Author's Notes: This chapter will address the comments about Draco/Hermione.

Chapter 19: Dating

"Hermione, can you wait a moment, dear?" McGonagall asked.

Hermione was a little confused as to why she had to stay after class. Especially since Dumbledore was there as well. (Dumbledore had to do the annual check on McGonagall's teaching methods.)

"Y-y-yes?" Hermione stuttered.

"You are not in trouble, my child. We just had something to ask you."

Hermione waited patiently as Dumbledore walked out from behind McGonagall's desk up to her. She looked up into his blue eyes.

"You're mother and I were wondering if you are dating Mister Malfoy." Dumbledore said.

A small blush crept across Hermione's cheeks as she looked down. She took a moment to relax before she looked back up.

"I don't know, daddy. I like him and he likes me…."

"But…"

"But I don't know if we are. We haven't actually talked about it."

McGonagall leaned forward in her chair. She folded her hands on the table.

"Hermione, honey, I know you are interested in boys right now, but you are only 12. You need to wait just a little longer before you can date Mister Malfoy."

Hermione nodded her head. "I understand." She paused for a moment before asking, "Can I be friends with him though?"

McGonagall looked to her husband. She didn't seem all that thrilled to see her daughter being friends with a Slytherin. Dumbledore nodded his head in acknowledgment of his wife's feelings. He then turned back to his daughter.

"We will allow you to be friends. However…" Dumbledore held up a finger. "I would like for you to be careful, my child. The Malfoys have a dark reputation."

"Yes sir." Hermione said.

Dumbledore nodded his head. "Now run along."

Hermione smiled. She turned on her heels and headed out of the classroom. Harry and Ron were waiting for her.