Chapter 6

Hermione starred into the dancing ember flames in the Gryffindor common room entranced by the flowing movements of the fire. Her thoughts were slowly gravitating toward Malfoy. She couldn't get him out of her mind lately.

Malfoy and Hermione hadn't spoken since that day they got the dress. It was now hanging in Hermione's closet still in perfect condition. She would find herself looking at it when she would get ready in the mornings. She hated to admit but she was looking forward to this dance more and more. It was the first time in a long time she was excited for something.

She kept replaying the encounter with Malfoy in the dressing room in her mind. It was starting to scare Hermione how much she thought about him. She thought about his eyes, his rare smile, and his smell. Hermione knew that this was all fake to him. After this year was over he would forget all about her. She knew that. But she couldn't help feeling that she was starting to like him.

Hermione shook her head trying to get the thoughts out of her head. You got to stop falling for guys so fast Hermione, Look at what happened with Ron.

She sighed getting up from the chair to go up to bed.

But suddenly she heard steps coming down the stairs. She snapped her head to see who it was. Her stomach dropped, it was Lavender.

Lavender seemed surprised to find her here late at night.

"Hermione? What are you doing up so late?" Lavender asked.

Hermione took a mental deep breath.

"I couldn't sleep," She said simply, "but I think I'm going to go up to bed now," Hermione said quickly walking past Lavender quickly.

She had almost reached the stairs before she hear Lavender speak.

"Hermione wait," Lavender said.

Hermione closed her eyes for a moment before turning around to face her.

"Yeah?" Hermione said monotone.

Lavender took a step toward her.

"I know that things have been awkward lately." She started.

Yeah just a little she thought sarcastically to herself.

"I just want you to know that I think Ron is really worried about you," Lavender said trying to be sincere.

Hermione looked at her amazed, "Why would he need to be worried about me?"

Lavender put on a fake nice face, "You know, Ron is always thinking about others. It's sweet really how worried he is for you."

"I'm sorry I'm afraid I don't understand what you're implying," Hermione said her eyes narrowing.

"It's just that," She said pausing for a moment, "Are you really going out with Malfoy Hermione? Malfoy of all people? The guy is a psycho. Look I know that it must be hard that Ron broke up with you and all but-"

"Stop right there Lavender," Hermione said abruptly causing Lavenders mouth to close instantly.

"First of all, you have no clue of who Malfoy is, and I'd advise you to not make such presumptuous assumptions about someone you don't know. Second Ron didn't break up with me, He cheated on me with you and I broke up with him." Hermione stated boldly.

Lavenders mouth hung wide open at Hermione outraged.

"Excuse me?" Lavender asked glaring at her.

"You heard me." Hermione said crossing her arms.

Lavender turned cold.

"You know Ron was right, there really is no hope for you. People try to help you and you don't even appreciate it." She said rudely.

Hermione looked at her unbelievably, "What makes you think you know me at all?"

"I know that you think that you're better than everyone else," Lavender said snidely.

"Based on what facts," Hermione snapped.

Lavender raised her eye brows, "Really Hermione it's natural to be angry that you're not the center of attention anymore. I know that you're used to it, goodness knows you've had it your whole life and now you're angry with me because I've taken the spotlight."

Hermione looked at her icily, "On the contrary Lavender I don't think it smart to desire the kind of attention you have."

Lavender's eyes widened, "You have quite the nerve to say that when your dating Malfoy. Trust me when I say he's going to eat you up and spit you out like vinegar, Malfoy would never like a mudblood like you."

Hermione stayed silent, shocked at her boldness. What was worse was that the words she spoke were true this time. Malfoy didn't like her and probably never would.

She was just about to leave when suddenly Ron appeared at the bottom of the stair case.

"Lavender? Hermione?" Ron said looking at them surprised, "What is going on?"

There was a long pause as the two girls looked at each other for a moment.

Lavender flipped her hair looking back to Hermione, "Oh we were just girl talking weren't we Hermione," She said with a fake smile.

Hermione looked at her with malice spread on her face.

"Hermione? Are you ok you look really pale," He said concerned.

"I'm fine," She said shortly backing away from them.

"What did you say to her?" Ron said accusingly to Lavender.

Lavender instantly became jealous, "Really Ron it's not like I attacked her."

Hermione however had had enough as she climbed the stairs to go back to the dorms.

"Hermione wait," Ron said at the base of the stairs.

Hermione was so angry she turned around quickly to face him, "You know Ron if anyone should be worried about who they are dating," She paused for a moment looking at him sadly, "It's you."

With that she hurried up the stairs before he could say another word.

HPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHP

Hermione couldn't shake off what Lavender said the next morning. She knew that she shouldn't let it bother her but it did. Especially the part about Malfoy. What was she thinking? Did she really think that this was going to end up being real? She mentally slapped herself. Wake up Hermione she told herself. This is only going to last for the next couple of months. But a small part of her told her that it was too late, she was already starting to feel things she shouldn't be feeling.

She mulled these thoughts over on her way to potions class. She was dreading seeing Ron and Lavender. Hopefully she wouldn't have to talk to either of them. She would do anything necessary to avoid that catastrophe.

She opened the door and walked in quickly to her seat. Malfoy was already there when she smoothly slide into the seat next to him.

Malfoy leaned close to her, "Seems like our plan is working, Brown and Weasel looked miserable today, they must have had a fight," He said smirking slightly.

But his smirk was instantly gone when he saw that Hermione didn't smile.

Malfoy suddenly got the feeling that something was wrong. She didn't even look at him as she opened her book and began reading, trying to escape his gaze. He didn't press the matter preferring to ask her about it when they were alone.

Class went by so very slow for Hermione. She had never wanted a class period to end this badly in her life. She could feel Ron's eyes on her and she knew that he was cross with Lavender. But she didn't want to even look at him. She could also feel Malfoy glancing at her every so often with... was it almost concern?

Finally what seemed ages later, the Professor signaled that class was over. As soon as he said the words Hermione was up and out of her seat as fast as lightening. Hermione opened the door quickly and headed down the hall in large strides.

"Hermione," Ron's voice called down the hallway, "Hermione wait," He said using his long legs to catch up to her.

He finally maneuvered his way in front of her forcing her to look at him.

"Hermione what did Lavender say to you last night?" Ron asked.

"I really don't want to talk about it especially with you, why don't you ask her?" Hermione snapped trying to get around him, but he wasn't letting her go.

"Look Hermione whatever she said to you I'm sorry, we had a fight last night and I'm guessing she took it out on you."

"You think?" Hermione said obviously.

"Weasel where's brown?" Malfoy said interrupting there conversation draping his arm over Hermione protectively, "Shouldn't you be walking her to her next class?"

Hermione suddenly felt better knowing that Malfoy was here to save her from this awful conversation.

"I'm just trying to have a conversation with Hermione if you don't mind," Ron said coldly.

"I do actually," Malfoy said boldly, "It's obvious she doesn't want to talk to you so why don't you run along." He said daring him to object.

Ron stood there for a moment looking as though he was going to retaliate but then he looked at Hermione.

She nodded agreeing with Malfoy, "You should go."

Ron looked at her painfully as Hermione looked at him with sadness. Ron finally turned away and walked back toward the main hallway.

Hermione let out sigh of relief.

"Thank you," She said to Malfoy once Ron was out of ear shot.

"What was that all about?" Malfoy questioned.

Hermione gave a loud sigh, "I ran into Lavender by myself last night, let's just say she wasn't civil." Hermione said.

Malfoy's face instantly became hard, "What did she say?"

Hermione shook her head, "It was nothing,"

Malfoy lifted Hermione's chin so she had to look at his beautiful eyes, "Whatever she said isn't true, she's jealous that's all. She knows that Weasel still has feelings for you." He said.

Somehow this warmed Hermione's heart, "Is this your attempt to make me feel better?"

He gave her a crooked smile, "No this is."

He took a step closer to her so that Hermione could feel his breath. His scent filled her lungs with a pleasant aroma that made her weak in the knees. Slowly he brought his hands to her hips and pulled her so close that her body was pressed against his. His stormy grey blue eyes rested on her eyes down to her lips and then back up to her eyes. Hermione's breath grew ragged as she found herself longing for those lips. Malfoy then slowly brought his lips down to meet her soft plump ones. As soon as their lips touched Hermione felt all the earlier days' events slip away, and he was entering. His lips molded and caressed hers with a loving touch that she had never felt from him. Hermione felt bold as she chose to let go and slide her tongue on his bottom lip asking for entrance.

She was surprised as Malfoy's instant reaction came from a soft moan as he opened his mouth letting her roam the inside of his mouth. Hermione felt chills from the sound she had just caused him to make. She felt alive all of a sudden and she didn't want the moment to end.

But all too soon Malfoy pulled away out of breath.

He was entranced by her. He wanted her in every way there was. He couldn't deny it to himself anymore; he was falling for this girl. He wanted to be there for her and kiss her even when they were alone for no one to see. He wanted to call her his and never let anyone else have her. All these feelings were scaring the hell out of him.

"Draco," Hermione said for the first time.

The sound of his first name coming out of her mouth sounded like a song from heaven. She had never ever called him Draco. It almost aroused him more than the kiss that they had just shared moments ago. His eyes met Hermione's gold brown ones.

"Hmm?" He replied softly.

"Walk me to my next class?" She asked politely.

He sighed taking his time to think about it, "I guess I could," He said shaking his head playfully, "The things I do for you."

Hermione nugged him in the rib making him give her a small smile.

They made their way down the hallway as they passed by whispering students watching them as they went. Hermione finally realized that everyone now believed they were really together. She couldn't believe how fast everyone had believed their romance. Although Hermione wasn't sure if her feelings weren't pretend anymore...

Hermione and Malfoy passed the corner that signaled that they were close to her class room.

As soon as they were at the door Malfoy gently nudged her so her back was pressed up against the wall. He leaned his forearm over her whispering so no one in the student filled hall could hear.

"I think the time is coming pretty close to becoming boyfriend girlfriend," Malfoy said looking at her softly, "What do you think?"

Malfoy didn't know why he was so nervous to ask this, but his heart rate started to pick up quickly. He couldn't help feel that he, Draco Malfoy, was genuinely asking her if she would be his girlfriend. Of course he would never admit his feelings to her. This was just a game. But he was still nervous all the same.

Hermione looked at him with a curious gaze. Oh how she wished that this was all real. That he was really asking her because he wanted to be hers. She tried to shove those ridiculous thoughts out of her head.

"I think so too." Hermione replied, "Everyone will believe it."

He nodded looking into her eyes, "I'll ask you soon then," He said leaning into her. He was going to give her a goodbye kiss but just as he was about to lean down they were interrupted.

"Malfoy," Blaise called to him as he made his way toward them, "Mind if I talk to you for a second?"

Malfoy couldn't have been more annoyed by his timing. But Hermione smiled at Blaise.

"Of course I have to go to class anyways," She said politely.

"Thanks Hermione," Blaise said winking at her. Blood rushed to her checks as he did so.

She looked back at Malfoy, "Bye." She said wishing that he was coming with her but she regretfully left to go to class.

Blaise waited until Hermione was out of sight to drop all pleasantries and glared at Malfoy with a fire.

Malfoy's narrowed, "What is it Blaise?"

Blaise looked him in the eye, "What are you doing Malfoy?"

He looked at him in surprise, "What?"

Blaise rolled his eyes at him, "Come on, Hermione? Of all people?" He shook his head, "Look she's a nice girl Malfoy, she's never done anything wrong to you, don't hurt her to just get back at your family."

Malfoy's eyes grew cold, so this is what this was about.

"I think you should learn to mind your own business," Malfoy drawled.

"I'm making her my business," Blaise said bravely.

Malfoy's eye furrowed, there is no way.

"Are you telling me you have feelings for Granger?" Malfoy said raising his eye brows at him.

Blaise sucked in a big breath trying to get up his courage, "Yeah, I guess I do."

Malfoy stepped forward to him, "Well I happen to as well."

Blaise gave a scoffing laugh, "Don't be daft Malfoy. You might have Hogwarts fooled but not me. I know what ties bind you to Pansy in the end no matter what happens."

Malfoy's anger came out in a flash, "Don't talk about things that you have no knowledge of."

Blaise looked at Malfoy seriously, "Look I didn't come here to lecture you. I genuinely like her Malfoy which is more than you can say. So just back off before it gets worse."

Malfoy was just about to snap at him when he turned away and left him to himself.

Malfoy took a deep breath glaring after him. Now he was determined to have Hermione more than ever.

HPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHP

Hermione was finally done with classes when she decided that she needed some time to herself. She went up to the library to get some studying done. But before she could go up she needed to grab a bite to eat. She was starving and she wanted to see Gin.

She walked into the large great hall and caught sight of Harry and Gin.

She slid in the seat next to them grabbing a roll.

"Hello," She said cheerfully to them.

"Hermione! I was just telling Harry about your dress, it's gorgeous," She said as she smiled excitedly.

"Thank goodness your here to talk to her," Harry said, "She needs someone to talk girl talk and she tries to substitute me for you," He said teasing.

Ginny rolled her eyes, "It's true I make him suffer through it," She said giving him a small peck on the cheek, "And I love him for it."

Hermione smiled at the cute couple.

"Did you ever get one picked out Gin?" Hermione asked. Ginny's face lite up at the question.

"Yes mum let me have some money to pick out a brand new dress can you believe it?" Ginny said happily, "She hardly ever allows for that but I found a simple dark blue that is so pretty. I'll have to show you soon."

"You better." Hermione said smiling.

Suddenly Hermione saw an owl coming straight for her with a present wrapped around his little leg. The owl smoothly glided and perched right in front of Hermione. It turned its head to her and gave a small chirp holding up its leg to detach it from him.

"Hermione what's this?" Ginny asked.

Hermione shrugged surprised herself, "I have no idea." She said as she went to pull the small gift off of the bird's leg.

She then gave the owl a piece of food for its good work. The owl puffed up with pride nipping her finger gratefully and with that it took off up into the air making its way back to the owlry.

Ginny starred at her, "Well go on open it."

Hermione carefully opened the package wondering who on earth had sent it.

As soon as she opened the box she froze. It was a crème mask with pale pink feathers on one of the sides. Hermione held the laced mask up for Ginny to see.

Ginny's eyes widened, "I didn't know you had already sent for a mask to! It's beautiful Hermione."

Hermione starred at in awe, she hadn't sent for it. She looked back in the box and saw a small piece of parchment was sitting in the box. She put the mask down and read the small note.

I ordered this mask made special to match the dress; I hope you'll wear it Friday. -D. M.

Hermione couldn't help but smile sweetly at the note.

She was falling for him. But of course, she would never admit that to anyone.

She couldn't wait for Friday to come.

I hoped you liked this! Stay tuned for the next chapter, it's going to be the Halloween ball! Thank you to all those that have given reviews, I love getting them!