In fact, it seemed a lot like an old muggle fairy tale to most of the school. Well, actually, that's not true, since most of the school was unfamiliar with muggle fairy tales, but they were soon filled in by various friends or acquaintances who were muggles or were just generally more adept in muggle studies.

Hermione had been moved from her spot on the cold stones, books strewn about her, into the Hospital Wing. She'd been sleeping for a number of days, and the Professors were engaging in many late-night conferences as to the solution for their situation.

Unfortunately, Albus Dumbledore was the only one who could come up with an even mildly appropriate way of dealing with the current problem. Generally, students and teachers alike would be relieved to know that their Headmaster had found a solution, for he had a knack for fixing these things. The unfortunately, in this case, was that his age seemed to have caught up with him.

Indeed, when the notice was posted, it was concluded by the greater portion of the student body that Dumbledore had finally snapped. Even Ron and Harry began to have their doubts, but the had enough faith in Dumbledore and enough will to want Hermione back that they were ready to try anything.

"Except that," Ron stated blandly as he finished reading the notice.

"Why not, Ron?" Harry replied, a smirk that would do Draco Malfoy proud.

"Because-Because," Ron stuttered meaninglessly, hoping to grasp a legitimate reason. He had liked Hermione in more than a platonic fashion for many years, and it was increasingly obvious to everyone else. However, the mere idea of telling Hermione often sent Ron into a dead faint, and that was simply thinking about it.

Oh dear, I really must stop using 'dead' as an adjective. Harry will get nervous, I'm sure of it.

"Because Draco Malfoy will have to participate!" Ron blurted out finally, simply using the statement as a device to lead Harry away from the topic at hand. He watched, satisfied, as Harry's face turned an unnatural shade of white. Come to think of it, a shade of white that would Draco Malfoy proud.

And then the thought truly struck Ron, and there was a rather loud thump as he hit the stones. Harry sighed, giving the notice one last look, a look that could be described as almost pleading, before hauling Ron to the dormitory.

It was a few moments later that Draco Malfoy strode up to the notice, curious to the piece of parchment clashing with the usually blank walls. He was lacking, at that moment, of his lackeys, (if you'll pardon the expression,) and there was no one to drag him away after he fell to the cold stones.

There were no other boys, Slytherin or otherwise, who had a similar reaction. There were a few, who, upon reading the notice, saw it as a wonderful opportunity. A few were simply disgusted, and dead set against the idea.

There you go, I did it again. Dead should be temporarily removed from my vocabulary, at least for this story. The mere idea of Hermione's sleep turning into something more might do more than make poor Ronald faint, so I'll find a thesaurus.

Continuing with the story, I'm sure you're all anxious to know what the notice actually said, as it might give reason to some of the reactions described above. Here it is then, though isn't a perfect copy. The original copy was written in Dumbledore's own hand, and I fancy that it was probably his left. Gifted people are often left-handed, though I mean no insult to my readers. I myself am I right-handed person. Of course, you might oppose that theory simply because you do not believe Dumbledore is gifted, but I'm going to copy out the notice now, before you fall asleep at your computers.

Notice to All Young Men in Their Sixth Year

Hermione Granger has fallen ill from a spell,

Seemingly into an endless sleep.

After much research, it was found that the only form of revival to be used is true love's first kiss.

Therefore, we will be asking select young men to give Miss Granger a quick peck in the interest of her awakening.

Breath mints are not mandatory, though it may be preferred!

Albus Dumbledore

So now you have meaning behind the reactions of many sixth-year young men from Hogwarts school of Witchcraft And Wizardry. You understand Draco Malfoy's faint, you understand the disgust, and the pleasure.

I'll let you by with a tidbit of information regarding the reactions; generally the disgust was from the Slytherins, who, as you probably know, are strongly opposed against any witch or wizard who does not have pure wizard's blood flowing through their veins. Hermione Granger, in respect, was perhaps their most hated person in that particular category.

As for the leased reactions, Hermione Granger is a bright young witch, as I have mentioned before. Her facial features are rosy, and her lips are full. Though her hair is a plain brown, perhaps as plain a brown as her eyes, it's bushiness has softened, though only by a little.

Perhaps, if you were a poet, you would describe her hair as a dark, flowing auburn mane, and her eyes as dark pools of melted chocolate, or amber. Her cheeks as rosy as that of a young child coming in out of a cold winter day to sit by a warm fire.

I, however, am not a poet, and so I describe her features as plain, with a little hint of beauty. Ronald Weasley, though, would tell you differently, though he is no poet either.

And perhaps there are others who would say differently as well, and that's what the Headmaster's purpose was. To find a young man who could awaken Hermione from the odd turn of events that had befallen her.

Speaking of the Headmaster, he sat in his office, alone save for the portraits on the wall, eyes twinkling merrily. He has often been described as looking kind and strict all at once, though as he looks down on people, it is never in a condescending way. His half-moon spectacles rest safely on the bridge of his nose, and one wonders what he is thinking.

Well, dear reader, that is my purpose. When you wonder, it is my plain and easy duty to explain. Albus Dumbledore, at this particular moment in his office, was not brooding over the current problem. Albus Dumbledore was thinking of the amusement that would follow his notice.

One wonders why he wasn't more empathetic of his student's current feelings.

But one shouldn't wonder about that too long. A Headmaster is allowed his fun, even at the expense of a rather large number of fine young men.

One of those young men in particular, a rather tall, well-rounded young man by the name of Draco Malfoy, was having the hardest time with the information on the notice. As much as I would like to tell you that the hate fueled through him and fueled at him is a mere misconception, and that really he is a misguided young teen looking for some real friends, I can not.

For you see, Draco Malfoy is not misguided. He is cruel, often heartless, and may have to kiss the one person who he hates the most. And though he has no soft spots, wouldn't do anything sweet or caring for any person, he has his weaknesses. And I'm sorry, for his sake, though I'm sure for you and Headmaster Dumbledore it will be quite the opposite, those weaknesses will come into light during this story. Often, it seems, in rather odd ways.

A/N: Thanks to all of you who reviewed, especially my "mysterious benefactor" who gave me a very good idea for the continuation of this story. Thanks to whoever they are especially, and to all of you who showed your support. Any ideas for this story are welcome.