tonia!" But Tonia ignored her and kept walking. Hermione called after the disappearing form of Tonia's body, but the only reply she got was the sound of Tonia's shoes, echoing down the hall.

"Makes you feel a little selfish doesn't it?" Hermione spun around to face Malfoy, who was advancing towards her with his hands in his pocket. His tie hung loosely around his neck and Hermione saw that his Head Boy badge shone proudly on his chest.

"Were you eavesdropping on me?" Hermione narrowed her eyes.

Malfoy looked shocked. "Hell no! I just happened to be walking to the Heads room and I heard you guys, so obviously I couldn't just go up and interrupt you guys, what was I supposed to say? 'Oh excuse me, I know you having an argument, but could you please get out of my way so I can get in?'"

Hermione rolled her eyes and studied Draco. He didn't' look like he was lying, but Slytherins were deceitful. "Well why didn't you just go to your next class? Why did you wait behind the corner?"

Draco smirked and ran a hand through his hair. That was when Hermione noticed a scar on his forehead.

"I didn't' know you were such a fan of Harry's, that you drew a scar on your head, so you can be like him." Hermione said and returned Draco's smirk.

"Huh?" Draco was confused; he felt around his forehead and frowned when he felt a scar near his hairline. "That's not drawn on."

Hermione shrugged and crossed her arms across her chest. "Well you didn't answer my question yet. Why did you stay?"

"I thought that much would be obvious. To check on you of course."

Hermione felt her heart grow warm. "Why?" She asked weakly.

Draco chuckled. "Well you were obviously upset when you stormed out of Snape's dungeon. And, since you are Head Girl and I am Head Boy, I think it's my duty to see if you're ok."

Hermione's heart began speeding up. Why was this happening to her? Why? Deciding that she didn't' need this at the moment she turned to the portrait.

"I need to get my textbook for Herbology, what's the password?"

"Cupcakes." Draco said simply. "I'll see you in class then."

Hermione turned back to the portrait. "Password?" The knight asked, pulling out his word simultaneously.

"Cupcakes." Sighed Hermione and quickly ran to get her textbook.


The rest of the day passed very quickly, and after dinner, Hermione and Tonia headed to the dungeon together for their detention without a word.


"Ms. Cathcart, Ms. Granger. Good evening." Professor Snape said as Hermione and Tonia entered.

"For the next 3 days, you will be reporting here after dinner to clean out the Trophies, without magic. May I add?"

Hermione saw Tonia raise an eyebrow and smile a little. Professor Snape didn't know that Tonia was also muggle born, and she so was used to doing chores without magic.

"There will be buckets of water and supplies for you in the room. Ms. Granger, you know where to go. You may leave now."

Hermione led Tonia down to the Trophy room, and saw that indeed, there were 2 buckets of soapy water, and a few rags laid out for them.

"Well," Hermione sighed. "Time to get to work."

"Yeah." Tonia said and picked up the rag without a word. She soaked it up with the water and suddenly got an idea.

"Hermione, look!" Tonia suddenly cried out and pointed to the door.

"What?" Hermione said, alarmed and she turned to the door. Tonia laughed and chucked the wet rag, dripping with soap at Hermione.

Hermione shrieked and turned to see a laughing Tonia. Hermione took the rag off her head and shook her hair out. At least this meant that Tonia wasn't mad at her anymore.

"Tonia?" Hermione asked, and ran her hand through her hair. "I'm sorry that I was so selfish."

Tonia smiled. "It's alright. I wasn't really mad."

Hermione soaked up her own rag and aimed it at Tonia who ducked. Hermione then picked up another rag and threw it at Tonia, who was dancing around, laughing at Hermione and mocking her.

The rag hit her unexpectedly and Tonia fell over, and knocked a trophy to the ground.

"Oh shit." Tonia mumbled, and ran to pick up the pieces.

"Reparo." Tonia muttered quietly as she pulled out her wand. Tonia gently placed the trophy back onto the shelf and turned to Hermione.

"Good thing Snape wasn't here to see that. Let's get to work."

Hermione nodded in agreement, but suddenly an object caught her eyes. "This yours?"

Hermione bent down and picked up a necklace that was beside Tonia's feet.

Tonia looked at the piece of jewellery Hermione was holding and shook her head. "Like I'd wear that ancient thing."

Hermione looked at the necklace again. It really did look ancient, ancient, but somehow new at the same time. There was no rust anywhere and the necklace seemed to be kept in perfect condition. The pendant on the necklace was a dragon, outlined in gold and its eyes were ruby red.

"Maybe it fell out of that trophy." Hermione said. "Tonia, which trophy did you knock over?"

Without a word, Tonia pointed to the trophy near the end of the shelf that read "NARCISSA BLACK".

Hermione felt a shudder go down her back. She dropped the necklace back into the trophy and got to work without another word.


"Cupcakes." Hermione whispered and entered the room. She plopped down on an oversized couch and rested her tired legs.

"Had fun?" Draco called, from the balcony. It was a balcony that led to his room and it overlooked the common room.

Hermione looked up at Draco. "Oh loads."

Draco laughed. Hermione felt mesmerized by his laugh and his smile.

"What?" Draco asked, when he saw Hermione staring at him.

Hermione blushed. "Why don't you ever laugh?"

Draco chuckled and said. "What's there really to laugh at?" And then returned to his room. "'Night." Hermione heard Draco call out as the shower turned on.

Hermione sat in the couch for a bit and then went up to her room to rest for the night. She showered and washed out all the dried soap and dirt from her hair and hands. Then, proceeded to bed.

Detention passed quickly after that for Hermione and Tonia. The two chatted their detention time away, while cleaning the already polished Trophies and then, proceeded to the library if it wasn't too late and worked on their homework together.

Thanks for the fight they had; Hermione and Tonia grew even closer that they were before. They had just finished off their last detention with Snape the day before.


It was Friday, Tonia's favorite day of the week. Hermione and Tonia sat under the willow tree across from the lake and were absorbed in their thoughts.

"Tonia, I need your help." Hermione said, remembering her Malfoy issue.

"Yeah? Shoot." Tonia smiled and rolled on her stomach, stretching her long legs out behind her.

"Um, well. It's about Malfoy." Hermione said, uncertainly, she didn't want to be overheard.

Tonia smiled, "I'm all ears."

"Well, you know all about how Draco used to be mean to me right? To Harry, Ron, and me. He used to call me names, and wish that I would be wiped off the face of the world. But, all of a sudden, he's all…" Hermione trailed off, she shielded her eyes from the bright glare of the sun.

"Nice? Friendly? Sexy?" Tonia smiled and listed off choices for Hermione.

"Yeah, you could put it that way." Hermione laughed. Tonia always looked on the bright side. She could always make any heavy situation light.

"Do you like him?" Tonia looked at Hermione. The question was so blunt, so straightforward, that Hermione wasn't even expecting it.

"I..I.."

"You don't know." Tonia finished for her, seeing that she was having speech problems.

Hermione smiled gratefully. "But I don't know how he feels. I mean, what if this is all just a joke? Why would he ever like..me?" Hermione finished quietly, looking at her hands.

"Herm, he likes you." Tonia said, while looking at a few split ends on her hair.

"How do you know? You don't even know him." Hermione protested, even though she knew Tonia was probably right. She always was about these things.

"I can tell Herms, he looks at you with this look in his eyes ok? I can't really explain it, but trust me on this one. He likes you. And if he doesn't, then he's way out of his mind."

Hermione stared off at the lake, which was sparkling under the orange orb that was hanging from the sky. There were a few others outside on the Hogwarts ground, 7th years and 5th years.

"Why's that?" Hermione asked and finally turned to look at Tonia again.

"Minny, you're beautiful, and smart, and sweet, and freakishly romantic at times." Tonia made a face and Hermione shoved Tonia playfully. "C'mon, who wouldn't love you?"

Hermione sighed. "I don't know."

"If he asked you out, would you say yes?" Tonia asked, with an impish glint in her eyes.

Hermione shrugged.

"Well?"

"I don't' know Tonia, I mean, I don't even know if I really like him and, well what if this is honestly all just a joke?" Hermione started again.

Tonia groaned and fell back on the grass. "You know you never really told me what happened that first night we arrived."

"Nothing really, we talked. He apologized for making my life so miserable before, I think he actually meant it." At that thought, a small smile spread across Hermione's lips. "Um.. that's about it."

Tonia twirled a strand of hair around her index finger and nodded. The two went quiet again. Hermione's head, filled with thoughts about Draco and desperately trying to figure out her feelings for him.

"He's damn hot though." Tonia said suddenly, and a huge grin spread across her face.

Hermione laughed out loud.

"You're one lucky girl. Got good taste." Tonia said, and closed her eyes, letting the warm beams of the setting sun shine down on her.

Tonia groaned. "I want to go somewhere tonight."

"Where?" Hermione asked, interested. Hanging out with Tonia was always fun, you could never know what she had planned.

"How about that new club in Hogsmead?"

"New club?" Hermione giggled. "You've only been here for a week, and you already know about a club?"

Tonia blushed. "Well a girl's gotta have some fun."

Hermione nodded, she was never a party girl before, but a summer with Tonia changed her a lot.

"Alright, we'll get Harry and Ron as well."

Tonia stretched and nodded.

"Speaking of Ron. Is there something you'd like to tell me?" Hermione asked.

"He's cute. I like him." Tonia said bluntly.

"Why don't' you just ask him out? He likes you, I think it's pretty obvious."

Tonia looked at Hermione blankly. "But then where's the fun?"

Hermione flop down on the grass beside Tonia and laughed.


"RON! HARRY!" Hermione yelled at the top of her lungs as she stepped into the Griffindor common room for the first time since she got to Hogwarts. A warm feeling entered her heart. I have to come here more often.

"Yeah we're right here, no need to shout." Ron grumbled as he and Harry and looked up from a game of chess.

"Hm, who's winning?" Hermione asked as she looked at the chess board.

"Queen to E5." Ron said, and a winning grin came over his face. Ron's Queen stood up from her chair and walked in font of Harry's King.

"Checkmate."

The sword Harry's King was holding dropped to the ground and Harry groaned. "The 4th time in a row."

Tonia laughed. "Ok, ok Hermione and I, we're going to go check out that new club in Hogsmead. You guys feel like joining us?" Tonia finished, her eyes shining brightly and her cheeks were a little flushed. She was always like this when she had a good idea.

"Sure." Harry replied. It sounded fun, and that was welcomed anytime.

"Great!" Exclaimed Tonia, she checked her watch. It was 7:30 p.m. "We have about 1 hour to get ready, that's hardly enough time! C'mon."


"So? What do you think?" Tonia asked, as she spun around for Hermione. She looked absolutely striking.

Tonia was wearing a black halter-top and black leather pants that made her already long legs seem to go on forever. Her wild strawberry blond hair flowed past her shoulders naturally.

"Perfect. The guys are going to pile on you." Hermione teased. "You sure you can handle it?"

"Haha." Tonia laughed sarcastically. "I'm a big girl. What about your outfit?"

"I don't really see anything in here for me," Hermione gestured to Tonia's closet.

"Ok," Tonia said. "We'll go rummage through your closet then. Lead the way."

"Ok, how about this one?" Tonia asked, holding up a blood red tank top and a denim skirt. Hermione looked at her, horrified.

"You want me to look like a whore?"

Tonia sighed and dropped it down on Hermione's bed. "Well you're the one who owns it."

Hermione giggled. "What about this?" She asked, holding up a white tank stop with a forest green tube top to go over top it, and a pair of dark washed blue jeans.

"Go try it on." Tonia said, and Hermione disappeared through the bathroom.

Tonia felt herself get mesmerized by Hermione's room. It was so wonderfully decorated! She walked out onto the balcony, and saw Draco.

"Hi there." Tonia called out and waved her arms.

Draco looked up from where he was reading his book and saw Tonia.

"Hey, what are you doing in Hermione's room?" Draco asked, even though he knew the answer.

"Helping her get ready."

"To go where?" Draco was curious now. Tonia stepped back from the balcony to let Draco get a better look. "Where does it look like we're going?"

Draco folded his arms under each other, and chuckled. Hermione was going clubbing? "The Cage?"

Tonia nodded. "You wanna join us?"

"Sure." Draco said without hesitation. He didn't have anything better to do that night anyways, besides, how could he miss up on Hermione clubbing?

"Tonia? Where are you?" Draco heard Hermione's voice call out.

"Balcony!" Tonia yelled. "Ohmygod. You look awesome!" Tonia exclaimed, as Hermione stepped onto the balcony as well. Draco couldn't exactly see her because Tonia was standing in the way.

"'Draco," Tonia turned back to Draco and pulled Hermione along with her. Draco saw Hermione's eyes grow wide when she saw him. "Tell her how she looks."

Draco's heart was pounding fast. She had never looked so attractive before. He swallowed a lump in his throat. "You look great."

Hermione blushed. But it was true; she really did look amazing. The top she chose showed off her form perfectly and with her hair up in a messy bun, it made her neck look long and smooth.

Hermione stepped back into her room and Tonia followed her.

"What was that all about?" Hermione whispered.

"Nothing. I invited him to come with us tonight." Tonia said as if it was no big deal.

When Hermione heard the news, she almost fell over. Draco was going to be there as well? Since when did that happen?

"I am so going to murder you." Hermione said through her clenched teeth. But, Tonia just smiled. "Oh don't worry, you'll be thanking me by the end of the night."

"Ok, ready to go?" Tonia asked, smiling. Draco nodded.

"I'll go get Harry and Ron." Tonia said quickly, before Hermione could offer, and disappeared through the portrait of the Fat Lady.

"You look amazing." Draco said, breaking the silence. Hermione blushed and looked away.

"Why did you come?"

Draco shrugged. "I had nothing else to do."

Hermione squirmed and Draco could tell that she was uncomfortable.

"Hey," Draco said gently. "Relax ok? Just let loose and have fun."

Hermione scowled. "I know how to have fun."

Draco looked amused with her reply and left her alone until Tonia reappeared with Harry and Ron again.

"What are you doing here?" Ron asked, glaring at Draco.

"He's coming with us, whether you like it or not." Tonia said, not wanting to waste any time. "So either be civil or pipe down."

Ron looked grim as the 5 made their way quickly through the dark Hogwarts ground.

They reached The Cage within 10 minutes of walking, and right before they reached the door, Draco pulled Harry behind.

"Potter." Draco said and Harry stopped walking. "Look, I want to apologize."

Harry turned to face Draco. "There's nothing to apologize for. Just treat 'Mione right."

Draco blinked, and nodded. Harry started to head in again. "And, don't think we're friends Malfoy. My friendship isn't gained that easily."

Draco smirked and Harry went into The Cage. Why did they all say the same stuff?


The music blared through the speakers, which were put up everywhere, and it was very dark, except for some colorful and strobe lights for the dance floor. Draco saw that there were 2 staircases that led to the second floor, where a bunch of tables and 2 bars were. The first floor consisted of a dance floor and a stage. Draco noticed that many girls and guys were already on the stage.

Lil' mama show me how you move it,
Go 'head put ya back into it,
Do ya thang like there aint nothin to it,
Shake..shake.. shake that ass girl.

"Let's go grab some drinks." Tonia yelled over the music and pointed to the bar. The rest of the group nodded and followed her up the stairs.

"We'll go get a table." Yelled Harry, and he, Ron, and Draco headed towards the tables.

"2 butterbeers." Tonia said to the bartender. Tonia thrust one at Hermione and smirked when she saw 2 guys, looking about their age walking towards them.

"Mmm. Hot guy alert." Tonia mumbled and nodded towards the two guys.

"Hey there." One said, as he slid onto a stood next to Tonia and the other next to Hermione.

"I'm Ashton Jacobb." The guy beside Hermione said as a sexy smile came over his features. He was extremely good looking with a tall stand, curly dark brown hair and deep brown eyes.

Hermione flashed a flirty smile. "Hermione Granger." She offered and took another sip of her beer.

"Aw, c'mon. Let me buy you a drink. A butterbeer doesn't suit a gorgeous girl like you." He said, and Hermione laughed. She could have some fun.

"Alright, what do you got?" Hermione asked and put her beer bottle aside. Ashton ordered 2 fire whiskeys and handed one to Hermione, who took it gratefully.

She looked over at Tonia, who was having fun, flirting.

"Josh Karn." The guy offered his hand to Tonia who took it and smiled. Josh had dirty blond hair and clear blue eyes. Tonia thought he was absolutely a heartthrob.

"Tonia Cathcart." The two began to flirt instantly.

Go, Go, Go, 50 in the house - bounce, y'all already know what I'm about.
The flow sounds sicker over Dre' drums ngga,
I ain't stupid - I see Doc and my dope come quicker.
Whoa!
Shorty' hips is hypnotic, she moves is so erotic, but watch - I'm like bounce that assss girl.
I get it crunk in here, I make it jump in here, front in here, we'll thump in here.
Oooohh.

Hermione drowned down her fire whiskey. "What do you say to a dance?" Ashton asked.

Draco leaned back on his chair. He had already caught many girls checking him out, but he ignored all of them. The table was quiet, despite the loud, booming music. Harry and Ron didn't talk to him.

Finally, deciding that he had enough, Draco mumbled that he was going to grab a drink and left.

Shorty' hips is hypnotic, she moves is so erotic, but watch - I'm like bounce that assss girl.
I get it crunk in here, I make it jump in here, front in here, we'll thump in here.
Oooohh.

"Firewhiskey." Draco said to the bartender and looked around the club. Suddenly, a flash of green caught his eyes. He squinted and saw Hermione. Hermione with a guy. A guy he never saw before.

Draco growled, he instantly didn't like it guy. She must be drunk Draco concluded, because he knew that there was no way Hermione would let a strange guy touch her ass.

Draco didn't know why, but jealousy began to creep into him. That should be me with her. He finished off his drink, and looked out for a girl to dance with.

Hermione laughed as Ashton spun her around and pulled her close to him again. His hands were planted firmly on her hips and the two grinded to the beat of the music.

Tonia and Josh were right beside them, dancing in the same fashion. The girls were having fun. They were letting loose, and they didn't see the two guys switching looks of lust over the top of their heads.

Let's party, everybody stand up
Everybody put ya hands up.
Let's party, everybody bounce wit me
Sip champagne and sip a lil grennery
This hot.
Disco Inferno. Let's go
You are rocking wit a pro
I get toed to flip dough to get more, fo 'sho
Get my drank on ngga on the floor.
Look homie, I don't dance all I do is this.
It's the same 2-step with a lil twist.

A bartender walked through the dance floor, holding another tray of fire whiskey and Josh got another round of drinks for everyone.

Hermione felt so drunk that she could barely stand up straight. She laughed when there was nothing funny going on, and was wobbling so hard.

"Hey." Ashton mumbled huskily into her ear. "You want to me take you home?" Hermione simply giggled and hiccupped. Ashton smirked at Josh and placed an arm firmly around Hermione's waist.

However, Tonia held her alcohol a little better than Hermione and she noticed that Ashton was beginning to walk off with her drunken cousin.

"What do you think you're doing?" Tonia tore away from Josh and grabbed onto Ashton's arm. Ashton smirked. "None of your business."

Tonia crossed her arms and glared at Ashton. She held onto Hermione's arm and didn't let go. "Come on Herm, let's go find Harry and Ron."

Again, Hermione hiccupped. Ashton smirked. "I don't think so."

Tonia narrowed her eyes. "Who do you think you are?"

Josh snaked an arm around Tonia's waist. "C'mon baby." Tonia shook Josh's arm off and looked up at the second floor for any sign of Harry or Ron but she was unsuccessful.

"Why don't you drink your whiskey and have fun babe?" Ashton said to Tonia and began walking away from her.

"Don't make me hurt you." Tonia said, she just prayed that help was coming soon.

At that, Josh and Ashton laughed. "Yeah right."


You see me shinin', lit up with diamonds as I stay grindin'.
Uh-huh.
Homie you can catch me swoopin Bentley coupe and switchin lanes.
U see me rollin, you know I'm holdin, I'm about my paper, yeah.
Ngga I'm serious, I ain't playin', I'm embeded in ya brain, I'm off the chain.
G-Unit!

"Don't make me hurt you." Draco heard someone say. The voice sounded familiar. Tonia. It was Tonia's voice. Draco was sure of it. He looked at the girl he was dancing with and left without a word. He heard the girl calling after him, but he just concentrated on getting to Tonia.

Draco saw Tonia, holding onto Hermione's arm. That guy Hermione was dancing with had his arm around her and his eyes were filled with lust. Draco could smell trouble.

"Is there a problem?" Draco asked, as he tapped Ashton on the shoulder.

Ashton sneered at Draco. "I don't think so."

"Huh." Draco said and looked at Hermione. "What are you doing with her?"

"What does it look like? I'm taking her home." Ashton replied, glaring at Draco.

"Nah." Draco said calmly and shook his head. "I don't think so." He said, and then it all happened.

Draco pulled back his arm and punched Ashton squarely in the face, and then in the stomach, causing him to double over.

"Hey!" Josh cried as he went to attack Draco, but Draco caught his flying fist and pulled his arm back painfully.

"Don't mess with me," Draco whispered dangerously and Josh and Ashton immediately looked scared. Josh helped Ashton up from the ground and they two stumbled towards the entrance of The Cage.

"Hermione…" Draco mumbled and picked her up passed out form effortlessly. He was shocked as how light she was.

"I'm taking her back to Hogwarts." Draco said to Tonia, who looked grateful. He knew that she trusted him. Tonia nodded.

"I'll go find Harry and Ron."

Draco managed a small smile and turned away. "And Draco." Tonia cried out. Draco turned. "Yeah?"

"Do you, do you like her?"

Draco paused, and then smiled and nodded slightly. That was good enough for Tonia.


"Harry! Ron!" Tonia yelled out, her voice hoarse. Ron and Harry were sitting at the bar, flirting with quite a few number of girls. The girls all glared at Tonia as she raced towards Harry and Ron.

"Hermione passed out. Draco's bringing her back. Come on!"

Harry and Ron jumped up and followed her out of The Cage and back to Hogwarts.


"What a night." Harry mumbled, after Tonia told them everything that happened. It was nearly midnight. Harry, Ron, and Tonia were in the Griffindor common room. They had to wait till Saturday before seeing Hermione because none of them had the password to the Heads room.

"Yeah." Ron trailed. "Those stupid gits."

Tonia nodded, and tears began welling up in her eyes.

"What's, why, why are you crying?" Ron asked, when he saw the tears streaming down Tonia's face.

"It's all my fault." Sobbed Tonia. Harry got up and pushed Ron gently in the back, encouraging him. Ron reached forward and hugged Tonia.

"No, it's not. Nobody knew that those guys were going to do."

Harry walked up the stairs and smiled to himself. He could hear Ron proceed to comforting Tonia and when he reached the top of the stairs, he heard Tonia laugh.

"I like you Ron."

Harry heard those words, clear as a bell and he smiled. He was happy for Ron. Looked like he was finally getting his girl.


thx for the reviews guys! the more the better